If there's one thing I dislike about my '89 sporty, it's the horrid brakes. I'm not into doing a dual disc conversion. I've heard that some company's, primarily "Lyndall Racing" makes a softer pad from kevlar that really does a good job of improving braking. Anyone ever hear of them? Any comments or suggestions.

kevlars good , carbon fibers good, semi metallics are good

ya get what ya pay for as far as brake pads go

Semi-metalics are great gripping pads and they last a long time but they will chew up your rotors. it is cheaper to replace pads more often than to replace rotors.

As a rule, the softer the pad, and less noise, however the softer pads do create more dust, but they do tend to perform better, until then get hot, they tend to fade, faster then other types when hot. The harder the pad, the longer it wears, however it does create more wear on the rotors. The Semi-metalics are great, they produce less dust, last longer and tend not to fade as much when they get hot. I've never used kevlar pads. I can't speak for kevlar pads. But one thought comes to mind is to make sure that the rest of your braking system is up to snuf, if you have a worn rotor, it will only cause the new pads to wear faster.

Ya and if you've got bad tires than it doesn't matter how good your brakes are. I say spending money on brakes that are way superior to the rubber you run are a waste of time and can even be dangerous because of a braking system that will lock up too easy. Grippy brakes are good as long as they aren't too grippy.

Grippy brakes are good as long as they aren't too grippy.

Sportsters, particularly single disc sporties are not known for being "grippy" under any circumstances, ergo the reason for this post. I always make certain my tires are up to snuff.

Locking the brakes up and coming to a fast, safe stop are two different things.

I've got the dual discs on my 1200s and the front brake can definately over power the front wheel. I've locked my rear tire a few times too with the semi-metalic pads. I've gone to the organic pads. They require a lot more pull to stop in the rain. This prevents me from accidentally locking the brakes. Especially the front since I've got a 21" low profile tire. It has a much smaller foot print than the stock 19" that was on there.

Two things that I've always heard will improve stock braking are; Steel braided brake lines and floating rotors. I did both and they are a very big improvment. P.S. I stayed with stock pads.

braided lines will expand less than stockers and floating rotors will line up better to the pads , thus making them much better

just a simple pad change , flush the lines with new fluid and proper bleeding will liven up your brakes

besides anything you've got will be better than my drums and cable pulls

Ya or the bottom of your running shoes!