Brake Pads
Harley-Davidson has provided your new motorcycle with the optimum brake pad friction material available. It is selected to give the best performance possible under dry, wet and high operating temperature conditions. It exceeds all regulatory requirements currently in effect. However, during some braking conditions you may experience noise. This is normal for this friction material.
WARNING
Always replace brake pads in complete sets for correct and safe brake operation. Improper brake operation could result in death or serious injury. (00111a)
  1. Check the brake disc as it spins. The disc should run true in the brake caliper.
  2. See Figure 1. Measure the thickness of the brake pad friction material.
    3. NOTE
    The pads do not necessarily wear evenly. The grooves on the front brake pads are no longer visible when the pads are near the end of service life.
  3. Refer to Table 1. If the brake pad friction material is at the minimum thickness or less, replace the pads. Always replace brake pads in pairs. See a Harley-Davidson dealer.
Table 1. Brake Specifications
MINIMUM THICKNESS
Sportster® S
(RH1250S)
NightsterTM
(RH975)
mm
in
mm
in
Front brake pads
0.4
0.016
0.4
0.016
Rear brake pads
0.45
0.018
0.45
0.018
Front brake disc
5.4
0.213
5.4
0.213
Rear brake disc
4.5
0.177
4.5
0.177
1Brake pad thickness
2Backplate
3Brake disc thickness
4Brake pad wear indicator grooves
Figure 1. Brake Thickness (front shown)
Brake Disc
  1. Refer to Table 1. Check brake disc thickness and compare to value indicated in table.
  2. Replace if necessary. See a Harley-Davidson dealer.