I just noticed today that when I'm pushing my bike to park (engine is off) I notice there's a bit of a grinding/rubbing sound coming from my rear wheel. I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down to the brake pad/rotor.. do I need new pads??

 

Do you?

You can see and check your rear pads by looking at the back of the caliper. Look and see if there is any meat left on the pads.
when in doubt take off the caliper and inspect. its one bolt.

FYI most rear pads never need replacing, like, ever.
...unless you have crazy high miles or abuse the rear brake.

 

hmm interesting, did not know that.. how about front pads? how often should those be replaced? I guess I could just check...

 

Replace as necessary.

A little rubbing sound from the brake pads on the rotor is normal. You can hear it, but should not be able to feel it. If there rubbing to the point of dragging and binding, that's not normal. Take off the caliper and inspect. Make sure the little metal holders and hardware didn't get bumped and are hitting the rotor.

 

your front brakes should be making the same noise if not louder....

 

yep.. they do too, is that normal? they did that on my old bike so I just thought it was just normal for motorcycles..??

 

Metallic brake pads + metal brake rotor rubbing againts them =metal scaping sound. Very normal and nothing to be worried about.

 

I agree with everyone here. There is supposed to be a rubbing sound. Most likely from the front not rear

 

They should rub slightly. If they didn't then stopping would be a lot harder with hydraulic operated brakes. Your front should rub too. If they don't you've got a problem.

 

Loud rubbing means you need new pads. I have warped rotors because of it.