question about front brakes

hi, i have an 83 750 midnight maxim. it has dual front disk brakes. i replaced the pads, but i still have a lack of stopping power. the brake handle doesn't bottom out, it feels like i have a ton of pressure on the system. i have stainless hoses that i replaced a few yrs ago, so it doesn't feel mushy. but it just doesn't feel like the pads are grabbing. i feel like i have to use too much force to stop. now granted i haven't ridden the bike for 3 yrs, i just bought it back from my brother. would the pad material make a difference? what type/brand of pads do you guys recommend? i scuffed up the rotor a little with 220 grit paper, and it seemed to help, but i didn't want to get carried away. what are the symptoms for a front caliper rebuild? thanks!

 

Have you replaced the fluid and bled the system? Its amazing how nasty and contaminated the old fluid will get (it should be clear).

I sucked out the old fluid from the resevoir and pumped all new stuff through the system (have plenty of extr a fluid available). There are several bleeding techniques (search the forums) but its not that hard just be patient.

Rebuilding the caliper and/or the master cylinder is probably a good idea also, but try the flush and bleed fisrt and see if that helps.

 

Take the whole caliper and mount off the bike.

Pull-out the Mount.
Clean the Caliper Travel Rods (Red)
They have to really cleaned down to the just the smooth surface of the Rod.
Clean the O-rings (Green) that keep-out dust and water and keep-in the grease.

Clean out the Cylinders (Blue) they travel within. Use ScotchBrite Pad to get-out any ugly, dried-up old grease. Make the inner surface of that Cylinder like NEW!

Grease with synthetic waterproof grease.

Smear the inside walls of the