I,ve just turned over 16k miles on by bike and was wandering about how long the brake pads should last. I don't ride really hard, yet i don'd baby it ether. Also, how do i check the pads? I did notice that the fluid was just a bit lower than when it was new. Thanks for the help.

Did you look to see how far downb they were worn?

Emrah

jp,
really depends on how the bike was ridden. I replaced the rear pads on my '01 model @ 13k miles, probably could have gone 20k but had a big trip plan. 1mm is the service limit, measured from the metal backplate the pad is attached to of the brake - to determine thickness, need to lay down and look up at them. Get your flashlight out.

The front still had 40% left @ 23k miles, I'm not a heavy brake user so your mileage may vary.

Thanks Emrah and Berto. After Emrah's post i felt like duh, what a dumb question. went home, looked up at the pads with a light approx 3mm to 4mm left. Lots of miles still to go on them. Thanks guys

And here's a tip:

Don't top up the fluid before checking on the status of your pads, else when you replace the little buggers you might have too much fluid. If they're close to replacing, do it, then check fluid again.

Then again you could just take the opportunity to flush and bleed 'em...