New front brake pads

[L J VFR]

Allen,  I could get one pad in, but the other side did not have enough clearance.  My pads had gotten pretty low, and the caliper pods were that far out.  I didn't want to try squeezing a c-clamp in aroung my brake rotor, so I just pulled the 2 bolts.  While off, pushed the pods back in, then put the caliper back on.  Then put the brake pads.  That seemed easiest for me.   It was my first time on this bike as well.  I also wanted to make sure the pads would slide in the caliper properly, even though they were identical to the pads I took off.  And, maybe, a little curious how things work down there. 

[roboto65]

Hey thats fine too just wanted to point it out that it can be done heck it almost a quick change with one pin to take out and they fall out!!!! Well pretty much!!!

[Sledge Hammer]

The front brake on my Magna has started squealing for attention, so it looks like I am going to be changing pads since the wear grooves are gone on both pads. I would have thought brake pads would have lasted longer than 6000 miles. Maybe the caliper is sticking, although it doesn't feel that way when the bike is in motion.

In regards to Allen's comment that you can remove the pads without pulling the calipers, I noticed the service manual describes how to do that, but why? Unless you were replacing pads that had only recently been installed but had somehow become contaminated, wouldn't you want to take time to clean and relube the caliper pin bolts?

Something else I saw in the manual that puzzles me is that it calls for replacing the bolts used to mount the caliper to the fork when the caliper is taken off and put back on. Is there something special about those bolts that justifies doing that or is that just based on an assumption that the bolts would be old and corroded by the time the caliper needed to be serviced?

[lragan]

I have now run about 1500 miles with the "grippier' pads and the SS brake line.  They work great.  I have adjusted to the new feel so it no longer feels new. 

With the addition of Progressive fork springs, the bike feels a lot more secure in quick stops.  It is really comforting to know that I can stop this bike in short order when necessary.

Now I am even more into the rear view mirror when stopping so I don't get run over

[Smoked U]

Something else I saw in the manual that puzzles me is that it calls for replacing the bolts used to mount the caliper to the fork when the caliper is taken off and put back on. Is there something special about those bolts that justifies doing that or is that just based on an assumption that the bolts would be old and corroded by the time the caliper needed to be serviced?

You buy parts = Honda makes profit

[Sledge Hammer]

I think you're right, and even the guy at the Honda parts counter said he thought that had to be a misprint in the manual.

It's all for naught, anyway, since I took a closer look when I rolled the bike outside in the daylight to discover that while I may need to clean the brakes and to get my eyes checked, I do not need pads yet. Assuming they haven't begun to drag, they look to be at 80% of new. I wish I had known that before I spent the money on new pads, but I'll need them at some point anyway, so no harm in having them on hand.

[lragan]

Well, Guy, I am glad I am not the only one who rationalizes purchasing errors in this manner.  I hope you still have the bike when you need the pads...