Brakes squeaking? Make sure you bed your brakes in!

🏁 Dirt Bike Brake Pad Bedding Procedure

✅ Step 1: Find a Safe Area

• Flat road, empty parking lot, or long dirt road

• No traffic

• Enough space to stop repeatedly

✅ Step 2: Warm the Brakes (Light Braking)

Do 5–6 gentle stops:

• Speed: ~10–15 mph

• Brake pressure: Light to moderate

• Do NOT come to a full stop

• Keep rolling between stops

Purpose: Warm up pads and rotor evenly.

✅ Step 3: Build Heat (Medium Braking)

Do 5–6 harder stops:

• Speed: ~20–25 mph

• Brake pressure: Firm, but not locking

• Still avoid full stops

• Roll for 20–30 seconds between each

Purpose: Transfer pad material onto the rotor.

✅ Step 4: Cool Down

• Ride for 3–5 minutes without heavy braking

• Let everything cool naturally

Do NOT:
❌ Hold the brake while stopped
❌ Park with hot brakes clamped

This prevents pad imprinting.

✅ Step 5: Final Check

After cooling:

• Lever should feel firmer

• Brakes should bite harder

• No squeal/grab

Now they’re bedded.

⚡ Why This Matters (Quick Explanation)

Bedding:
✔ Creates a thin transfer layer on the rotor
✔ Prevents glazing
✔ Improves bite
✔ Reduces noise
✔ Extends pad life

Skipping this = weak brakes + squeal + faster wear.

🚩 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Slamming brakes cold
❌ Locking the wheel repeatedly
❌ Sitting stopped with brake pulled
❌ Washing bike immediately after bedding

All of these can glaze pads.

🏍️ For ETM RTR / E-Moto Riders (Extra Tip)

Because of higher weight + regen habits:

• Bed brakes before hard riding

• Especially after:

  • New pads

  • New rotor

  • Wheel changes

Do it once = better braking forever.