What type of brake pads are on the front of a 2004 vstar classic

stay with the oem pads since alot of other types can be very hard and wear out the discs prematurely.

most bikes less than 30 minutes each

Oil drain plug is located near the bottom of the engine, left side toward the front. The oil filter element is located on the right side of the engine under the cover toward the front. Changing the oil filter usually requires removal of the front exhaust pipe. There is an aftermarket filter relocation kit that replaces the filter element with a spin on filter that mounts on the front of the bike.

Have you checked you brake fluid lately? Turn the front wheel all the way to the left and remove the top from the master cylinder reservoir. If it's low, make sure you put the correct type of brake fluid in it. I think it's DOT 4 on your bike but it will tell you what type of fluid goes in it on the top of the master cylinder.

Now, you may have to bleed the brakes. If so, leave the top off the master cylinder and open the bleeder valve down at the brake caliper. Allow the brake fluid to run out of the bleeder for a short time. Usually, the front brakes will "self bleed" themselves doing this. If they don't, I'd take it to a dealer and let them service the brakes. Brakes are the one thing that you don't want to "skrimp" on. Make sure your brakes are right.

Good Luck
Steve

This can cause by either hand break or foot break switch malfunction. Try cleaning the switch connected on break lever or buy a new one.

i have the vstar also check your carbs may need to be rejetted

No but you need someone that can do a COMPLETE brake job. This means the rotors should be turned or machined to take out warps. You will hear all kinds of suggestions as to brake pads but I use a non-JAG pad but not ceramic. While ceramics have better stopping power they will also warp the disk faster and so you will not have as long lasting brake job

Anti-lock brakes mean the car shakes when the brake is applied. Try pumping the brakes.