06-03-2025, 08:59 AM
So...
I received my Lyndall Z+ pads. They are indeed exactly the same dimensions as the OEM pads. Though it seems to me they have just a touch more pad material than on a new set of Honda pads. They installed just as easily as Honda/EBC pads. Leaving nothing to chance, I still made sure to thoroughly clean the calipers, pistons, rotors, pins, clips, etc. I also applied some Permatex brake grease (the most effective brake lubricant I have found to date) and reassembled everything, torqued to spec and gave it a test ride.
I did city driving that consisted of speeds of 45 mph or less with plenty of traffic lights so I had frequent opportunities to stop in the process of bedding in the new pads. Initially the pads felt like they lacked the same stopping power as the old pads. Not unexpected since they had yet to conform to the surface of the rotors. So far, I have driven about 50-60 miles in city traffic with lots of stop and go. The pads were dead silent, initially. Of course after a full clean and lube, the sintered pads were quiet also, initially. After a while the Lyndall Z+ pads began to lightly squeak at stops when the front wheel speed hits about 15 mph just like the Honda/EBC pads. However, the squeak is definitely quieter and in my opinion, a slightly lower pitch. I found myself using the same familiar anti-squeak braking technique once it started, front and rear brakes to about 15 mph, then let off the front and finish on the rear. The good news is that I have found with these pads I can stop very gently and prevent the front brakes from squeaking at all. I could never manage to do that with the Honda or EBC pads. They both squeaked under 15 regardless of the technique I used, other than a full panic stop.
In summary, I like these pads. I mean I like them A LOT. I would say they improved the squeak about 30-40% over sintered pads and the braking feel is more precise over all. They undoubtedly will need to be replaced sooner than a set of Honda or EBC pads based on what I have read about the Z+ pad composition, but Lyndall claims less dust and less rotor wear. Of course I haven't put enough miles on them yet to verify either of those claims, but with spoked wheels less brake dust is definitely a perk I am looking forward to when washing the bike. These pads also have a different feel than the stock pads. Honda/EBC sintered pads give a rather abrupt bite when you first apply the brakes in comparison to the Lyndall's. The initial braking feel with these feels more delicate and is easier to modulate the precise amount of braking force you are trying to apply. I am playing it safe and going to drive gently for about the first 150-200 miles in an attempt to bed the pads in as delicately as possible, I have not yet had to stop quickly, so I am not sure if the braking power is the same at higher braking pressures than with sintered pads. After I feel they are properly bedded, I will try a few panic stops to see how they compare. In my experience so far, I will be installing these pads next time over the Honda or EBC pads.
I received my Lyndall Z+ pads. They are indeed exactly the same dimensions as the OEM pads. Though it seems to me they have just a touch more pad material than on a new set of Honda pads. They installed just as easily as Honda/EBC pads. Leaving nothing to chance, I still made sure to thoroughly clean the calipers, pistons, rotors, pins, clips, etc. I also applied some Permatex brake grease (the most effective brake lubricant I have found to date) and reassembled everything, torqued to spec and gave it a test ride.
I did city driving that consisted of speeds of 45 mph or less with plenty of traffic lights so I had frequent opportunities to stop in the process of bedding in the new pads. Initially the pads felt like they lacked the same stopping power as the old pads. Not unexpected since they had yet to conform to the surface of the rotors. So far, I have driven about 50-60 miles in city traffic with lots of stop and go. The pads were dead silent, initially. Of course after a full clean and lube, the sintered pads were quiet also, initially. After a while the Lyndall Z+ pads began to lightly squeak at stops when the front wheel speed hits about 15 mph just like the Honda/EBC pads. However, the squeak is definitely quieter and in my opinion, a slightly lower pitch. I found myself using the same familiar anti-squeak braking technique once it started, front and rear brakes to about 15 mph, then let off the front and finish on the rear. The good news is that I have found with these pads I can stop very gently and prevent the front brakes from squeaking at all. I could never manage to do that with the Honda or EBC pads. They both squeaked under 15 regardless of the technique I used, other than a full panic stop.
In summary, I like these pads. I mean I like them A LOT. I would say they improved the squeak about 30-40% over sintered pads and the braking feel is more precise over all. They undoubtedly will need to be replaced sooner than a set of Honda or EBC pads based on what I have read about the Z+ pad composition, but Lyndall claims less dust and less rotor wear. Of course I haven't put enough miles on them yet to verify either of those claims, but with spoked wheels less brake dust is definitely a perk I am looking forward to when washing the bike. These pads also have a different feel than the stock pads. Honda/EBC sintered pads give a rather abrupt bite when you first apply the brakes in comparison to the Lyndall's. The initial braking feel with these feels more delicate and is easier to modulate the precise amount of braking force you are trying to apply. I am playing it safe and going to drive gently for about the first 150-200 miles in an attempt to bed the pads in as delicately as possible, I have not yet had to stop quickly, so I am not sure if the braking power is the same at higher braking pressures than with sintered pads. After I feel they are properly bedded, I will try a few panic stops to see how they compare. In my experience so far, I will be installing these pads next time over the Honda or EBC pads.
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