[WhiskeyTangoFox]

Originally Posted by bblost

I replaced my first set of rear brake pads at 5k. Bad foot placement.

The second set is still going strong at almost 30k.

Wow. Are you still on the stock pads? I'm planning on getting the Vesrah Ceramic Pads. Any opinions?

[bblost]

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

Wow. Are you still on the stock pads? I'm planning on getting the Vesrah Ceramic Pads. Any opinions?

I am only using the OEM stuff. The last service time, the guy opened the brakes and said they are fine and put them back.

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

Wow. Are you still on the stock pads? I'm planning on getting the Vesrah Ceramic Pads. Any opinions?

I'm on 2nd set of rear brake pads too. 45k kms.

Used Vesrah Ceramic pads for about 10k kms, including to Spiti & back. Better than stock. Not significantly. Still worth the cost. I would go for them again.

Full disclosure, I had to get my front disc replaced after the trip because of wear, pattern, not rusting. I don't believe it had to do with the better pads but instead, just age. Might be prudent nonetheless to speak to a service advisor about it.

Regardless, even the ever so slightly better braking, will keep you mentally at peace riding out every day, than eventually replacing discs (that costs about 4k if I recall right).
Also check the EBCs. Quite a few have recommended it. I personally am yet to try.

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

I'm on 2nd set of rear brake pads too. 45k kms.

How long did you first set last for?

Originally Posted by shyamg28

Used Vesrah Ceramic pads for about 10k kms, including to Spiti & back. Better than stock. Not significantly. Still worth the cost. I would go for them again.

Regardless, even the ever so slightly better braking, will keep you mentally at peace riding out every day, than eventually replacing discs (that costs about 4k if I recall right).

In what manner is it better? Is it wrt feedback or bite or braking distance?

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

How long did you first set last for?

Can't recall accurately as I haven't put all this down in an excel as I should have. But I think around 20k was the first time.

Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox

In what manner is it better? Is it wrt feedback or bite or braking distance?

Feedback, not so much. Bite is better. Distance depends on how tightly one pulls at the lever. Even the OE would stop, but required more effort. Vesrah is marginally better.

[100Kmphormore]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

Bit of a weight loss program on my Himalayan since it's no longer being used for touring purposes -

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Hey Shyam
Is this Shad:topbox/Givi topbox on your Wee silent on bad roads/patchy roads and stable? I have been using a BSDDP 45L topbox for a couple of trips until on ghat sections while cornering, the yaw got so pronounced and the pat-pat noise on bad roads got so irritating I decided to sell it off. Using a touring backpack from Thomas Cook ever since, can I trust these not to deliver a Metallica concert?

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by 100Kmphormore

Hey Shyam
Is this Shad:topbox/Givi topbox on your Wee silent on bad roads/patchy roads and stable? I have been using a BSDDP 45L topbox for a couple of trips until on ghat sections while cornering, the yaw got so pronounced and the pat-pat noise on bad roads got so irritating I decided to sell it off. Using a touring backpack from Thomas Cook ever since, can I trust these not to deliver a Metallica concert?

Hahaha! The early thrash from Metallica you mean

For me the yaw has never been pronounced with a pillion. And I'm generally a slow rider.
Riding alone (and with a group), I very much prefer not to have the top box, especially because I know I can ride faster, so I don't want the top box reducing my already reduced capability of riding decently fast.

The sound, ah well, that's something that I've gotten used to by now. The more you stuff in (not weight but volume), the lesser movement there is inside the top box, which helps. I tried using bungees to ensure I could fasten items in place within the box but no luck with that jugaad lol.

The Givi Monokey is what I have. Far superior according to me than the SHAD SH39 that I use on my Himalayan. Had posted a couple of pics here (The Riding Gear thread). But it will still have the same effect as your current box. Sound and fish tailing included. That doesn't change much with any top box. Maybe an inner soft box would help reduce the sound. I haven't tried.

By the way, if the sound is coming from the plate on which the box is held, then the Givi M7 plate is awesome! The SHAD plate as well makes some sounds.

All in all, I've gotten used to this and nothing has fallen off and no nuts & bolts have broken off so I don't care that much. In city, these are a great option!

Touring, try & add weight to the front of the bike if you want to continue using a top box. Something like crash bar bags should help. The Viaterra ones for Himalayan work aces I believe.

Let us know which way you lean and your experience!

[100Kmphormore]

Hahaha! The early thrash from Metallica you mean

Anyone who has heard Master of Puppets will relate . Thanks for sharing your detailed experience with the boxes!

Riding alone (and with a group), I very much prefer not to have the top box, especially because I know I can ride faster, so I don't want the top box reducing my already reduced capability of riding decently fast.

My opinion is just that, sir. To the T.

The more you stuff in (not weight but volume), the lesser movement there is inside the top box, which helps. I tried using bungees to ensure I could fasten items in place within the box but no luck with that jugaad lol.

For me, the box is really full when i am touring for a week, not like the regular weekenders I do. Its the items like a water bottle or any tea/coffee/chcocolate packets you pick up that causes the imbalance in load, compared to a couple set of clothes. Securing them has been a failure for me too.

Trying the Viaterra tailbag this time. Hopefully will be a better experience, as these might be the last days of my Himalayan ownership, as the power, weight and suspension too is not a balance of road-offroad, it being more offroad biased, causing the yaw. Struck a potential deal on a well maintained 390 Adventure, proceeding only if it feels like a fit, else a new/preowned Versys/Ninja 650 is on the cards.

[100Kmphormore]

Trying the Viaterra tailbag this time. Hopefully will be a better experience, as these might be the last days of my Himalayan ownership, as the power, weight and suspension too is not a balance of road-offroad, it being more offroad biased, causing the yaw.

Had been to Agumbe just this weekend with my friend on his Gixxer 250SF (25-26 March), asked Amazon to do a priority delivery of my Viaterra tailbag by Friday 10 pm vs expected delivery date of 25 March, they did so, giving me a chance to try it out.

The Viaterra Element tailbag is very well designed to sit on the rear seat without the side pockets protruding onto the sides. Quite spacious too, at 35L. Has a rain cover too, to protect from rains or splashes. Only drawback i could think of is the lack of locking/clip on type straps like the Viaterra Claw(you have to fasten using the long straps into the backpack type fasteners) and the lack of a locking mechanism like a topbox in case you are walking into a restaurant and have expensive camera equipment in it, since everytime you will have to unfasten the straps and take the bag with you, and again mount it (which, with heavy riding gear like Rynox jackets on in the heat, feels like a punishment) which is a time consuming process.

Riding wise is where it excels. There is no yaw/movement if you have secured it properly (documentation is very well given and theres a youtube video on their page as well) and feels one with the bike. Could corner easily without that yaw and irritating tapping sound that a topbox produces, as the roads are patchy after Kottigehara. Feels very premium and a well designed product for a 3-4 day trip at Rs.2699.