How to Change Brake Pads on a 2015 Kawasaki KLX110L

Shop parts for a 2015 Kawasaki KLX110L Dirt Bike.

Why pad maintenance matters for your KLX110L

The 2015 Kawasaki KLX110L is a lightweight trail/youth dirt bike with hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Like most modern dirt bikes – whether motocross, trail, enduro or dual-sport – the KLX110L uses a brake lever or pedal and a master cylinder to press fluid through a hydraulic line to a caliper that squeezes pads against a steel rotor. Clean, properly-sized brake pads maintain predictable stopping power, rider control and safe modulation on varied terrain. Replacing worn pads is a simple garage-level job that pays big dividends in safety and confidence on the trail.

Signs your KLX110L needs new pads

  • Reduced braking power or longer stopping distances.
  • Squealing, chirping or grinding noises from the caliper area.
  • Excessive brake lever or pedal travel before engagement.
  • Visible pad material worn thin – backing plate showing or less than 1-2 mm friction material remaining.
  • Blue or discolored rotor surface from overheating or glazing.

Inspect pads after muddy rides or extended hard braking sessions. If in doubt, change them — pads are inexpensive and quick to replace.

Basic brake components to know

  • Brake lever or pedal – the rider control.
  • Master cylinder – converts lever force into hydraulic pressure.
  • Hydraulic brake line – routes fluid to the caliper.
  • Brake caliper – houses the pistons and pads.
  • Brake pads – friction material that clamps the rotor.
  • Brake rotor (disc) – steel surface the pads bite against.

Hydraulic pressure pushes the caliper piston(s) outward so the pads clamp the rotor and slow the bike.

Tools & supplies you'll need

  • Basic metric socket or wrench set
  • Needle-nose pliers and flat screwdriver
  • New brake pad set for 2015 Kawasaki KLX110L
  • Clean rags, isopropyl alcohol or brake cleaner
  • Small C-clamp or piston-compressing tool (or a large flat screwdriver carefully used)
  • Torque wrench (recommended for axle/nut reassembly)

Step-by-step – changing the pads

The KLX110L calipers are straightforward. Follow these steps in your garage or driveway:

  1. Prepare the bike and workspace. Park on level ground, set the bike on a kickstand or service stand so the wheel can rotate freely. Clean the braking area of mud and grit to avoid contamination during the job.
  2. Secure the bike. Use a small stand under the frame so the wheel is off the ground. You do not need a professional lift.
  3. Remove the wheel if necessary. Many KLX110L setups allow pad removal with the wheel installed. If wheel removal makes access easier, loosen axle hardware and slide the axle out, then remove the wheel.
  4. Locate and remove the pad retaining pin or clip. Use needle-nose pliers or a screwdriver to remove the retaining clip or cotter pin that holds the pad pin in place. Slide the pin out to free the pads.
  5. Slide the old pads out. Pull the pads straight out of the caliper bracket. Note pad orientation and any shims so you can install the new set the same way.
  6. Inspect the rotor and caliper. Check rotor thickness, runout and surface condition. Look for grit or scoring inside the caliper. Clean the rotor with alcohol or brake cleaner and wipe the caliper bore and bracket free of dirt.
  7. Compress the caliper piston(s). Use a C-clamp or a flat tool to slowly push the piston(s) back into the caliper until there is clearance for the new, thicker pads. Take care not to damage the piston seal. If the master cylinder reservoir is low, watch fluid level as you compress the piston to avoid overflow at the reservoir.
  8. Install the new pads. Place the new friction pads into the caliper in the same orientation as the originals. Reinsert any shims and slide the retaining pin back through the pads and caliper.
  9. Secure the retaining hardware. Reinstall the clip, cotter pin or locking tab that holds the pad pin in place. Confirm the pin is fully seated and cannot back out under vibration.
  10. Reinstall the wheel (if removed). Refit the wheel, slide in the axle, and torque axle nuts to the specified tightness for safe operation. Ensure the rotor sits centered between the pad faces.
  11. Restore brake pressure. Slowly pump the brake lever or pedal several times until firm. This re-seats the pads against the rotor and pushes hydraulic pressure back into the line. You may need to top up master cylinder fluid if levels are low.
  12. Test before riding. With the bike still supported, spin the wheel to check for rubbing and confirm lever feel is firm. Perform low-speed stopping checks in a controlled area before normal riding.

Helpful inspection checks while you're working

  • Rotor thickness & surface – replace if deeply scored or warped.
  • Fluid leaks – check around the caliper pistons and brake line connections.
  • Caliper slides – ensure guide pins move freely if applicable; clean and lightly grease sliding surfaces where specified.
  • Pad retaining hardware – confirm pins and clips are not bent or worn and seat securely.
  • Contamination – if pads or rotor are soaked with oil or excessive grease, clean or replace as needed.

Bedding in new brake pads

Bedding improves initial bite and pad-rotor contact. On the KLX110L, perform 8-12 progressive stops from moderate speed to lower speed, allowing the brakes to cool briefly between runs. Avoid hard panic stops during bedding. After bedding, confirm lever feel and braking consistency with a few controlled stops.

Final checks and riding tips

  • Recheck pad pins and axle torque after the first ride.
  • If lever feels spongey after pumping, check fluid level and bleed the system if necessary.
  • Regularly inspect pads after muddy, wet or heavy-braking days; youth and trail bikes like the KLX110L can pick up grit that accelerates wear.

Changing pads on the 2015 Kawasaki KLX110L is a manageable task with basic tools and saves you money while keeping your bike responsive and safe on the trail.

Related Shopping Categories

Shop Brake Pads for a 2015 Kawasaki KLX110L Dirt Bike.

Shop Brake Rotors for a 2015 Kawasaki KLX110L Dirt Bike.

Shop Brake Lines for a 2015 Kawasaki KLX110L Dirt Bike.

Shop Brake Bleeders for a 2015 Kawasaki KLX110L Dirt Bike.

Shop Brake Tools for a 2015 Kawasaki KLX110L Dirt Bike.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.