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How much better than the stock items are they?

Not sure whether just to buy some sbs pads or try and get a hold of some 4 pad calipers.

zoidberg wrote:How much better than the stock items are they?

Not sure whether just to buy some sbs pads or try and get a hold of some 4 pad calipers.

Many will tell you they are a lot better but I think that comes from them replacing their old 2-pad setup that's in need of a service with a 4-pad set that's been fettled before being fitted.

I had not long serviced my 2-pad callipers before I fitted the 4-pads so I think that I was able to have a more objective comparison.
They are better, there's no doubt but it's not such a huge improvement.

If you have the offer of some 4-pads at a cracking price, go for it. If not stick with the 2-pads and give them a good going over - that in itself will give a big improvement (unless they are already well cleaned and appropriate parts lubricated)
Oh, and don't forget to clean up the bobbins on the disc carriers - that makes a difference too.

As he said

A good service and two seperate front brake lines is about the same imho

Thanks guys. I'll stay stock and get some hoses..

zoidberg wrote:Thanks guys. I'll stay stock and get some hoses..

We get some pretty good forum discount from Hel (25%)

https://www.ridersite.com/viewtopic.php?t=7483

Cool. The brakes lack bite and need a good squeeze, the pads are almost worn out. I'll order some and strip and clean the calipers whilst there.

I also found a slight performance improvement changing over to the 4-pad calipers but for me the big bonus was that I could get the same braking force but with less effort needed on the lever - making longer rides much less tiring.

I've done this upgrade on my touring Ducati as well and never regretted it!

NB - Upgrading from 2 pad goldlines to P4/34 calipers WILL require new hoses as the banjo mount is on the outsides not 'on top' of the calipers.

I have just bought some from the US, £140 for the pair and £30 ish postage.

Will be getting chucked on very soon.

Just to remind you as above

You do need new brake lines..... Take the opportunity to have two seperate lines..

Aladinsaneuk wrote:You do need new brake lines..... Take the opportunity to have two separate lines..

The only time I'd question that advice is if you also have a radial brake master cylinder with the take off point underneath the m/cyl. I found that the banjos for dual brake lines simply wouldn't fit in the space available and had to have a 'one into two' line made up with a tee-piece in the bottom fork yoke area. Much like the standard RSVR one, in fact.

Aladinsaneuk wrote:Just to remind you as above

You do need new brake lines..... Take the opportunity to have two seperate lines..

Separate lines are on their way too, that was always a planned mod when I swap the callipers. Need to do the same to my 955 Daytona, just haven't got round to it yet.

The separate lines ok from stock calipers?

The standard system - which is highly regarded btw- has a single line that splits to each caliper

The purists / racers like a separate line

I did it - because I could, not because it would make me a better rider - I am no where near that league!

Was it worth it - I think so... The original lines are very good, but age probably has an effect and a good service and over haul is worth it

Are the 4 pad brakes worth it - for the average rider probably not IMHO

I cannot comment on the radial conversions though those who have done it, and whose opinions I value, rate it

There are different Radial conversions - Callipers, Master cylinders, both.

Mango and I have gone for 4-pad callipers and radial masters (but we have different radial masters).

I'd say they have better feel - not that there was a problem with the standard ones.

Thanks guys, I know the standard setup is three lines. I was wondering if a two line setup forvstockmcalipersvwill suit the 4 pad calipers?