Motorcycle race brake pad bedding-in procedure
All PFC motorcycle brake pads are pre-treated to be race ready. This treatment is done in the final step of the manufacturing process when the surface of the friction material is brought up to temperature in order to simulate a bedding-in cycle. However, a proper bed-in process is still required using your discs with new Carbon Metallic pads.
The following process below is suggested in order to achieve the best performance, consistency and durability of the pad.
Step 1 – Remove the residual pad material from the disc surface to prevent judder on the lever and inconsistent brake torque. This is especially important if the previous pad was a sintered compound. Light duty Scotch Brite (3M 07448) or Flex-Hone can be used for this purpose.
Step 2 – Gradually get the PFC pads up to temperature for approximately three to four laps. Make the first lap at half pace using the brake as normal. Do not spend a longer time on the brakes than usual as this can create a thermal shock within the compound.
Step 3 – Complete two more laps, gradually increasing the pace and pressure on the brakes. The last lap should be at normal pace.
Step 4 – After running for three to four laps enter the pits and apply the brakes hard twice. This helps to create a uniform layer of brake pad material on the disc surface. As a result it improves the modulation of the brake application.
Step 5 – Cool the brakes off at ambient temperature, so that the heat transfer from the disc and pads is slow and gradual. This helps to increase the duration of the pad, as well as the smoothness of the application.
Step 6 – The pads are now properly bedded to provide consistent performance. They should be brought back up to the operating temperature range to guarantee optimum braking power. This depends upon the specific compounds.