I need new front pads for my '04 GS500F.

I need to know which type of pad geos into the GS caliper, is it Sintered-Metal or Non-Sintered?

The parts guy needs to know as he said you can't install Sintered on a caliper that didn't come with it from the factory.


I am looking for a very good quality pad with possibly more stopping power than stock,  pad life is not important but ROTOR life is.

Anybody have suggestions as I need to order these ASAP as my current pads are almost non-existant!

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=26266.0

You can put sintered pads onto a caliper that had non-sintered from the factory. The stock ones aren't sintered, though.

For maximum rotor life, go with the Kevlar organic pads.

For switching pad compound types, it's best to bead blast the rotor to eliminate any possible build up from the pads. Not all pads leave deposits, but it's good practice just to be safe. Some pad compounds don't "agree" with others; plus, it couldn't hurt.

If you use the organic Kevlar ones you won't need to do that.

Will the Kevlar pads stop as fast as the stocks pads? Are they better?

I am really looking forward to getting better stopping power without a comprimise in rotor wear.

Quote from: bulletproofcycle on May 07, 2006, 10:05:32 AM
Will the Kevlar pads stop as fast as the stocks pads? Are they better?

I am really looking forward to getting better stopping power without a comprimise in rotor wear.

The stock brakes are essentially bottom budget items. The Kevlar ones should take care of both those problems.

i read both the above posts and the ones contained in the link.. just want to be sure before i order pads.. it IS ok to use sintered pad in my calipers, but i'm still unsure if changing the rotor is necessary.  what actually is the difference in sintered and non-sintered pads?

The sintered HH pads have considerably more grip and less fade than the organic pads.  I've used OEM, EBC Organic (Kevlar), EBC HH, and Emgo pads.  They are all interchangeable and none require a rotor change.  I changed the rear rotor once on my 97 GS because I chewed the crap out of it running metal to metal with worn out pads.  I've used all the types I mentioned on my current 02 GS which has 75k miles on it now and am still using the original oem rotors.

Be careful if you put the HH pads on the rear or you'll gain some unwanted low side experience.  Some suggest the HH pads for the front only on the GS.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GS500_brakes_chains.jpg

it's more my rears that need replaced than my fronts, but i figured i'd replace both sets.  this leads to 2 more questions.. 1) The kevlar pads are acceptable for use front and rear on stock calipers and rotors?  and 2) why do all the sites tell you in big bold letter not to use sintered pads on stock non-sintered setups?

Prolly for liability.  Racers who know more than I have advised that you have to remove the deposits that sintered pads leave by scuffing the rotor with sandpaper if you go back to organic.

I never went back, so I never worried about it.  Sintered is the roxxors.  I've used them on a variety of bikes with good results - good stopping and a nice progressive feeel.

Don't forget to change the fluid and bed in the pads.

Old topic but can anyone recommend a brand of pads and what to ask for for the front?  The ones on it are average at best. It's the wife's bike and I just rode it and it feels like the rears grab better than the front.

Quote from: TassieGS on July 05, 2025, 12:23:04 AMOld topic but can anyone recommend a brand of pads and what to ask for for the front?  The ones on it are average at best. It's the wife's bike and I just rode it and it feels like the rears grab better than the front.

Recently purchased EBC FA231 for front

EBC organic FA063 is good for rear.
Remember to clean, polish and grease the sliding pins