We worked with a Tech Specialist from Kawasaki to create a step-by-step guide on replacing dirt bike brake pads.
Brake pads are among some of the quickest wearing parts on your motorcycle and they are critical components that should be regularly inspected and replaced. Great-working brakes are important for quick lap times, as the better they bring the bike down from speed, the deeper and harder you can drive the bike into corners.
Inspecting the amount of pad material that’s left on your brake pads should be a regular part of your bike maintenance routine, but well-worn pads are not the only ones that should be replaced. Pads that have been overheated can harden the surface and become less effective at efficiently stopping the motorcycle; the telltale sign is a squealing sound and reduced performance.
The new 2019 Kawasaki KX450 is equipped with an oversized 270mm rear that is prone to overheating, especially in the hands of riders who tend to drag their rear brake. After overheating the stock pads, we recruited Kawasaki Tech Services Specialist Mike Chavez to share some tips about replacing the front and rear brake pads on a motocross bike. We’ll be replacing the stock pads with ProX sintered brake pads. The sintered material provides a superior advantage to OEM pads because they stand up to high temperatures better than organic pads, offer better feel and modulation, and last longer.
Tools Needed:
Flathead screwdriver
Various metric-sized Allen wrenches (usually 4mm and 6mm)
Appropriately sized wrench or socket for rear axle