Topic: EBC pads tight fit on the CB750

[going4speed]

Picked up some EBC pads for the stock caliper on the 1974 CB750K.

The pad fits into the caliper body but cannot move even a little without binding on the cylinder.

Any ideas?

[ekpent]

I usually take new pads and then check them to see if they need any fine tuning. Problem on some out of the box is that the pad material is a little oversize compared to the metal backing plate. "Tuning" them usually involves sanding the pad material down a little all the way around to the same size as the plate allowing smooth performance in the bore without binding. Eric

[going4speed]

Sounds good.  Thanks for the tip.  Glad these do not have asbestos.

I usually take new pads and then check them to see if they need any fine tuning. Problem on some out of the box is that the pad material is a little oversize compared to the metal backing plate. "Tuning" them usually involves sanding the pad material down a little all the way around to the same size as the plate allowing smooth performance in the bore without binding. Eric

[HondaMan]

Sounds good.  Thanks for the tip.  Glad these do not have asbestos.

I usually take new pads and then check them to see if they need any fine tuning. Problem on some out of the box is that the pad material is a little oversize compared to the metal backing plate. "Tuning" them usually involves sanding the pad material down a little all the way around to the same size as the plate allowing smooth performance in the bore without binding. Eric

Ekpent's right: I had to grind almost 1/8" diameter off the last set I installed on an "F" bike.    They are getting worse over time: I've installed 6 sets since 2006 on these bikes, and they each have been progressively larger diameter.

You will find that they squeak, and loudly. Contact EBC and request their ASK-1 kit: I've got a post around here about this. It's a material that you cut out and insert between the pad and the inside caliper, and on pre-"F" bikes, on the moving piston top on the outer caliper half. Then they only squeak when going backward or when you're pushing the bike around slowly. 

[going4speed]

Thanks Mark!

So it sounds like I bought the wrong pads?

What should I have bought?

[HondaMan]

Thanks Mark!

So it sounds like I bought the wrong pads?

What should I have bought?

Well, they're OK, just not the best ones around. The worst ones are the "environmentally friendly" ones (from EBC and others) that won't stop at all in the wet: those are a tan color. The charcoal-color EBC ones have automotive-like material on them, so they don't brake as strongly as the real motorcycle types with sintered bronze bits in them. And, they squeak/squeal quite a bit. Lots of places are selling them, 'cuz they are cheap: a pair can be had for as little as $5 ($3.25 wholesale). EMGO of China is making these parts.

It seems to take about 300 miles before they really settle in, too. More lever force is needed during that time to stop. It gets a little better with miles, but they don't stop in the wet as well as sintered pads, either. I am losing my grip as I'm aging,     so I just bought some asbestos, sintered, racing pads from M3 to install in my 750 for next season. I will have to now do pushups all winter, so I don't pitch myself over the handlebars next Spring. 

[going4speed]

Anyone have the right diameter these should be?

[bollingball]

Mark I will buy you a set and send them to you free if you will do my pushups for me, as much as I trust you I will still need documented proof that you are doing my pushups and not yours.

[HondaMan]

Mark I will buy you a set and send them to you free if you will do my pushups for me, as much as I trust you I will still need documented proof that you are doing my pushups and not yours.

Wow, with that many pushups I could install DUAL front sintered disc pads!