Plastic Brake Pad Shims

This is a follow-on from the topic 'Clicking Noise from Front Brake':

My new OEM pads arrived today and once again I am puzzled by the inclusion of the plastic shims which come with the kit.

The front pads have one plastic shim:



The rear pads have two plastic shims:



What on earth are they for? Should I insert them when fitting the pads?

Well I think I've answered my own question....mostly.

The rear pads without the plastic shims leave the clips from the metal shims protruding beyond the backing plate. These will scrape the disc once the pad wear goes beyond the clip.

Here's the pad without the plastic shim:




Here's the pad with the plastic shim:




Here's the front pad which doesn't need the shim in any case:



Have I solved this mystery?

Whatever the case, I've put the plastic shims on the rear pads. Test ride tomorrow.

Perhaps the plastic pads were a enkiering move to cover up a mistrake

IMO the plastic shim is a heat insulator and it should go on piston side, but not outside of metal shim ?, your rear placement/deduction looks correct, IAC I'll take a look at my front/rear calipers (that I believe is still undisturbed from oem) when I get home in a few hours and report back, WKYP.

I suspect that oldwingguy might be right in terms of a Honda 'afterthought' on the rear. As for the front shim, putting it on the piston side seems to make sense.

Looking forward to your findings zrx212.

Ok, it's done, on my oem installation. 
Rear, plastic shims on both sides against back of pad and then metal shim. 
Front plastic shim on outside pad only(caliper piston side) and then metal shims on both sides.

The thing most people don't do when installing new brake pads is break them in properly(yes I know the peanut gallery is rolling their eyes ??) but here it is.

https://www.partzilla.com/blog/breaking-in-motorcycle-brake-pads-tips

"Alas my dear Watson, the riddle of Mr Honda's legacy is solved".

Thanks for that zrx212. I'm off to the garage to re-install my new pads and then carry out the bedding in process as per your link.

I hope this thread will provide a useful tip for our members. Hoorah!