Topic: Don's 81 GS1100e Suzuki, Brakes & Breaks.

[Don R]

 I posted the picture of the GS in front of the snow bank on the Suzuki GS1100 facebook, it got a few replies, photos of the same model bikes and 650 reactions so far.

[Kelly E]

  In the end I got free rotors, it took a couple of tries to see their fault, but it was an easy fix. They are now saying their rear rotor doesn't fit, they were incorrect thinking the rotors were the same.
  I like Windy's approach to nuts and bolts, making a cardboard map for them to stick through so they all go back in the same place.

I have a cardboard map for the hardware that holds the lower fairing panels on the Concours, one for each side. There's at least 3 different lengths of screws and way too many to remember.

[Don R]

 I have a set of new sintered front brake pads due today and a set of Galfer black brake hoses on the way. I looked at a couple different lines but and considered making them but these were economical and easy. Some brands cut back the covering near the ends and some are only in stainless braid.
 These were closest to stock in appearance, in and reportedly "made in usa" and readily available. Should be better than the 45-year-old stockers.

[grcamna2]

I have a set of new sintered front brake pads due today and a set of Galfer black brake hoses on the way. I looked at a couple different lines but and considered making them but these were economical and easy. Some brands cut back the covering near the ends and some are only in stainless braid.
 These were closest to stock in appearance, in and reportedly "made in usa" and readily available. Should be better than the 45-year-old stockers.

a set of new braided hoses will help.

[MauiK3]

You will like the new hoses

[Mark1976]

I have a set of new sintered front brake pads due today and a set of Galfer black brake hoses on the way. I looked at a couple different lines but and considered making them but these were economical and easy. Some brands cut back the covering near the ends and some are only in stainless braid.
 These were closest to stock in appearance, in and reportedly "made in usa" and readily available. Should be better than the 45-year-old stockers.

   Don, can I ask who you got them thru?

[Don R]

 The pads were from Niche supply and arrived being Emgo brand. I think niche is filling the gap from other brands not selling older bikes parts.
 The Galfer lines are from Starcycle / Worldwide_Motorcycle_Equipment and found on ebay. Reportedly made in the usa, I'm not very trusting about that these days. But I wanted black with continuous covering and these were the ones I found.
 

[Mark1976]

The pads were from Niche supply and arrived being Emgo brand. I think niche is filling the gap from other brands not selling older bikes parts.
 The Galfer lines are from Starcycle / Worldwide_Motorcycle_Equipment and found on ebay. Reportedly made in the usa, I'm not very trusting about that these days. But I wanted black with continuous covering and these were the ones I found.

   Thanks for the info, that's why I ask, it's not easy these days finding and keeping good parts suppliers (especially aftermarket) But I'll check them out.

[Don R]

 I put on the Emgo sintered pads today. A trusted friend that runs a bike shop has used them on his and customers bikes for years with no issues. I needed to clearance the new pads to clear the rotor buttons also. I managed to not slice a finger open this time.

[Mark1976]

I put on the Emgo sintered pads today. A trusted friend that runs a bike shop has used them on his and customers bikes for years with no issues. I needed to clearance the new pads to clear the rotor buttons also. I managed to not slice a finger open this time.

   I've used them on a variety of bikes, they work fine. Their on my '77 400f, you could do a lot worse... and good pads are getting up there.... hell, everything's getting up there....

[gpzkat]

Brake pad discussions are like oil discussions; it's hard to resist chiming in. I stopped using sintered pads and now use organic Ferodos on all my bikes. I find they have better feel and grip (esp. cold) for my fairly sedate riding. And they are easier on the rotors.

[Don R]

  All input is appreciated.
  Part of my reason for trying the sintered pads is I have organic ebc pads on my gl1000, they are on dual piston 1985 V65 calipers and yet they don't seem to stop noticeably better than the ones that came on it. I did sand the rotors and clean them with brake clean. My most impressive stopper oddly, was my CB750F1 with dual F1 discs. It had sanded stock pads. I scalloped a front tire practicing emergency stops. It was awesome.
  I sacrificed and sold that bike to help with the Sandcast purchase. Some regrets but I'd do it again.