2009 S40 with only 5500 km on it has any had to replace their front brake pads at this point ?

 

Front brake pads should be good for 20000 km + with moderate use. You can easily see how much lining is left on brake pads by looking either between the rotor and caliper surfaces or through a viewing port or cover that is often provided for the purpose on the top of many models of brake caliper.

 

I agree, but still depends on how you use your bike. If your ride on a track it may wear and tear faster. Make sure to inspect it and check for its limiter.

 

An S40?????

 

That is rather low mileage (3,400 miles) to need to replace brake pads. I replaced mine at about the 8,000 mile (13,000 km) mark with modern kevlar compound ones, which were less noisy (replacement due to OEM pads were noisy); rebuilt caliper and replaced shoes again when I experienced a leak ruining the pads. (Mine was 1987 Savage - S40 is a rebadged Savage.)

If your pads are wearing prematurely may mean that the calipers may be binding or master cylinder isn't fully releasing pressure when hand is relaxed, causing excessive wear. It is normal for the pads to touch the disk, but they shouldn't be applying any force to it.

If pads are bonded, time to replace is roughly 1/16 inch (1.6 mm), gaged at the most worn point. If riveted, about 1/8 inch (3.2 mm). Mechanics manual gives more precise values, I'm just giving rule of thumb. If you have metal to metal wear (rivets or pad steel), replace immediately. Else the metal to metal wear will tear up the rotor requiring resurfacing or replacement. Replacement get expensive.