How do these brake pads look?

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

Should I replace all the brake pads? These are from the front brake, I haven't disassembled the rear brake yet.20200216_162806.jpg

[zuluwiz]

Go ahead and replace them, since you've already got them off. Brake pads aren't expensive, and those are done.

[Steve]

A head-on shot like that makes it hard to judge the depth of the groove, but it doesn't look all that deep.

I agree with zuluwiz, it's time for new ones.

.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

when they're worn down to the slot in the center (or one of them is), it's time to change them. The one on the right is there. Change them.

[bwringer]

Also, if they're original 40 year old brake pads, that's another reason to replace them. They weren't that great to begin with, modern brake pad compounds are much better, and the passage of time makes them even harder.

And yeah, those are toast, no matter how new they are.


The answer to every "should I replace this decades-old consumable item" question is "yes".

[Rich82GS750TZ]

ZPS, I know that you're trying to be budget conscience, but please believe bwringer's statement: "The answer to every "should I replace this decades-old consumable item" question is "yes". This includes the tires, (brought up in another thread), the brake pads, and not mentioned yet (that I know of) BRAKE LINES. Many threads on the site about how to build them, or who to buy them from. My personal experience with this was only one time. I bought from Venhill USA. One SS brake line w/ banjo bolts/copper washers, and swivel fittings at each end cost me roughty $50. I'm very happy with it. You will need to pay attention to the thread pitch of the banjo bolt you use at the MC if you've changed it from stock, I think you have. Another thread of yours shows a new MC with a gray banjo that appears to be 10mm x 1.25. The rest of your bike, if original, is probably 10mm x 1.00. Other things you may consider are rebuilding the brake calipers w/new seals/everything rubber in each. You'll want to at least inspect the caliper pistons for pitting. There are great tutorials on BikeCliff's website for rebuilding calipers.

But before any of this stuff, get the bike running. Don't spend any money on anything until the bike is running.

[Wingsconsin]

When I acquire a new old motorcycle I concentrate on restoration (updating) in this order --

1) Get it going (no sense in spending money on anything if it doesn't run)

2) Get it stopping (obviously once it's going -- ya gotta stop -- think brakes, tires, stoppy stuff)

3) Make it pretty - ( paint, creature comforts like seats and windscreens, ) Once it's going and stopping you can then spend money on making it fun.


THIS is why I refer to Munk's Maxim -- "There is no such thing as a cheap motorcycle"

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

I know there's no such thing as a cheap motorcycle, and it's best not to cheap out on things such as helmets and brakes. I'm not asking because I want to use these until the pads are utterly worn away...

I'm asking because I literally don't know. I've never worked on a motorcycle before. I don't know the wear threshold for replacing parts, or what can still be used. I ask because everyone here has a lot more experience and knowledge than I do. I got this motorcycle for $200, and it runs. For that price, I can't really complain if it needs a little work. I chose to go for an older bike, I knew what I was getting into. I wasn't above buying a project. I'm glad I did, because it's been a learning experience for me. Knowing how to ride a motorcycle is only half the experience. I also wanted to know how it works, and learn to do repairs myself. But I don't know if these pads were from when the bike first came off the assembly line, or what. I have no idea of its history aside from the fact that it probably last ran in 2017. It could have been used in a coastal region before, which would make rust happen sooner. Perhaps it was ridden in the snow after salt was laid on the roads.

Being unemployed, I hate feeling like I'm useless. Getting out to work on my bike during the summer and fall felt good. I'd have a drink and some music, just doing something with my own hands. I felt like I was building my success against everyone who said "you can't." With the winter cold, I feel like I'm just sitting on my hands, doing nothing. I take every opportunity to get outside when the weather is mildly agreeable, and tinker with something (in this case, the brakes). Since I'm waiting on the carburetor to get back to me, i figured I'd work on other things that don't require the engine (the brakes.) That way, I feel like I'm still doing something. I'm still making progress.

[zuluwiz]

When I acquired the Ratzuki several years ago, one of the things that needed doing was to rebuild the brakes. (One of quite a few things, actually) I didn't do the work myself, as I wouldn't have trusted the work if I did it. The mechanic I found to do it replaced the master cylinder and brake lines, and rebuilt the calipers. Then he put the old hard original metallic pads back in. I hadn't told him to replace the pads so he didn't. After taking it out for a ride I found that the brakes were marginal, and didn't even sweep the whole disc. Went right back and asked him to put some newer organic type pads on. This made the difference. The brakes are much better than they were with the old pads on, and I am much more confident riding it. I suppose I could have left the old pads on and gotten maybe 20k more miles out of them, but it wouldn't have been good for my peace of mind. Some things are not worth trying to save a couple of dollars on.

[Wingsconsin]

I know there's no such thing as a cheap motorcycle, and it's best not to cheap out on things such as helmets and brakes. I'm not asking because I want to use these until the pads are utterly worn away...

I'm asking because I literally don't know. I've never worked on a motorcycle before. I don't know the wear threshold for replacing parts, or what can still be used. I ask because everyone here has a lot more experience and knowledge than I do. I got this motorcycle for $200, and it runs. For that price, I can't really complain if it needs a little work. I chose to go for an older bike, I knew what I was getting into. I wasn't above buying a project. I'm glad I did, because it's been a learning experience for me. Knowing how to ride a motorcycle is only half the experience. I also wanted to know how it works, and learn to do repairs myself. But I don't know if these pads were from when the bike first came off the assembly line, or what. I have no idea of its history aside from the fact that it probably last ran in 2017. It could have been used in a coastal region before, which would make rust happen sooner. Perhaps it was ridden in the snow after salt was laid on the roads.

Being unemployed, I hate feeling like I'm useless. Getting out to work on my bike during the summer and fall felt good. I'd have a drink and some music, just doing something with my own hands. I felt like I was building my success against everyone who said "you can't." With the winter cold, I feel like I'm just sitting on my hands, doing nothing. I take every opportunity to get outside when the weather is mildly agreeable, and tinker with something (in this case, the brakes). Since I'm waiting on the carburetor to get back to me, i figured I'd work on other things that don't require the engine (the brakes.) That way, I feel like I'm still doing something. I'm still making progress.

Please forgive me if I was too harsh -

Often I respond with a snarky comment that is unwarranted -
However I know there are folks who read these boards and never post, nor even join -
And those people learn from the collective hive mind here just as you are doing. So that message is more for them than you.

But I have seen , on forums and in person, where someone bought an old bike and thought they could participate for a low cost.
While the barrier to entry is low - the cost factor to achieve a modicum of safety margin is higher.

When I get an old new-to-me bike I approach it like I outlined -
But I also follow this philosophy --
If I touch it or remove it then I need to rebuild it ; rework it ; or update it with new .
For a bike I deem a 'keeper' or one I am flipping - it all is the same -

On this site you WILL be able to get it going and stopping and riding as long as patience and common sense are applied --

Just be as safe as you can