WHAT IS IT? AP Racing’s ORR sintered
metallic brake pads use material with a high friction coefficient that
works over a broad temperature range. ORR is an acronym for Offroad
Racing.
WHAT’S IT COST?
$35.99 (a pair).
CONTACT?
www.apbrakesusa.com or (562) 945-1098.
WHAT STANDS OUT?
Here’s a
list of things that stand out with AP Racing’s ORR brake pads.
(1)
Friction rating.
Brake pads are designated by an A through H friction
rating, with H being the highest coefficient number. The ORR pads are
designated HH. More friction means more stopping power.
(2)
Development.
The AP brake pads are designed and manufactured in London,
England. Engineers use an inertia dynamometer to examine the friction
produced by the brake pads at different operating temperatures,
pressures and rubbing speeds. AP Racing developed the ORR pads several
years ago, but they have not been available to the American public. Why?
The U.S. importer waited for approval from their sponsored race teams
to make sure the pads were ready for prime time.
(3) Caveat.
We
tested the AP Racing brake pads on a 2010 Honda CRF450 against OEM Honda
pads. Everyone in the brake business will tell you that Honda’s stock
pads are very good. Additionally, the MXA wrecking crew has tried lots
of different aftermarket brake pads, and we generally prefer OEM pads.
The AP ORR pads had their work cut out for them.
(4) Front brake
pads. The front AP Racing ORR pads produced a crisper feel on initial
engagement than the stockers. The feel remained good, with improved
modulation, as we squeezed harder on the brake lever. The biggest
difference between the AP and OEM pads was that the AP pads had more
grab at the first touch of the lever. They were also easier to break in.
(5) Rear brake pads.
With the rear brake pads, we wanted to see
how well they resisted overheating (which is very easy to do on a
CRF450). One of the downsides of overheating your rear brake pads (apart
from squealing and boiling the brake fluid) is that the pads never work
as well again. Overall, the MXA wrecking crew didn’t find that the feel
or modulation of AP’s rear brakes was any better than the stock OEM
pads, but even though they lost some performance after over-heating, we
didn’t feel the need to replace them.
(6) Fluid.
We used AP
Racing PRF 660 fluid with both the stock and AP pads. It has a very high
boiling point (608 degrees Fahrenheit).
WHAT’S THE SQUAWK?
No
complaints about the AP Racing ORR pads. They work well and have
excellent durability.
The AP Racing ORR brake pads
responded quicker and broke in easier than stock Honda pads. It was a
small, gain, but small improvements in brakes can make a big difference
in results.
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