How to tell if my motorcycles have bad brakes?

There are a couple of different indicators that will tell you have issues with your brakes. If you have worn our brake pads or shoes, you will notice poor braking performance combined with loud squeaky brakes, and grooved brake rotors. If you notice your brakes are squeaking, take a moment to look at the brake pads, If the material on your brake pad that makes contact with your brake disc is 1/8” thick or less, it’s probably a good time to change your brake pads. If you notice your brakes feel soft, or the pressure in the hand lever is fluctuating, or if your brakes are getting really hot and your notice the brakes are dragging when they are not being applied, you may have dirty fluid, a bad caliper, or a reservoir that needs to be rebuilt.

Do I need to replace brake fluid when changing brakes?

No, if you are just changing your brake pads or shoes, you don’t usually need to change your brake fluid. It is always good practice to check your fluid level when you do change your bake pads. It should look clean and translucent. If your brake fluid looks murky and thick, it is probably time to drain it out and replace it with new clean fluid. This is done by bleeding the old fluid out of the system while replacing it with new fluid simultaneously.

How many miles do motorcycle brake pads last?

The length of time your brake pads will last is depends on numerous things. How heavy your bike is, how aggressively you ride, what type of brake pad you choose to run. Organic brake pads tend to wear faster than sintered brake pads, because they are made from softer materials. Good practice is to check your brake pads a few times a year. Just give them a good look every now and then to make sure the pad material is not getting too thin. They all wear differently so there is no rule on brake pad wear.

When to change motorcycle brake pads?

You need to change your brake pads if the brake material is worn down, or if you notice a decrease in brake performance and you already determined you don’t have any issues with other components of your braking system. If you know your brake pads are really old or if you have concern that they have been corrupted by oil or other chemicals that could cause the brake pad material to fail. This would be a good time to change your brake pads and give the calipers a good look to make sure everything is functioning as it should.

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Brakes

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Cycle Standard Wagner Lockheed Type Rear Disc Brake Master Cylinder - Chrome - 1973-E1979 Harley-Davidson FL/FX
$99.84

Cycle Standard Rear Brake Master Cylinder - 1987-2003 Harley-Davidson XL - OEM# 42456-87C
$118.76

Drag Specialties Hydraulic Brake Light Switch 1984-99 Harley-Davidson FLST/FX/FXST/FXR 79-85 XL 91-98 Dyna 71-84 FX 80-98 FLT 82-83 FXR
6 reviews $20.75

Cycle Standard Drilled Stainless Steel Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches - Rear - Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM# 41789-92
$90.91

Cycle Standard Drilled Stainless Steel Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches - Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM# 44156-00
2 reviews $90.69

Cycle Standard Drilled Stainless Steel Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches - Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM# 41791-79A
$90.69

Cycle Standard Rear Brake Master Cylinder Assembly - Chrome - 2008-2021 Harley-Davidson FLHT/FLHX/FLHR/FLTR/FLTRX/FLTRU/FLTRK
$164.44

Cycle Standard Wagner Lockheed Type Rear Drum Brake Master Cylinder - Chrome - 1958-1972 Harley-Davidson FL 1971-1972 FX
$99.84

V-Factor Motorcycle Parts 18 Spoke Stainless Steel Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches - Rear - Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM# 41789-92/41797-00
$65.40

Bare Knuckle Performance Antihero Stainless Steel Rear Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Models
$249.00

Bare Knuckle Performance Antihero Stainless Steel Front Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Models
$249.00

Bare Knuckle Performance Antihero Stainless Steel Rear Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches Pre-1999 Harley-Davidson Models
$249.00

Bare Knuckle Performance Antihero Stainless Steel Front Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches Pre-1999 Harley-Davidson Models with Speedo Drive
$249.00

Mid-USA Rear Master Cylinder - 1958-72 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Replaces OEM 41761-58 41761-78
5 reviews $69.95

V-Factor Motorcycle Parts 18 Spoke Stainless Steel Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches - Front - Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM# 44136-92/44156-00
$65.40

Cycle Standard Drilled Stainless Steel Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches - Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM# 44136-84A, 44136-92
$90.69

Cycle Standard Drilled Stainless Steel Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches - Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM# 41797-00
$90.69

Cycle Standard OEM #44082-00 Sintered Metal Disc Front or Rear Brake Pads for 2000 - 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
6 reviews $45.23

Colony #2464-5 Brake Drum Wheel Mounting Bolt Set - 1936-1972 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead/Panhead/Shovelhead - Parkerized
3 reviews $25.30

EBC Brakes Sintered Front Brake Pads 1984-99 H-D FLT/FLHT/FLHR/FLTR 84-99 FXST/FLST 88-06 FXSTS 97-03 FLSTS 05-07 FLSTSC 08-11 FLSTSB
$54.14 $56.31

Trader Cody's Choppers Rear Master Cylinder Mount for Harley-Davidson 4 Speeds - Stainless Steel
$30.00

Colony #8793-5 Disc Front Brake Rotor to Hub Torx Screw Kit 1984-Up FX/FXR/FLT/XL - Chrome Plated
10 reviews $14.52

Cycle Standard OEM #44209-87 44213-87 Sintered Metal Rear Disc Brake Pads for 1987 - 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
4 reviews $45.15

Colony #2593-5 Front Brake Control Wire Lower Connection Kit 1928-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1928-1950 45s - Parkerized
4 reviews $24.20

Lowbrow Customs Fish Scale Master Cylinder Cover - 1982 - 2005 Harley-Davidson #45004-85
17 reviews $28.00

Drag Specialties Sintered Front/Rear Brake Pads 2000-07 H-D Big Twin 00-03 XL 02-05 V-Rod
$37.33

EBC Brakes Sintered Rear Brake Pads 1991-98 H-D FXD/FXDL/FXDWG 84-94 FXR L87-99 FXST/FXSTB/FXSTC/FXSTS/FLST/FLSTC/FLSTF/FLSTS
$54.14 $56.31

Colony #9818-5 Rear Disc Brake Rotor Torx Bolt Kit 1997-Up Harley-Davidson W/Cast Wheel - Chrome Plated
17 reviews $15.13

EBC Brakes Sintered Rear Brake Pads 2000-03 H-D Sportster XL 00-07 Big Twin models 02-05 V-Rod
$46.02 $47.88

EBC Brakes Sintered Front Brake Pads 2004-13 Harley-Davidson XL
$46.02 $47.88

Cycle Standard Drilled Stainless Steel Brake Rotor - 10 inches - Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM# 44137-77A
1 review $89.80

EBC Brakes Semi Metallic Rear Brake Pads L1987-99 Harley-Davidson XL
$44.55 $47.67

Colony #9807-10 Rear Rotor To Hub Torx Bolt Kit 1992-Up Harley-Davidson XL/FLT/Softail - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $21.12

Cycle Standard Deluxe Chrome Motorcycle Brake Light Switch Harley-Davidson 1937-57 Knucklehead Panhead Flathead OEM #72004-39
13 reviews $27.36

V-Factor Motorcycle Parts 18 Spoke Black Stainless Steel Brake Rotor - 11.5 inches - Front - Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM# 44136-92/44156-00
1 review $81.95

Cycle Standard Brake Lever - Chrome - 1980-2003 Harley-Davidson XL OEM# 42459-80B
$72.90 $76.38

Colony #2190-3 Brake Line Banjo Bolt 3/8-24 Thread Harley-Davidson OEM# 41747-82A - Chrome Plated
6 reviews $14.16

Colony #2711-2 Brake Shaft Cross Over Bushing Kit 1937-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
4 reviews $18.15

Colony #3671-5 Disc Rotor Allen Screw & Nut Kit 1979-1991 XL/FX (Cast Wheel) - Zinc Plated
$12.93

Colony #3742-4 Banjo Brake Caliper Bleeder Bolt 2008-Up Harley-Davidson Touring 2006-Up VRSC - Black Oxide
$16.83

Cycle Standard Chrome Rear Brake Light Switch 1967-1974 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
1 review $16.66

Colony #3571-10 Disc Brake Rotor Allen Screw Set 1978-1982 Harley-Davidson FX/XL - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $15.43

EBC Brakes Sintered Rear Brake Pads 2004-13 Harley-Davidson XL
$46.02 $47.88

Cycle Standard OEM #44063-83 Sintered Metal Front Disc Brake Pads for 1984 - 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
1 review $45.19

Colony #2360-3 10mm Pike Nut Brake Line Banjo Bolt 3/8-24 Thread - Chrome Plated
$14.16

Colony #2191-3 Brake Line Allen Banjo Bolt 3/8-24 Thread OEM 41747-82A - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $14.16

Drag Specialties Sintered Front Brake Pads 84-99 H-D XL 84-94 FXR 91-98 Dyna 84-99 FLT/FLHT/FLHS/FLHR/FLTR/FXST/FLST/FXWG 88-99 FXSTS
$42.00

Colony #3270-10 Rear Rotor to Hub Screw & Nut Kit 1992-Up Harley-Davidson XL/FLT/Softail/Dyna - Zinc Plated
$13.98

Colony #3425-10 Disc Brake Rotor Bolt Kit 1973-1980 Harley-Davidson FL Rear 1973-1974 FL Front 1973 FX/XL Front - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $13.31

Colony #3438-1 Brake Cross Over Shaft Lever - Left End 1941-1957 Harley-Davidson Sidecars - Parkerized
$38.50

Colony #3436-1 Brake Cross Over Shaft Lever - Brake End 1939-1957 Harley-Davidson Sidecars - Parkerized
$38.50

Colony #8847-5 Disc Brake Rotor to Hub Flat Allen Head Screw 1982-1985 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Cast Wheels - Chrome Plated
$18.72

Colony #8791-10 Disc Rear Rotor to Hub Screw Kit 1979-1991 Harley-Davidson FX/XL 1981-1984 FL - Chrome Plated
1 review $17.88

Colony #2601-2 Brake Caliper Bleed Screws 1983-2004 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1983-2003 XL - Zinc Plated
4 reviews $8.47

Colony #2628-4 Front Brake Cable Handlebar Clip 1928-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1932-1957 Servi-cars - Parkerized
1 review $16.50

Colony #8738-10 Disc Brake Rotor Bolt & Nut Kit Harley-Davidson FL/FX/XL - Chrome Plated
1 review $16.38

Colony #3533-3 Front Brake Cable Clip 1950-1971 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH - CAD Plated
2 reviews $16.34

Colony #2998-5 Rear Brake Switch Pull Kit 1940-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - CAD Plated
$31.89

Colony #3664-10 Disc Rotor Allen Screw & Nut Kit 1979-1991 Harley-Davidson XL/FX (Spoked Wheel) - Zinc Plated
$15.73

Colony #3449-10 Disc Rear Rotor To Hub Screw & Nut Kit 1979-1991 Harley-Davidson FX/XL 1981-1984 FL Spoke or Cast Wheel - Zinc Plated
1 review $15.73

Colony #2501-12 Rear Brake Rod Mounting Kit 1930-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Parkerized
1 review $15.31

Colony #3662-5 Disc Rotor Allen Screw & Nut Kit 1979-1991 Harley-Davidson XL/FX (Cast Wheel) - Chrome Plated
$14.85

Colony #2724-10 10mm Brake Line Banjo Bolt Crush Washers 2008-Up Harley-Davidson Touring 2006-Up VRSC - 10 pack
1 review $14.52

Colony #2206-10 10mm Copper Brake Line Banjo Bolt Crush Washers OEM 41731-82A - 10 pack
4 reviews $14.52

Colony #3485-1 Brake Operating Shaft Lever - Right Hand - 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson Sidecars - Parkerized
$27.50

Colony #2082-5 Front Brake Shoe Pivot Stud Kit 1949-1971 Harley-Davidson FLH 1958-1972 Servi-car - CAD Plated
1 review $27.07

Colony #3573-10 Front Disc Brake Rotor Screw Set 2002-Up Harley-Davidson VRSC - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $23.65

Colony #3210-9 Brake Rod Clevis Pin Kit 1930 - 1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twins — Colony #3210-9 Brake Rod Clevis Pin Kit 1930-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Parkerized
$11.80

Colony #3269-5 Rear Disk Brake Rotor Screw Kit 1997-Up Harley-Davidson All Models - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $11.32

Colony #8935-9 Caliper Anti Vibration Kit 1973-1980 Harley-Davidson FL/FX - CAD Plated
$22.00

Colony #9630-2 Front Brake Cable Adjusting Screw 1941-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1941-1957 45 Servicar - Parkerized
$21.12

Colony #3471-3 Foot Brake Lever Stud 1923-1929 Harley-Davidson 61" and 74" Twins - Parkerized
$20.90

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