Have to do new brakes soon and I was wondering if you'all had some recommendations.  Kerry I looked at your brake page... very nice reference.    But what do you all think of replacement brakes?  

After reading some brake posts... I know I want brakes that are quiet and lasting.  That don't eat the rotors, etc.  I got 15K out of the stock ones and could probably get some more but I figure I'd better change them if I want to pass inspection.  Not to mention stopping is always nice.  

Also looking to replace the chain and maybe drop the front sprocket down to 15... I have seen chain posts about one type to stay away from, lord if I can find those references now!   :lol:  

So what chains are good and why?     I saw that the DID 520 VM seems to be good.  Yes?  No?

I'll be ordering in the next few days.

Thanks!

EBC works well, now, and is fairly inexpensive.

http://gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15675&highlight=brake

I second that.

Both the EBC Black Kevlar pads (now called "organic" I believe) and now the Galfer Black pads seem to perform very similarly to the stock pads.

I have a several hundred miles on the EBC's and have not noticed any big differences in performace. I'm no Pantablo on the bike though.

Quote from: callmelennyI have a several hundred miles on the EBC's and have not noticed any big differences in performace. I'm no Pantablo on the bike though.

thank god
:mrgreen:

Sweet!  Any thoughts on the chain?  (Am I pushing it?)   :lol:

All of my (5 whole years of ) experience has been with D.I.D. chains.  AFAIK, the GS500 has always come with either a D.I.D. 520V (O-ring) or a 520VM (X-ring) chain.

X-rings and O-rings have a different cross-section.  If you cut through an O-ring you will find that the cut surface has the shape of a circle -- an 'O' shape.  If you cut through an X-ring, it will have an X-shaped or 'plus'-shaped cross-section.

So what?  Well, the X-shaped cross-section means that the factory-applied lubrication will be trapped in multiple, small compartments between the ring and the surfaces of the chain.  The contact area is also smaller than with an O-ring.  In other words, an X-ring chain is supposed to exhibit less friction and last longer.

Indeed, the D.I.D. Chain Specifications chart in the Dennis Kirk printed catalog has the following comparison data:

SIZE AND TYPE       MAX ENG. SIZE     WEAR LIFE INDEX        TENSILE STRENGTH (LBS)
  520V (O-ring)       400cc              2,350                 6,830
  520VM (X-ring)      750cc              3,450                 8,120

Seeing as how the 520V was OEM equipment for several model years, I pretty much ignore the Max Engine Size and Tensile Strength numbers.  Both chains obviously work on the GS500.  So when I replaced the stock D.I.D. 520VM chain on my '99 I concentrated on the Wear Life Index and the price.

[...]

Now that I've typed all of that out, a search turned up an earlier post that probably says it better.  See the what size chains are on the gs stock thread.

Thanks Kerry!
I can now make an order.
:mrgreen: