That's the last time I buy Yamaha rear brake pads...
... if I can help it!
My original pads lasted a disappointing 9000 miles. I put it down to the UBS applying much more rear brake that I would in a normal unlinked system - the way I ride I'd normally get 20,000 miles or more out of a set of rear pads. I wondered if there might be a problem with the caliper, but the next set of pads, EBC Double-H, lasted 23,000 miles. That's more like it!
I was in Medellin, Colombia when I changed the EBC's - back to Yamaha pads, because that's what I happened to be carrying as spares. I checked them at 4,000 miles, they looked like they were wearing OK. I didn't check again until I heard unusual noises coming from the rear disk. This is what I found - pads have done 6000 miles. The one that's most worn is from the piston side, but the other one is not far behind, so wear is fairly even.
Admittedly there was some mud and sand, and I guess that would account for the fact that life is less than the last set of Yamaha pads.
Now I'm in a bit of a pickle, because stupidly I didn't get another spare set when I installed these. I would have been able to get them in Medellin. For the rest of the ride after I noticed the metal-on-metal situation I disabled ABS, which also disables UBS, so that the rear brake doesn't come on when I use the front one. Then all I have to do is remember not to use the rear brake until I get the pads replaced.
I'm in Banos, Ecuador, for a while and I asked the one bike guy in town if he could get me some pads. Yeah, sure... I have to go to Ambato to get them. I gave him $20, the old pads, and the list of alternatives that I got from the forum (thanks Dallara). He comes back with these.
Looks good, but is not one from my list. Notice "JAPAN" splashed all over the packaging. Must be good right? Till you read that they are made by IndustriaJapan, S.A., "Made in Colombia".
Despite the fact that they are meant for a DT-125, DT-175 and YBR 125, they look like they are worth a try - until you compare them with the old pads.
The fittings at either end seem right, but the pad is much narrower and a little higher at the top. You can see where, if I installed them, about a third of the piston would not be touching the pad.
I'm inclined not to try them, and just make a trip to Quito (about 120 miles) to find something more appropriate (with old pads in, and ABS disabled).
I tried returning the pads to the guy, and he wouldn't take them back! Even though they don't match the old pads, and are not one of the 6 part numbers of alternative that I'd given him. I couldn't make out from his rapid spanish his justification for not taking them back - only that they would work so don't worry about it.
Anyway, bottom line, no more Yamaha pads for me! Unless that's all I can get...
