Drey wrote on 10/18/15 at 10:54:22:justin_o_guy2 wrote on 10/17/15 at 22:31:18:Rears last for decades,, 5,000 on the front is about right.
Does your rear lock up easy?
Don't mean to hijack someone else's thread but what if the answer is yes? I wouldn't say my rear locks up a lot but a couple of times I've really mashed them when a cage near me did something stupid and locked them up a bit.
What are the indications that you need new front pads? Decrease in breaking power? Squeaking?
Can you tell I'm a complete newb to any sort of wrenching?
Unfortunately, often times there is no indication of the brake pads being worn out until you hear the metal on metal grinding and the brakes aren't slowing the bike down as well.
Front brake pads are something you really should keep an eye on, and replace them "before" they wear out. You can peek at the thickness of the pads without removing anything...you might need a flashlight to help see - but they are perfectly visible by looking from the front and peering down to where the pads meet the disc.
The EBC Organic pads are $ 32.95 from Bike Bandit, the original stock disc is $ 303.27, and the EBC aftermarket rotor is about $ 140.....so it is best to replace your pads before you ruin your rotor. The EBC organic pads are gentle on the rotor, and you most likely will never wear one out as long as you keep good pads on the bike.