The following words are NOT mine, but they describe the different brake compounds. I have not even been on my bike yet, so can't offer any price history from the purchase of brakes.

"Motorcycle brake pads are normally available as organic, semi-metallic, ceramic and sintered. Organic motorcycle brake pads contain no metallic parts; semi-metallic motorcycle brake pads are a mixture of organic and metallic parts; ceramic motorcycle brake pads are similar to semi-metallic but the metallic fibres are replaced by ceramic compounds and copper fibres; and sintered metal motorcycle brake pads are made completely from metal. Sintered compound motorcycle brake pads undoubtedly provide the very best performance possible for road use. But for motorcycle racing applications it is possible to push technology even further with carbon motorcycle brake pads, but these only work properly at extremely high temperature (close 400 degrees celsius) making them no good for everyday road use."

 

so the more metal the better braking power? also, do u need to replace both rear and front at the same time or is it ok to just replace just the front or vivce versa?

 

Rears last much longer than fronts, but replace BOTH front sets at the same time.
No need to do them all at once. I use ceramic composite in mine........

 

Here in Mex we have this, which will cost around $40 USD, not bad I guess...

[IMG]local://upfiles/4552/C996873262A54420851F917000E679CB.jpg[/IMG]

 

Organic pads are better for general road use where the temperatures are not as high. Less wear on the rotors & generally better suited for everyday riding. If you ride weekends & mainly hard hills work then you need something better. However the rotors will have a shorter life. Aftermarket rotors are cheaper than Honda & can be matched to the pads that you use. Remember that the rotors are stainless steel & very few places can successfully machine them when scored or warped.
Also on many bikes the rear pads are a softer material than the front. Don't mix them up but as far as I know the cane uses the same for front & rear.
Price usually about $35 - $40 per set. (3 sets required)

 

Rear spec pads are slightly thicker............

 

G'day shadow. I knew you would know. Question...Are therear thesame friction material or are they softer?