Front brake pads replaced + advice needed

[darrsi]

I want to really thank everyone who gave me advice on this thread. It has been much appreciated.

Update, if you're interested. I gave the front callipers new pads and a fairly good clean as much as possible without actually removing the pistons. I smeared red rubber grease around the pistons and some copper slip on the back of the pads and a little on the pins as well. The front pads are not binding anywhere near as much as when I first changed the pads without cleaning the pistons (ie, they do contact the disc but it's easier to spin the wheel around now). I have now done about 100 miles on the new pads and all feels good.

Buoyed up by this relative success, I have just cleaned the rear calliper and changed the pads as well. The rear calliper was filthy and the pistons need replacing or a damn good clean I think due to corrosion (seems like a bad design to have the calliper upside down so it collects water and debris). However, they do feel a lot better now. There is a little drag on the disc like the front but it doesn't seem too bad.

I do have another problem relating to the front brake switch but I'm going to start another thread about that little chestnut.

Thanks again guys

You'll get a little bit of drag for short period of time simply because you've displaced the pads, but once ridden for a while they should all feel good.
Pick a nice sunny day twice a year when you have a day off and make a habit of giving them a good clean and the results will always be really worthwhile.
I did a rush job on a carb balance last night after work, with a threat of sudden lack of daylight and a neighbour that works a night shift, but more importantly i got them balanced very level after a good 20 minutes of a running a noisy engine, and i can't wait to try out my handy work in an hour.