I recently did both front and rear. I use EBC pads bought from BIKEBANDIT, around 25$ for each set. I think most agree the EBC pads are definitely better than OEM pads  and are reasonably priced. Following the Clymers guide, it is not too difficult. There is also a thread in the tech section with photos that show the front brake pad replacement with good clarity. Part of the fun of this bike is some of these repairs can be fairly easily done by yourself and will save you significant money. If you know your way around a few wrenches and can read a manual, I say go for it. I don't consider myself a mechanic but I know a few things. One of which is I don't like paying someone $75 bucks an hour doing something that I could do. You will learn this quickly as you call dealerships for price quotes on normal repairs issues. Even though I have only 2 seasons under my belt, I feel like I can call myself a biker, because I also wrench on it.

Savage_Rob wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:08:


Rob, have you found that those pads last longer or stop better than the EBC HP pads?

The front pads are an easy job. I haven't tackled the rear brakes. But I've always thought that disk brakes were tons easier than drum brakes.

Pay attention to, clean & lube, the parts that allow the calliper to shift sideways & draw the pads together as the piston is pressed out of the calliper body by the fluid. This will allow the pad wear to be even & maximize the braking power. I use antisieze. Don't get it on the brake pads or rotor, though.

Starlifter wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:08:

That's what's on mine right now and that's where I bought 'em.  Here's their "front brakes" page and you can just search for LS650 on that page.  That's how I got there.

http://www.i-bike.com/store/front_brakes.cfm

I use the EBC Organic pads.  I have found in the past (on other bikes) that sintered pads are rough on the rotors.  The organic pads don't last as long as sintered pads do, but the pads on the Savage are mucho easy to change and pads are certainly cheaper than rotors!

thumperclone wrote on 06/29/08 at 22:21:32:

You should lube the alignment pins on the caliper for smoother operation such as uneven wear.

You can also apply some lube on the rub points of the pad but be vary sparing and use high temp grease (antiseize)

There won't be much difference between rotors, they're both made from cold rolled steel and almost the same chemistry.  Friction coefficient should be nearly the same.  You'll notice more difference from the pad material.