How to break in motorcycle brake pads

If you’ve got a fresh set of brake pads installed, they will need time to conform to the rotor’s surface when you first start using them. This can be accomplished with a break-in, or bed-in process, to ensure optimal braking performance. Bedding in brake pads helps prevent glazing as well as helps mate the pads to the rotor. Basically, you want to start off braking gently at first, then gradually get more aggressive. 

When you first start using your brakes, the pads and rotors grind together and some of the brake pad material sticks to the rotor, filling in divots to provide an even surface for friction. The brake pad material should be distributed evenly for the best braking experience. If the bike comes to a complete stop with extremely hot brakes, it’s possible to transfer a large amount of pad material to the rotor in a small spot. When this happens, your brakes can feel like they’re pulsing. That’s why it’s important not to bring the bike to a complete stop during the break-in.

So what’s the process? First, find a large, safe spot like an empty parking lot or long stretch of road where you can accelerate up to 40-50 mph. Make sure that your brake pads and rotor are perfectly clean, since oil, dirt or grime could affect the process. First, accelerate to about 30 mph, and then brake to about 5 miles an hour. Do not reach a complete stop. Repeat this step about 5-10 times. Next, do the same thing but accelerate to 40-60 miles an hour, and then slow the bike down to about 5 miles an hour again. Repeat this 5-10 more times. Try to brake smoothly. After letting the brakes cool off, repeat the steps again for about 40-50 mph. After that you can ride normally, but for good measure continue to take it fairly easy for the next 200 miles or so. 

Return to Sixity Resource Center