Skip to main content
English French German Italian Spanish

Commando Front Disk Brake Pads

Forums

Hi All,

I am installing the smaller piston kit on the front brake master cylinder but I was wondering what type of pads are available.

Is there any options for a more aggressive pad, on my other bikes that have drums I get them relined with a very soft lining that performs well but does not last as long but I would rather have the best braking available.

Is there such an item and if so where can I get them.

Cheers

Andy

Permalink

I am a big fan of EBC organic pads, which I have used for many years in my more modern disc braked machines.

When I converted my TR6P to twin discs and Lockheed racing callipers, I found EBC Greenstuff pads, which were spectacularly good. Unfortunately these are no longer available for motorcycles, however. If it is true what I have heard, that the Norton calliper will take Mini Cooper pads, then you might be in luck... Someone with experience might confirm that?

The standard disc is already made of the best stuff, which is cast iron. to work well this needs to be nice and flat (could be drilled) and preferably void of any plating. The worst situation is having a part worn plated disc, which has the effect of the brake feeling like it's coming on and off when braking hard.

The standard Commando disc brake is now regarded as obsolete, so a choice of pads might be hopeful. There are many upgrades for the brake, the simplest being a Lockheed conversion.. That should improve the choice of pads too.

I have gone for the RGM fully floating 12" cast iron disc and a home made bracket to mount a Brembo fourpot "Goldline" calliper, as used on my Ducati Monster. Master is also an early 13mm Brembo from a Ducati.

 

RGM disc, Brembo calliper. 

Permalink

'Scuse the slight thread swerve (tenuous pun!).

My Commando is work in progress and was bought in bits, from a mate who had previously bought it in bits in 1979..

I had the tyres off yesterday, to start getting the wheels re-built. They had been on for at least 40 years... They were actually crunchy!!

It's generally regarded that 5 years is the maximum life of a tyre to operate safely, regardless of tread wear. Tyres are a major factor in how the brake's effort is transferred to the road, so it is very important to make sure the tyres are in good condition and in date... Something that is all too often overlooked in occasional use vehicles, (sadly) such as old motorbikes.

Sorry to sound like your hand wringing old Auntie there..

Permalink

Ferrodo Platinum pads get good reviews, will not the chance to test as I have also gone Brembo Goldline P4 caliper.

Permalink

I'm happy with Ferodo Platinum (used with the 'variable ratio' Lockheed Racing master cylinder). They are the best that I've had since the demise of the original asbestos-based pads.

Well there you go, there's the Mini Cooper connection that I half recalled.

Obviously they used the Lockheed callipers on the Coopers, hence the availability of Greenstuff pads. Do those pads fit the Grimeca too?

Greenstuff is an amazing pad material. Just be aware that you don't get full braking potential straight away. There is a bedding in period of (I think) about 100 applications, (less than a tank full) during which time you may encounter brake squealing, fade and so on, just a matter of keeping the disc clean, with Clutch and Brake cleaner.

Bedding in tends to have a steeper curve towards the end, so you get full power all of a suddy! When you may not be expecting it. Once that's woken you up, it's a lovely two finger brake from then on.

Permalink

Yes, the pads do fit the Grimeca and the Lockheed calipers (iron and alloy)       Obviously they don't fit the original type Norton/Lockheed caliper.

sam

 


Norton Owners Club Website by White-Hot Design