For those who are still interested, I fitted some EBC-HH pads to the R1 calipers I fitted a couple of days ago. Comparing the stock Max calipers and HH pads to the R1 calipers with HH pads, I would rate the R1 combo about 25% more effective (at a minimum) in every way. They haven't bedded in properly at all, have only done 20 miles or so and they stop great. There's no question they will get better. The best comparison I have is my brother's XJR-1300, that is a 230 kg bike compared to a Max at 265 kg (both dry weights). The XJR has R1 brakes standard and its master cylinder bore is the same as a V-Max. The XJR stops great and now my Max is a lot closer to the effectiveness of that bikes brakes with the fitting of those same R1 style calipers. You can't compare R1 brakes on an R1 to a heavy blob like a V-Max, however the V-Max and XJR are closer in relative size so comparisons of stopping power are more valid. Basically, the XJR is only about 10% better at stopping than the Max now. True you could fit HH pads to the XJR and then you would enter a new era of comparisons. You can't really 'cause the Max is plain heavier and you can't change that. My last change will be the fitting of Galfer braided hoses. This should also make a slight difference. In terms of value for money, I suppose each to his own. I bought the used R1 calipers from a bike wrecker in Sydney. He charged me $300.00 pair. They have done almost no miles to speak of and keep in mind you U.S guys, $300.00 Australian is about $170.00 U.S For me however, a set of new R1 calipers are about $1000.00 so $300.00 is good value. EBC-HH pads over here cost $97.00 my money. So the way I look at it, $400.00, some brake fluid and about 1.5 hours of my time has given me a very big braking improvement without any fabricating required. When you look at the cost of making them go faster, a deal like this is not bad considering the budget involved. Best part is the braking remains very controlled and has great feel, noticeably better than the stock caliper/HH pad deal, which was great to start with. I can't comment on other brands of pads in the R1 calipers, maybe some others out there who have tried different ones could add info to this deal. I will report my findings on the Galfer braided hoses and their relative affect on brake feel and efficiency. Sam Blumenstein #795 ............................................. To unsubscribe go to http://www.sayegh.org/unsubscribe.htm .............................................
