Average brake pad lifetime
 

I bought my 2009 GZ250 in 2011 with only 349 miles on it. At 7200 miles, I had to replace the front brake pads. As far as my riding habits, I am very conservative and do not hard brake, slowing down and downshifting, using the rear brake and finally, using both brakes to come to a complete stop. Is this wear unusually soon or normal?

Can't comment on brake wear and longevity but I will comment on your stopping with both brakes. Don't do that! You are much safer letting off the front brake just before you come to a full stop. If you ever have to do a quick maneuver just before a full stop the front brake will bring you down to ground level. It has to do with front end geometry and all that wonderful stuff. Grab a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough for a thorough explanation about front end geometry and how it affects your health and welfare.

I live on a very hilly island. All my rides start with a steep downhill run, so the pads only last about 3000 kilometers (2000 miles)

I change my at 1500 mi because the noise not were and the second set is over 6000 mi

Thanks for the tip. I will check into it.

I have mentioned this before. For brake pads and shoes that don't work well but have lots of material left they might be glazed. A no cost fix.............lightly sandblast the pads and shoes. Use emery cloth to remove crud from the rear drum. Best advice I ever received from a fellow rider. I got in the habit off carrying spares in the tool box when out for a week riding dirt bikes in the mountains. Even the cleanest looking creeks crossings can dirty up your brake components.
Just a thought..............a wire brush should work in a pinch if you can't use a sandblaster.