stock brake pads vs aftermarket (EBC brand specifically)

[Jaxon]

Hello all - I checked with a local bike shop and they told me the aftermarket EBC brand brake pads would be much better than anything stock that I could order from the internet...just wanted to get your opinions on that. I always have trouble trusting mechanics

[Jaxon]

Boy I felt dumb when the moto dealer said I didnt need brake pads! Doh! But they saved me $100

I picked up some Seafoam tho!!

[Hoolander2]

Just because your pads aren't worn down doesn't always mean you don't need new ones.  Mine looked just fine with plenty of thickness left but I had a brake pulsing problem.  I had tried sanding the pads clean several times which would help for a few miles then the problem would return. Changing to new ceramic pads solved the problem.  Pads can get saturated with brake fluid and become less effective.
 The ceramic pads were $50 US dollars on Ebay and I installed them myself.  Xciting 500, 2007 with basically the same pads and rotors as your Xciting 250.

[axy]

I have had EBC sintered pads for 8000 kms and I am not satisfied.
It is impossible to brake gradually. They do not brake at all and suddenly they brake all the way and block the wheel.
Very bad braking pattern, I would prefer OEM pads.

Also, stay away from mechanics' advices.