front brake issue

gantt · July 9th, 2014, 04:00 AM

so i wheeled the 250 out of the shop this morning. i noticed yesterday that i was feeling a slight pulse with the front brake. this morning i heard a grinding noise at one spot on the rotor. pads are getting thin but not enough to think they are getting the backing plate into the rotor. alas i had to take the 650 to work instead. will have to check things out this sunday. will definantly be going with better pads up front. i see there is a bracket you can buy to offset a caliper. is that just to use a larger caliper? is there a larger rotor from another kawi that would fit the little ninja? bike has 7,300 miles so its time to put it down for a bit and check the valve lash. might as well catch up on the other things i've been wanting to do.

gantt · July 9th, 2014, 01:00 PM

wow 25 views and no advice? i know i botched up the post with bad typing and such but still, no hits???

Alex · July 9th, 2014, 01:04 PM

7500 miles is about normal for the front pad to be toast on a new-gen.

csmith12 · July 9th, 2014, 01:55 PM

My bad, I was one of those 25 views but had no time last night. Anyway...

The bracket you saw in another thread will allow for a larger rotor, a non stock size. Looks to be about a $250-$300 investment in parts that may or may not fix your specific issue.

As Alex pointed out, you could be due for a pad change anyway. Do you know how to check the spec pad thickness for replacement? I would start there, if you still get pulsing, then it's time to check out your rotor and caliper. The rotor for trueness (straightness) and the caliper for sticking and general proper operation. And as always, check the torque on your bolts.

cuong-nutz · July 9th, 2014, 02:02 PM

Yup to what Alex said. The offset bracket is for bigger brakes combined with a larger rotor.

The stock hardware is plenty for most street riders. Most cases all you need are better brakes. Ebc HH pads are a great pads to replace the stockers.

gantt · July 9th, 2014, 03:51 PM

OK thanks guys. Pads are thin. Time to replace. I admit I have been slightly neglectful on this bike. I needed to go into the carbs last year when I bought it.
I will check the rotor for warpage. I don't think I torqued the rotor bolts last time I had it off. Just tightened them with a ratchet wrench. Never crossed my mind really. As for the larger rotor, I've never been satisfied with the stock front brake setup. When I came off a supersport to my ex650 the brakes felt wooden. But the 250's feel like a dog turd in place of a caliper piston. Really not looking to spend that much on a larger rotor setup now. Maybe in the future. Do you have to buy an aftermarket rotor or is it a stock rotor from a different model bike? Thanks for the replies!

alex.s · July 9th, 2014, 04:17 PM

if its not used much it could just be some simple surface rust on the rotor. if thats the case it goes away after 50 miles or so. if however the bike has been crashed or abused or something it may just be a warped rotor. i doubt that pads of any condition would give a pulsing sensation. water in the brake line can sometimes cause pulsing. but typically pulsing either means warped rotor or some surface rust.

gantt · July 10th, 2014, 02:40 AM

I ride two bikes but the 250 is the primary ride. I ride every day to work,50 miles a day. No rust. I am rather hard on the brakes. I run this bike pretty hard though I'm sure people that track them are harder on the brakes than I. I have felt an odd sensation in the master cylinder for several weeks. When I apply the brake lever with force it has a almost dry feel. Like its not lubricated. Makes a slught popping sound/feel and binds up. What I'm trying to say is its not smooth but has a jerky feel as you pull in the lever. Related?

dandj86 · July 10th, 2014, 04:05 AM

Hey gents!

Perhaps there might be some confusion surrounding the caliper adapter that you are thinking of, and whether or not a non-standard rotor is required.

Over on this thread here, @Bigballsofpaint has machined and is supplying two different types of adapters; one to suit a 4-pot Brembo caliper with a 320mm rotor (expensive option), and the other to suit a 4-pot Tokico caliper with the stock rotor (dirt cheap option).

So all in all, you can upgrade your standard caliper to a 4-pot Tokico caliper and keep your existing standard rotor for a very decent price

gantt · July 10th, 2014, 04:14 AM

Thanks. ^^^ so its aftermarket for larger rotor. No OE from another bike.

Bigballsofpaint · July 10th, 2014, 06:04 AM

You can get an aftermarket rotor in the stock size, but i dont know of any stock rotor from another bike that fits our front wheels.

gantt · July 10th, 2014, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

You can get an aftermarket rotor in the stock size, but i dont know of any stock rotor from another bike that fits our front wheels.

Thanks big balls. I really thought about getting a bracket from you,though I can't justify it right now. I started a new job early this year and am having to invest in tools. So far I'm at $4500. And I took an initial pay cut. Things are tight and will be until the end of the year. I have the means to make one. Not near as pretty though.

Bigballsofpaint · July 10th, 2014, 09:53 AM

Not trying to push you into buying one lol, just answering the rotor question. I understand money issues, no worries. Big trip to Cali planned in a few months and have been pulling from savings to cover it, and i have much more to go...

gantt · July 10th, 2014, 02:59 PM

And the rotor is warped. Pads are not past the point wear the pads are divided into two halves. I am going to look into an floating aftermarket in stock size. At least I have a little time to ride before I have to make a purchase/decision as to buying a used OEM or new upgraded aftermarket. I need to get off my ass and make a bracket. It won't be sexy exotic aluminum. Lol. Just steel.

DmbShn41 · July 13th, 2014, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gantt

And the rotor is warped. Pads are not past the point wear the pads are divided into two halves. I am going to look into an floating aftermarket in stock size. At least I have a little time to ride before I have to make a purchase/decision as to buying a used OEM or new upgraded aftermarket. I need to get off my ass and make a bracket. It won't be sexy exotic aluminum. Lol. Just steel.

FWIW, Amazon has a lot of stock OE parts cheap. Just came across a set of front AND rear brake pads, sintered HH, $21 and free shipping. That along with a decent used or new front rotor will get you out and about again for around $100 if you bargain shop the rotor. PartsNinja may have one in good shape, or eBay.

gantt · July 13th, 2014, 11:39 AM

I may try one of the fleabay knockoffs. I'm still riding on the rotor. Its not very bad. I'm sure it will wear out my pads faster. But I have a gsxr caliper on the way. Not too worried about the old pads that are on the bike at the moment. Thanks for the information.

July 9th, 2014, 04:00 AM	#1
gantt ninjette.org sage Name: michael Location: Central Georgia Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, Sold 2012 Ninja 650, Sold 2009 Ninja 250r, Sold 2007 DRZ400s Posts: 628	front brake issue so i wheeled the 250 out of the shop this morning. i noticed yesterday that i was feeling a slight pulse with the front brake. this morning i heard a grinding noise at one spot on the rotor. pads are getting thin but not enough to think they are getting the backing plate into the rotor. alas i had to take the 650 to work instead. will have to check things out this sunday. will definantly be going with better pads up front. i see there is a bracket you can buy to offset a caliper. is that just to use a larger caliper? is there a larger rotor from another kawi that would fit the little ninja? bike has 7,300 miles so its time to put it down for a bit and check the valve lash. might as well catch up on the other things i've been wanting to do. Last futzed with by gantt; July 9th, 2014 at 12:59 PM. Reason: poor grammar and spelling

July 9th, 2014, 01:04 PM	#3
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	7500 miles is about normal for the front pad to be toast on a new-gen. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

July 9th, 2014, 01:55 PM	#4
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	My bad, I was one of those 25 views but had no time last night. Anyway... The bracket you saw in another thread will allow for a larger rotor, a non stock size. Looks to be about a $250-$300 investment in parts that may or may not fix your specific issue. As Alex pointed out, you could be due for a pad change anyway. Do you know how to check the spec pad thickness for replacement? I would start there, if you still get pulsing, then it's time to check out your rotor and caliper. The rotor for trueness (straightness) and the caliper for sticking and general proper operation. And as always, check the torque on your bolts. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

July 9th, 2014, 02:02 PM	#5
cuong-nutz RIP Alex Name: Cuong Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 2	Yup to what Alex said. The offset bracket is for bigger brakes combined with a larger rotor. The stock hardware is plenty for most street riders. Most cases all you need are better brakes. Ebc HH pads are a great pads to replace the stockers. __________________________________________________ HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days

July 9th, 2014, 04:17 PM	#7
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	if its not used much it could just be some simple surface rust on the rotor. if thats the case it goes away after 50 miles or so. if however the bike has been crashed or abused or something it may just be a warped rotor. i doubt that pads of any condition would give a pulsing sensation. water in the brake line can sometimes cause pulsing. but typically pulsing either means warped rotor or some surface rust. __________________________________________________

July 9th, 2014, 01:00 PM	#2
gantt ninjette.org sage Name: michael Location: Central Georgia Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, Sold 2012 Ninja 650, Sold 2009 Ninja 250r, Sold 2007 DRZ400s Posts: 628	wow 25 views and no advice? i know i botched up the post with bad typing and such but still, no hits???

July 9th, 2014, 03:51 PM	#6
gantt ninjette.org sage Name: michael Location: Central Georgia Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, Sold 2012 Ninja 650, Sold 2009 Ninja 250r, Sold 2007 DRZ400s Posts: 628	OK thanks guys. Pads are thin. Time to replace. I admit I have been slightly neglectful on this bike. I needed to go into the carbs last year when I bought it. I will check the rotor for warpage. I don't think I torqued the rotor bolts last time I had it off. Just tightened them with a ratchet wrench. Never crossed my mind really. As for the larger rotor, I've never been satisfied with the stock front brake setup. When I came off a supersport to my ex650 the brakes felt wooden. But the 250's feel like a dog turd in place of a caliper piston. Really not looking to spend that much on a larger rotor setup now. Maybe in the future. Do you have to buy an aftermarket rotor or is it a stock rotor from a different model bike? Thanks for the replies!

July 10th, 2014, 02:40 AM	#8
gantt ninjette.org sage Name: michael Location: Central Georgia Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, Sold 2012 Ninja 650, Sold 2009 Ninja 250r, Sold 2007 DRZ400s Posts: 628	I ride two bikes but the 250 is the primary ride. I ride every day to work,50 miles a day. No rust. I am rather hard on the brakes. I run this bike pretty hard though I'm sure people that track them are harder on the brakes than I. I have felt an odd sensation in the master cylinder for several weeks. When I apply the brake lever with force it has a almost dry feel. Like its not lubricated. Makes a slught popping sound/feel and binds up. What I'm trying to say is its not smooth but has a jerky feel as you pull in the lever. Related?

July 10th, 2014, 04:05 AM	#9
dandj86 ninjette.org member Name: Damien Location: Sydney, Australia Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 57	Brembo/Tokico Caliper adapter Hey gents! Perhaps there might be some confusion surrounding the caliper adapter that you are thinking of, and whether or not a non-standard rotor is required. Over on this thread here, @Bigballsofpaint has machined and is supplying two different types of adapters; one to suit a 4-pot Brembo caliper with a 320mm rotor (expensive option), and the other to suit a 4-pot Tokico caliper with the stock rotor (dirt cheap option). So all in all, you can upgrade your standard caliper to a 4-pot Tokico caliper and keep your existing standard rotor for a very decent price

July 10th, 2014, 04:14 AM	#10
gantt ninjette.org sage Name: michael Location: Central Georgia Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, Sold 2012 Ninja 650, Sold 2009 Ninja 250r, Sold 2007 DRZ400s Posts: 628	Thanks. ^^^ so its aftermarket for larger rotor. No OE from another bike.

July 10th, 2014, 06:04 AM	#11
Bigballsofpaint ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jay Location: CT Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.	You can get an aftermarket rotor in the stock size, but i dont know of any stock rotor from another bike that fits our front wheels.

July 10th, 2014, 09:53 AM	#13
Bigballsofpaint ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jay Location: CT Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.	Not trying to push you into buying one lol, just answering the rotor question. I understand money issues, no worries. Big trip to Cali planned in a few months and have been pulling from savings to cover it, and i have much more to go...

July 10th, 2014, 02:59 PM	#14
gantt ninjette.org sage Name: michael Location: Central Georgia Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, Sold 2012 Ninja 650, Sold 2009 Ninja 250r, Sold 2007 DRZ400s Posts: 628	And the rotor is warped. Pads are not past the point wear the pads are divided into two halves. I am going to look into an floating aftermarket in stock size. At least I have a little time to ride before I have to make a purchase/decision as to buying a used OEM or new upgraded aftermarket. I need to get off my ass and make a bracket. It won't be sexy exotic aluminum. Lol. Just steel.

July 13th, 2014, 11:39 AM	#16
gantt ninjette.org sage Name: michael Location: Central Georgia Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, Sold 2012 Ninja 650, Sold 2009 Ninja 250r, Sold 2007 DRZ400s Posts: 628	I may try one of the fleabay knockoffs. I'm still riding on the rotor. Its not very bad. I'm sure it will wear out my pads faster. But I have a gsxr caliper on the way. Not too worried about the old pads that are on the bike at the moment. Thanks for the information.

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