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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Cannonball Extended Crossover Shaft For Use With Stealthstarter Electric Starter Kit Rigid Frame 4 Speed Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$90.61

Colony #3726-5 Disc Brake Rotor To Hub 1974-1980 Harley-Davidson FX 1974-1977 XL - Zinc Plated
$7.54

Colony #3704-2 Brake Caliper Bleeder Screws 2009-Up Harley-Davidson Touring 2008-Up V-Rod - Black Oxide
$8.47

Colony #3663-10 Disc Rotor Allen Screw & Nut Kit 1979-1991 Harley-Davidson XL/FX (Spoked Wheel) - Chrome Plated
$17.88

Colony #8792-5 Disc Brake Rotor to Hub Flat Allen Screw 1980-1981 Harley-Davidson FLT OEM# 1643 - Chrome Plated
1 review $17.14

Colony #3630-3 Rear Brake Rod Spring Pull 1936-1937 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1934-1936 WL 1934-1938 Servi-Car - Parkerized
$25.00

Colony #3621-4 Brake Light Switch Mounting Kit 1939-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$10.45

EBC Brakes Sintered Rear Brake Pads 2008-17 H-D FLD/FXD/FXDC/FXDF/FXDWG/FXDB/FXDL 08-17 FLS/FXS/FXSTB/FXSTC/FLSTC/FLSTF/FLSTN/FXCW/C
$52.32 $54.39

EBC Brakes Sintered Rear Brake Pads 2014-21 XL Harley-Davidson
$46.02 $47.88

EBC Brakes Sintered Front Brake Pads 2014-21 XL Harley-Davidson
$54.14 $56.31

Drag Specialties Organic Rear Brake Pads L1987-99 H-D XL 91-98 Dyna Glide 84-97 FXR 84-E87 FXST/FLST
$31.19

Drag Specialties Semi Metallic Rear Brake Pads 1982-E87 H-D XL 84-E87 FXR 84-E87 FXST/FLST 85-86 FXWG 85 FXE/FXEF 82-83 FXR/FXRS/FXRT 83-84 FXWG 84 FXE/FXEF
$21.37

Drag Specialties Sintered Front Brake Pads 2008-17 H-D FXD/FXDC/FXDB/FXDL/FXDF/FLD/FXDWG 08-14 FXS/FXSTB/FXSTC/FLS/FLSTC/FLSTF/FLSTN/FXCW/FXCWC/FLSTFB
$39.67

Drag Specialties Rear Brake Master Cylinder Assembly - Chrome - 2007-13 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$173.35

Colony #3594-1 Handlebar To Fork Cable Guide Cover 1949-1960 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1958-1960 Servicar
$16.94

Colony #3592-10 Front Disc Rotor Torx Screws 2014-Up Harley-Davidson Touring Models - Zinc Plated
$22.00

Colony #3062-3 Brake Shoe Pivot Stud Kit 1941-1952 Harley-Davidson 45's - Parkerized
$18.15

Colony #3572-5 Front Disc Brake Rotor Screw Set 2006-Up Harley-Davidson Dyna - Zinc Plated
$13.01

Colony #3508-2 Rear Brake Rod Clevis 1915-1929 Harley-Davidson Twins - Parkerized
$20.90

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

Cycle Standard Drilled Stainless Steel Brake Rotor - 10 inches - Replaces Harley-Davidson OEM# 41807-73, 41813-79
2 reviews $89.80

Mid-USA Rear Master Cylinder - 1987-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Replaces OEM 42456-87C
15 reviews $112.70

Colony #3518-2 Front Brake Lever Clevis Pin 1952-1972 Harley-Davidson K/KH/XL 1971-1972 FX 1951-1957 Servi-car - CAD Plated
$7.57

Colony #3487-1 Brake Operating Shaft Lever - Left Hand 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson Sidecars - Parkerized
$27.50

Colony #3486-3 Brake Operating Shaft Washer Kit 1936-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1936-1957 Sidecars 1941-1957 Servi-cars - Parkerized
$10.89

Colony #3371-3 Brake Lever Stud Kit Harley-Davidson 1926-1934 Singles 1926-1931 45 Twins - Parkerized
$23.38

Gigacycle Garage 4 piston Rear Brake Bracket 1982-94 and 1999-2000 Harley-Davidson FXR Models
$355.00

Colony #3409-4 Rear Master Cylinder Spacers 1972-E1979 Harley-Davidson - 4 pack - Zinc Plated
$10.89

Colony #3335-4 Wheel Brake Cylinder Mounting Bolts 1958-1972 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH 1958-Up Sidecars - Parkerized
1 review $6.05

Colony #3302-3 Brake and Clutch Rod Pin Kit 1915 -1929 Harley-Davidson Twins - Parkerized
$6.05

Colony #3304-2 Front Brake Cable Tube Fitting 1949-1971 Harley-Davidson FL - CAD Plated
$7.87

Colony #3324-2 Front Brake Cable Nut Washer 1930-1940 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/45's/Servi-car 1930-1934 Singles - Parkerized
$9.99

Colony #3299-2 Front Brake Cable Nut Washer 1930-1940 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/45's/Servi-car 1930-1934 Singles - CAD Plated
$9.99

Cycle Standard OEM #42836-04 42029-07 Sintered Metal Rear Disc Brake Pads for 2004 - 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
7 reviews $34.76

Cycle Standard Sintered Metal Disc Brake Pads for Harley-Davidson Sportster Models - 2004 & Up Rear - OEM #41300053
$28.97

Cycle Standard OEM #42831-04 Sintered Metal Front Disc Brake Pads for 2004 - 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
7 reviews $35.22

Cycle Standard OEM #44209-82 Sintered Metal Rear Disc Brake Pads for 1982 - 1987 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
$24.31

Colony #3268-10 Disc Front Brake Rotor to Hub Screw & Nut Kit 1984-Up Harley-Davidson FXST/FXWG - Zinc Plated
$12.10

Colony #3267-5 Disc Front Brake Rotor to Hub Torx Screw Set 1984-Up Harley-Davidson FX/FXR/XL/FLT - Zinc Plated
5 reviews $9.68

Colony #3258-2 Brake & Shifter Shaft Bushings 1952-1978 Harley-Davidson K/KH/XL/XLH/XLCH Sportster
2 reviews $14.52

Colony #3239-4 Front Brake Cable Handlebar Clip 1928 - 1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twins and 1932 - 1957 45's and Servi-cars — Colony #3239-4 Front Brake Cable Handlebar Clip 1928-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1932-1957 45s/Servi-cars - Chrome Plated
$16.94

Colony #2918-3 Rear Brake Spring and Brake Lock Pull 1937 - 1940 Harley-Davidson — Colony #2918-3 Rear Brake Spring & Brake Lock Pull 1937-1940 Harley-Davidson - Parkerized
$32.45

Colony #3198-1 Parkerized Brake Operating Lever 36-57 Harley Davidson Big Twin — Colony #3198-1 Brake Operating Lever 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Parkerized
$38.50

Colony #3192-16 Parkerized Rear Brake Drum Bolt Kit Harley Davidson K KH XL 52-65 — Colony #3192-16 Rear Brake Drum Bolt Kit 1952-1965 Harley-Davidson K/KH/XL - Parkerized
$17.88

Colony #2969-3 Allen Brake Banjo Bolt 10mm 2013-Up Harley-Davidson Dyna 2014-up Touring /XL 2015-Up Softail - Chrome Plated
$14.16

Colony #2968-3 Hex Brake Banjo Bolt 10mm 2013-Up Harley-Davidson Dyna 2014-up Touring /XL 2015-Up Softail - Chrome Plated
1 review $14.16

Colony #2300-3 Brake Line Banjo Bolt Crush Washers 10mm 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$14.16

Colony #3074-8 Caliper Mounting Bolts 1973-1980 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Rear 1972-1980 Front - Zinc Plated
5 reviews $19.36

Colony #2109-12-P Rear Master Cylinder Smooth Allen Mounting Kit 1982-1994 Harley-Davidson FXR 1984-1995 Softail - Chrome Plated
$13.40

Colony #2651-10 Front Brake Shackle Rebuilding Kit 1939 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/45's
$90.88

Colony #2720-6 Rear Brake Shoe Pivot Stud and Cup Assembly 1938-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Parkerized
2 reviews $31.90

Colony #2925-10 Disc Front Brake Rotor Torx Screw Kit 2014-Up Harley-Davidson Touring Models - Chrome Plated
1 review $27.50

Colony #2855-7 Rear Caliper Stabilizer Bracket Bolt Kit 1980-1985 Harley-Davidson FLT - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $22.00

Colony #2801-16 Brake Rear Drum Bolt Kit 1952-1965 Harley-Davidson K/KH/XL - CAD Plated
$17.88

Colony #2800-16 Brake Rear Drum Bolt Kit 1952-1965 Harley-Davidson K/KH/XL - Chrome Plated
$20.85

Colony #2641-3 Front Brake Drum Grease Fitting Extension 1936-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1941-1957 Servi-car
$16.94

Colony #2638-8 Rear Master Cylinder Mounting Kit 1987-1999 Harley-Davidson Softail - Zinc Plated
8 reviews $16.94

Colony #2603-3 Custom Brake Line Banjo Bolt 10mm x 1.00 2008-Up Harley-Davidson Touring 2006-Up VRSC - Chrome Plated
1 review $15.64

Colony #2637-3 Front Brake Drum Grease Fitting Extension 1929-1934 Harley-Davidson Singles 1932-1940 Servi-car 1929-1952 45 Solo
$16.94

Colony #2602-3 Brake Line Banjo Bolt 10mm x 1.00 2008-Up Harley-Davidson Touring 2006-Up VRSC - Chrome Plated
1 review $15.64

Colony #2796-2 Rear Brake Cross Over Shaft Grease Fitting 1938-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - CAD Plated
2 reviews $10.29

Colony #2949-1 Lower Brake Cable Clamp 1940-1952 Harley-Davidson 45s/Servi-car - Parkerized
1 review $8.80

Colony #2685-1 Rear Wheel Brake Rod and Cable Adjusting Nut 1952-1978 Harley-Davidson K/KH/Sportster - CAD Plated
1 review $6.66

Colony #2684-1 Rear Wheel Brake Rod and Cable Adjusting Nut 1952-1978 Harley-Davidson K/KH/Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $7.26

Colony #2773-1 Grease Nipple Front Wheel Brake 1936-1936 Harley-Davidson 45s - Parkerized
$6.05

Colony #2299-10 Front Brake Shackle Rebuilding Kit 1936-1938 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/45's
$81.21

Colony #2298-10 Front Brake Shackle Rebuilding Kit 1930-1936 Harley-Davidson VL
1 review $81.21

Colony #2316-5 Foot Brake Lever Stud 1939-1957 Harley-Davidson UL/Panhead/Knucklehead 1939-73 WL/WLA/WLC/Servi-car
$27.07

Colony #2315-6 Foot Brake Lever Stud 1936-1938 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
$27.07

Colony #2310-5 Oversized Foot Brake Lever Stud 23/32" OD 1939-1957 Harley-Davidson UL/Panhead/Knucklehead 1939-1973 WL/WLA/WLC/Servi-car
1 review $27.07

Colony #2506-5 Brake Shell Dowel Pin Set 1937-1972 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1937-1952 45's
1 review $25.30

Colony #2441-3 Brake Shoe Pivot Stud Kit 1935-1951 Harley-Davidson 45's - Parkerized
$18.15

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