NC700XA/XD: Selecting FA388 vs FA174HH Pads

Navigating the world of motorcycle brake pads can sometimes feel like deciphering a cryptic code. For owners of the Honda NC700XA and NC700XD, a common point of confusion arises when trying to distinguish between the FA388 and FA174HH pad designations. Both might seem like viable options, but understanding their specific characteristics is crucial for ensuring optimal braking performance, pad longevity, and ultimately, your safety on the road. This article aims to demystify these two popular brake pad types, providing a clear comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Brake Pad Compounds

Before diving into the specifics of FA388 and FA174HH, it's important to grasp the fundamental differences in brake pad materials. The compound of a brake pad dictates its friction coefficient, heat resistance, wear rate, and how it interacts with the brake rotor. The primary categories you'll encounter are:

• Organic (or "Standard") Pads: These are typically made from a composite of natural fibres (like aramid or kevlar), fillers, and binding agents. They offer good initial bite and are gentle on rotors but tend to wear faster and can fade under heavy braking conditions.
• Sintered Pads: These are manufactured by fusing metallic powders together at high temperatures. Sintered pads offer superior heat resistance and durability, making them ideal for demanding riding conditions, including heavy touring and spirited riding. They generally provide consistent performance across a wider temperature range.
• Semi-Metallic Pads: A blend of metallic and organic materials, offering a compromise between the two. They provide better heat resistance and stopping power than organic pads but can be harder on rotors.

The FA388 Brake Pad

The FA388 designation typically refers to a sintered brake pad compound. Sintered pads are renowned for their robust performance, particularly in adverse conditions. Here's what you can generally expect from FA388 pads:

• Material: Sintered metal compound.
• Performance Characteristics:
  • Excellent Heat Resistance: Sintered pads handle high temperatures exceptionally well, meaning they are less prone to "fade" (a loss of braking power due to overheating) during prolonged or heavy braking. This makes them a great choice for touring, descending steep gradients, or any situation where brakes are used frequently and intensely.
  • Consistent Stopping Power: They offer a predictable and strong initial bite, and this performance remains relatively constant across a wide operating temperature range.
  • Durability: Sintered pads generally offer a longer lifespan compared to organic pads, meaning you'll likely replace them less frequently. This can be a significant cost saving over time, despite a potentially higher upfront cost.
  • Rotor Compatibility: While durable, sintered pads can be slightly harder on brake rotors than softer organic compounds. However, with modern rotor materials and proper maintenance, this is usually not a significant concern for most riders.
• Ideal Use Cases: Touring, commuting in all weather conditions, riding in hilly or mountainous terrain, general all-round use where longevity and consistent performance are valued.

The FA174HH Brake Pad

The FA174HH designation often indicates a high-performance sintered compound, with the "HH" rating signifying a higher friction coefficient compared to standard sintered pads. Let's break down the FA174HH:

• Material: High-performance sintered metal compound.
• Performance Characteristics:
  • Superior Stopping Power: The "HH" rating typically denotes a higher friction coefficient, meaning these pads can generate more braking force for a given amount of pressure applied to the lever. This translates to a sharper, more immediate stopping response.
  • Excellent Heat Resistance: Similar to other sintered pads, FA174HH compounds are designed to withstand high temperatures, maintaining their effectiveness even under extreme stress.
  • Responsiveness: Riders often report a more "positive" or responsive feel at the brake lever, allowing for finer modulation of braking force.
  • Potential Trade-offs: While offering enhanced stopping power, high-friction compounds can sometimes lead to slightly faster wear on both the pads and the rotors compared to standard sintered or organic pads. They might also produce more dust.
• Ideal Use Cases: Sport riding, track days, aggressive street riding, situations where maximum stopping power and responsiveness are paramount.

FA388 vs. FA174HH: A Direct Comparison for Your NC700XA/XD

Now, let's directly compare these two for your specific motorcycle, the Honda NC700XA/XD. The NC700 series is a versatile machine, often used for commuting, touring, and general recreational riding. The choice between FA388 and FA174HH will largely depend on your riding style and priorities.

Which Pad is Right for Your NC700XA/XD?

For the majority of NC700XA/XD owners, the FA388 pads are likely the most suitable choice. They offer a superb balance of performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. They will provide reliable stopping power in all conditions, handle the demands of touring and commuting with ease, and offer excellent durability, reducing the frequency of replacements. If your riding involves a lot of stop-and-go traffic, extended highway cruising, or journeys through varied weather, the FA388 will serve you very well.

However, if you are an enthusiast who frequently engages in more spirited riding, enjoys carving up twisty roads with gusto, or simply desires the absolute sharpest braking response possible, then the FA174HH pads might be worth considering. Be prepared for potentially slightly quicker wear and possibly a bit more brake dust, but in return, you gain that extra edge in stopping power and responsiveness. It's important to note that for a bike like the NC700, which isn't primarily a sportbike, the benefits of FA174HH might be less pronounced for everyday riding compared to their advantages on a dedicated sportbike.

Important Considerations Before Purchase

• Check Your Manual: Always refer to your Honda NC700XA/XD owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended brake pad specifications. While aftermarket pads are common, ensuring compatibility is paramount.
• Front vs. Rear: Brake pad designations can sometimes differ between the front and rear brakes. Ensure you are purchasing the correct pads for the specific axle (front or rear) you are replacing. The NC700XA/XD typically uses different part numbers for front and rear pads.
• Rotor Condition: The performance of new brake pads is also dependent on the condition of your brake rotors. If your rotors are heavily grooved, warped, or have a significant lip, new pads may not perform optimally and could wear prematurely. Consider replacing or resurfacing your rotors if they are in poor condition.
• Brand Reputation: While these are common designations, different manufacturers might produce pads under these codes. Stick to reputable brands known for quality motorcycle brake components.
• Professional Installation: If you are not comfortable with performing brake maintenance yourself, always seek the services of a qualified motorcycle mechanic. Improperly installed brake pads can be extremely dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use FA174HH pads on the rear of my NC700XA/XD?

A: While FA174HH is often a front application, it's crucial to verify the specific rear brake pad designation recommended for your NC700XA/XD. Some bikes require different compounds or pad shapes for the rear.

Q2: Will FA388 pads wear out my rotors faster?

A: Sintered pads, including the FA388, can cause slightly more rotor wear than organic pads over their lifespan. However, this is generally considered normal wear and tear, and the increased durability and performance of sintered pads often outweigh this factor for many riders.

Q3: Are FA174HH pads too aggressive for a bike like the NC700?

A: "Too aggressive" is subjective and depends on your riding style. For general commuting and touring, they might be overkill. However, if you ride aggressively or want maximum stopping power, they can be a good upgrade. They won't inherently damage the bike, but their benefits might not be fully utilized in typical NC700 riding scenarios.

Q4: How often should I check my brake pads?

A: It's recommended to inspect your brake pads at regular intervals, typically every few thousand miles or at least annually. Look for thickness and any signs of uneven wear.

Q5: Do these pads come as a set for one caliper or one wheel?

A: Brake pads are typically sold per caliper. Since most motorcycle brake calipers require two pads, a single purchase usually provides pads for one caliper. You will need to buy two sets for the front wheel (if it has dual discs) and one set for the rear wheel.

In conclusion, while both FA388 and FA174HH are high-quality sintered brake pad options, the FA388 offers a more balanced approach for the versatile Honda NC700XA/XD, excelling in all-round performance and longevity. The FA174HH provides a step up in outright stopping power for those who push their bikes harder. By understanding the characteristics of each and considering your personal riding needs, you can confidently select the brake pads that will best serve your NC700XA/XD and keep you safe on every journey.