Leaky front forks and EBC brakes

[ducej]

OK, just noticed after a nice ride that the left fork of my s2r was leaking oil. Meaning simmering/seal is down and up for replacement. Off course I will replace all seals on both sides and considered, while having everything apart, to change front discs and friction material right away, being less than 4.5 mm on the discs so new discs, new friction. I was thinking of not upgrading to the 320mm discs with all the money to be spent for callipers etc. An S2R, in my opinion, has sufficient stopping power with the originals of 300 mm. However I thought about getting some better materials than the OEM Brembo`s, like EBS XC contours S drive with EBS friction material (Sinter) for stopping power. Please your opinions. Is this good (I am not looking for the best, but for ` value for money` and better than original) or can I do better....
Appreciated!

[Howie]

I'm a little curious about your brake thickness numbers.  AFAIK, OEM stock is 4mm new, 3.6mm. minimum.  Anyway, minimum thickness should be stamped on your brake rotors and that is what you should go by.  If your rotors are within spec I would just go for the new pads.  The EBC rotors are an improvement, but, IMO, not enough to warrant the replacement of still serviceable OEM rotors.  Our sponsor Chris Kelly has a good description of different pads for your bike  http://ca-cycleworks.com/products/brakes/brake-pads

[ducpainter]

Your biggest improvements in braking will come from upgraded pads and lines.

The stock rotors, if withing spec, will work fine.

[manwithgun]

If you've got an S2R800 with stock non-adjustable forks, my opinion is that $0 should be invested in them as they are the weak link on that bike.  Most leaky fork seals can be cleaned and saved using a business card, thin plastic, or one of these thingys    http://www.motosport.com/motorcycle/MOTION-PRO-SEALMATE

First pry down the visible dust wiper with a flathead screwdriver which is often mistaken as the fork oil seal, clean, then carefully insert chosen tool under the oil seal, and make a revolution with the finishing motion angled down to remove any debris that may have been contaminating the seal and causing the leak.  I'm sure that an internet search will give a better explanation of the procedure. 

[SpikeC]

 I used the SealMate on the Ohlins forks on my first Monster and after 2 tries they did stop leaking, so this methods does work.
YMMV!

[ducej]

Thx for all the advice. Tried the sealmate methode with a piece of plastic cut out a PET bottle (it was coca cola fwiw). Some sand and black stuff came out, compressed the forks a couple of times and it appears leaking is gone. Keep fingers crossed. I have been driving lately in heavy rain with very sandy roads, could be related...

@ Howie, my BRembo rotors state minimum thickness of 4,5 mm, any ideas if these might not be OEM? Anyway, they measur 4,6 to 4,7 mm so soon to be replaced, together with some good pads.

[Howie]

Thx for all the advice. Tried the sealmate methode with a piece of plastic cut out a PET bottle (it was coca cola fwiw). Some sand and black stuff came out, compressed the forks a couple of times and it appears leaking is gone. Keep fingers crossed. I have been driving lately in heavy rain with very sandy roads, could be related...

@ Howie, my BRembo rotors state minimum thickness of 4,5 mm, any ideas if these might not be OEM? Anyway, they measur 4,6 to 4,7 mm so soon to be replaced, together with some good pads.

Hope all works out well with the forks.  Do top up the fluid level.

Can't tell you if they are OEM or not,  Ducati's specs are not always correct.  Always go by Min on the rotor.  Either way I would replace with 5mm. rotors.