Anyone tried KMG Brake Pads?

[VashonKbike]

These things were pretty cheap, has anyone had experience with them? 
Thinking of putting them on my 96 K1100RS. Am I crazy?  Other recommendations?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I put these on my bikes last year.  Volar carbon kevlar pads like yours and $14.79 including shipping for all three calipers. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131516075180?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

In a total of 15k miles(12k on one bike) I have had no problems outside of a small amount of squeal when they are new.  They stop hard and are easier on my expensive rotors than sintered pads.  I do a lot of highway riding so I expect to get at least two years out of a set.   Bottom line is that your cheap pads are good and a great value.  Maybe not as good as the expensive sintered pads, but will get the job done and won't eat your rotors making for the lowest possible price for good stopping power.

[VashonKbike]

Well that's good to hear!  When my local shop was telling me he could order some for around $50 and then I found these online for about $7 I was a little shocked at the difference. Guess I'll try em out!

[beemrdon]

The PO put SBS ceramic pads on the front of my K1100 before I bought it. No brake dust ever and stop really well - that is the good. The bad is that they are grabby and don't offer a progressive braking experience. It's either all or nothing. I want more modulation. How are those pads for"feel"?

[VashonKbike]

So far the aren't as grabby as whatever was on there before.  They require a little more force but no problem stopping or getting the ABS to kick in.  No noise either.  Its too soon to say how much of a mess they're going to make dust wise. Or how long they'll last. 

Here they are for anyone interested:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Carbon-Kevlar-Organic-NAO-Disc-Brake-Pads-For-1992-1996-BMW-K-1100-RS-/371434509522?fits=Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AK1100RS&hash=item567b38d4d2:g:jX8AAOSwl9BWGYu7&vxp=mtr

[RobP]

1985 K100RS


I am in the middle of replacing the existing pads on the front calipers with the KMG pads and had a couple quick questions. This is my first motorcycle brake job so please bear with me:

The guide pin holes on the KMG pads are larger in diameter than what was currently installed (8mm vs 6mm).  Is this OK or will the extra clearance around the alignment pins cause the pads to rattle about?   FWIW - I've not disassembled the rear caliper yet but it does appear the pads in this unit have the 'larger' holes - but these have undoubtedly been replaced by the PO.

Note the reddish-orange silicone goo on the back of the original pad (upper left in the image).  Uhh . . . .is this standard practice for some?   I've reviewed other threads here that indicated to use brake anti-squeak on the backside of the pads.  The rubber bits on the caliper seem to be in good order and I've not noticed any brake fluid leakage from these calipers before.  Any insight or advice appreciated.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Can't comment of the holes, I use cheap Volar pads and their holes are the same size as the pins.

The red/orange smear looks like the anti-squeal stuff I use on the back of my pads so I can sneak up on unsuspecting pedestrians and prevent the hysterical barking of dogs in the vicinity of my decelerations.

[Laitch]

Any insight or advice appreciated.

Were they specified for your bike. How giving us a part number or link?

[RobP]

No luck on finding a website for KMG.


The 'compatibility lookup' on the original ebay listing shows the KMG Pad 18 is designed fit a 1985 K100RS.   An Amazon listing for the KMG Pad 18 indicates it is a compatible replacement for the EBC FA18.   And a Summit Racing lookup indicates the EBC FA18 is designed for the 1985 K100RS.   So the daisy chain of logic indicates that the KMG Pad 18 should fit the K100RS.  But, knowing the typical quality and attention to detail found in Chinese-made parts, the holes were probably stamped too large.  I dunno whether I should bother using these or not.


The reddish-orange stuff on the back of the pad had a rubbery consistency like dried silicone caulk. I guess I just wasn't expecting that.

[Martin]

I would go with Gryphs recommendation Volar, you will then know that they fit and work and are still cheap. Vashon you also need to post your location as it helps when recommending parts and products.
Regards Martin.

[RobP]

Thanks for all the replies!   I ordered the Volars and will report back.


EDIT : Yep, got the Volars and the holes are the correct size to fit the pins.

[Idonthaveaclue]

Can't comment of the holes, I use cheap Volar pads and their holes are the same size as the pins.

Are you buying them off EBay? What vendor do you prefer? I need rear pads - will do the fronts while I'm at it.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Here's where I get mine:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1988-1995-BMW-K75S-Kevlar-Carbon-Front-Rear-Brake-Pads-/181749818220?fits=Make%3ABMW&hash=item2a5122236c:g:b0wAAOSwwbdWHwh9&vxp=mtr

[Sigmakappa]

I am in Melbourne (Australia). I can buy the KMG from eBay $15 delivered for 3 sets but dubious how well they work given diameter of holes. The Volars look good but doesn't look I can get them shipped to Australia. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Martin]

D2Moto in the US is the distributor but won't ship to OZ.
Regards Martin.