Front Disc Brake Pads | Honda CB350G, CB360, CB450, CB500, CB550
The stock brake pads on these bikes are 45+ years old. They harden, glaze over, and lose friction — and that's if they haven't crumbled apart entirely. These Italian-made replacement pads restore full stopping power to your single-disc front brake. Direct fit, no modification required.
Why You Need This
If your front brake lever pulls to the bar before the bike slows down, your pads are done. Original pads that have been sitting for five decades are well past the point of safe use — the friction compound hardens, glazes, and loses its grip. Contamination from a leaky caliper piston seal accelerates the problem. These pads are thicker than OEM spec and use a modern semi-metallic compound rated for wet and dry conditions.
The set includes two pads — one thicker (piston side) and one thinner (opposite side). This is the Honda factory design, not a mistake.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
| OEM Part Numbers | 45105-390-305, 45105-323-023, 45105-323-036, 45105-323-043, 45105-390-003, 45105-390-006, 45106-323-006, 45106-323-013, 45106-390-003, 45106-390-006, 45106-390-305 |
| Fits Models | CB350G (1973), CB360G/T (1974–1976), CB450K5–K7 (1972–1974), CB500T (1975–1976), CB350F (1972–1974), CB400F (1975–1977), CB500K (1971–1973), CB550K/F (1974–1978) |
| Compound | Semi-metallic with brass/bronze content, Italian-made |
| Sold As | Pair (1 thick + 1 thin pad) |
| Brake System | Single-disc hydraulic front brake |
Model-Specific Notes
- CB350 K0–K4 and CL350: These have drum front brakes — you need brake shoes, not pads.
- CB350G (1973 only): The G is the disc-brake variant of the 350 twin. Confirm your bike has a front disc before ordering.
- CB450 K0–K4: Earlier 450s used drum front brakes. Only the K5 (1972), K6 (1973), and K7 (1974) have disc brakes.
Installation
Difficulty: Beginner
Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver or 8mm wrench (pad pin), disc brake caliper grease
- Remove the pad pin with a Phillips screwdriver or 8mm wrench
- Slide out the old brake pads
- Drop in the new pads — thicker pad goes on the piston side (inboard)
- Apply a thin coat of disc brake caliper grease to the back of each pad and the caliper housing recesses to prevent squeal
- Pull the rotor and sand both sides with 100-grit sandpaper to remove surface glaze — this restores bite and helps the new pads bed in
- Reinstall the pad pin and test the brake lever for firm pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this fit my Honda CB350?
Only if it's a 1973 CB350G with a front disc brake. The CB350 K0 through K4 (1968–1972) all have drum front brakes and use brake shoes instead. Look at your front wheel — if there's a caliper and rotor, these fit. If there's a round drum plate, you need shoes.
What OEM part does this replace?
These replace all Honda front disc brake pad part numbers across the CB twin and four-cylinder range: 45105-390-305, 45105-323-023, 45105-323-036, 45105-323-043, 45105-390-003, 45105-390-006, 45106-323-006, 45106-323-013, 45106-390-003, 45106-390-006, and 45106-390-305. Honda used different numbers across model years but the pad dimensions are identical.
Why is one pad thicker than the other?
Honda's single-piston caliper design pushes from one side only. The thicker pad goes on the piston side (inboard) and the thinner pad sits on the fixed side (outboard). The rotor floats between them. This is factory correct.
Can I install these myself?
Yes — pull the pad pin, swap the pads, and grease the backs. No need to disconnect any brake lines. Our front brake rebuild video above covers the full caliper disassembly including pad swap.
Should I replace anything else while I'm in there?
If your caliper is leaking brake fluid or the piston is sticky, grab the caliper rebuild kit — it includes new pads plus a piston seal, dust seal, bleed screw, and crush washers. If the caliper body itself is cracked or corroded beyond saving, we sell replacement caliper bodies.
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Last updated: February 2026