Speaking of embarrassing, my front brake squeals when it is applied.  Is there an easy cure?  Thank you!  OK I'll try some lube to the back of the pad.

try keeping them clean.
if they get wet often, then drying them with a few good stops helps.
getting them drilled helps too.

Yes, if I squeeze the lever hard, the squeak will go away.  I put a little grease on the back of the outer (piston) pad.  See if that helps. I noticed the pads were both worn down quite a bit for a bike with only 3,000 miles!  Perhaps it's time to get a new set.

buster6315 wrote on 08/12/22 at 10:50:57:
 Should I get standard or sintered?

buster6315 wrote on 08/12/22 at 11:09:00:


I prefer organic, they wear the disc less but stop as good as stock.

If you're wearing the pads out in 3k miles, you're dragging the pads.  Lube up the guide pins.

verslagen1 wrote on 08/12/22 at 11:15:36:

Yes, when I replace them I'll be sure and take care of that.

If a practice panic stop is actually dangerous, then it is crucial to do it. Build up to it. Practice your timing. Start with the front, get it almost all the way applied, don't grab it and crush it, apply it. That will lighten the rear. Gently start adding pressure to the pedal. If you feel it lock up, you need to get off of that before it starts going sideways.
You don't have to do it all in one day. Work on it for a few minutes, and before you fall asleep, rerun it in your head. Think about how to do it better.
One day you may have the need to perform a panic stop.
What would make your performance in That split second better?
Working up to it over time and training your muscles to feel what is going on
Or being in a spot that calls for a panic stop
And Havin panic over knowing it's not something you are skilled at?
Empty parking lots are handy.
Ride through, look at the asphalt. Sand,gravel, anything that would compromise traction is reason to look elsewhere. I was just Finishing bringing mine to a stop, took my foot off the brake to put it on the ground and, at maybe five mph, one finger on the brake and I was standing astride my bike. Leaned over, grabbed the handlebar and stood it up and sat down. Gravity works Quick.
If you just start adding pressure to the brake lever, starting around thirty mph, until you hear the tire just starting to make a little noise, that would be a good start.
Just don't Grab a handful of Whoa!
If you Have a grabby front brake, you should address that first. These things aren't known for the front brake OverPerforming..

Best thing I did was read
Twist of the Wrist
It's written for the people who are trying to go fast. But the techniques that keep a guy alive at speed work for everyone.
The Hurt Report is also helpful.