A question on Brakes...
#1
A question on Brakes...
Now I am "up grading the power" of the bike, I have been thinking about upgrading the "Stopping Power" as well. Having get up and go is great, but being able to stop just as well is better
I am considering replacing my Rotors, Caliper and Pads on my 97 FLSTC but am not sure what to change the stock stuff out with.
I have read about Floating, Semi Floating and Non floating Rotors. It seems as though the Floating Rotors are the best performers BUT rattle and are more for crotch rockets and the like. One thing I read said that Cruisers don't have Floating Rotors but fixed Rotors.
Brake Pads are just as diverse with Kevlar, Organic and Mixed Metals at a huge price range. Price, in my opinion, doesn't always equate to quality though.
I want to go with 4 Piston calipers but there again, there seems to be a huge range of them from various manufacturers.
So, what I would like to know are the following things:
1. Are there any manufacturers to "definitely stay away from"?
2. What type of Rotor and manufacturer do you guys recommend?
3. What type of Pads and make do you recommend?
4. What make of 4 Piston Caliper do you recommend?
5. If I change the above, will anything else need to be changed?
Thanks all and looking forward to your thoughts and recommendations.
I am considering replacing my Rotors, Caliper and Pads on my 97 FLSTC but am not sure what to change the stock stuff out with.
I have read about Floating, Semi Floating and Non floating Rotors. It seems as though the Floating Rotors are the best performers BUT rattle and are more for crotch rockets and the like. One thing I read said that Cruisers don't have Floating Rotors but fixed Rotors.
Brake Pads are just as diverse with Kevlar, Organic and Mixed Metals at a huge price range. Price, in my opinion, doesn't always equate to quality though.
I want to go with 4 Piston calipers but there again, there seems to be a huge range of them from various manufacturers.
So, what I would like to know are the following things:
1. Are there any manufacturers to "definitely stay away from"?
2. What type of Rotor and manufacturer do you guys recommend?
3. What type of Pads and make do you recommend?
4. What make of 4 Piston Caliper do you recommend?
5. If I change the above, will anything else need to be changed?
Thanks all and looking forward to your thoughts and recommendations.
#2
Forget the crotch rocket stuff and go with full floating rotors. H-D ones are good value for money and no, they don't rattle, at least until they're knackered! As a small bonus they come with new mounting screws. I actually have new EBC FF rotors for my 'new' front end, as well as their pads. Haven't built or ridden it yet though.
My photo below shows my custom Harrison 13" rotors and 6-pot calipers, which have been great while in good condition, but haven't lasted very long and are due for the chop soon. Custom calipers are darned expensive, but crotch rocket calipers can be bought new or s/h and installed using adapter plates. Add braided hoses and you should be done!
My photo below shows my custom Harrison 13" rotors and 6-pot calipers, which have been great while in good condition, but haven't lasted very long and are due for the chop soon. Custom calipers are darned expensive, but crotch rocket calipers can be bought new or s/h and installed using adapter plates. Add braided hoses and you should be done!
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#6
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Wombat if you want better brakes get a Brembo caliper.
The other option (which I am doing) is putting on dual disks.
It is way cheaper to just put a decent caliper on there than to change all the parts you will need to to go to dual disk.
The only reason I am doing it the other way is because I already put a mag wheel on the front and to me it looks silly with only one disk.
#7
Thanks guys and have been looking at the Brembo caliper as well as a couple of others but will take another look at the Brembo's again.
The floating rotors I can get from HD at a decent price. I don't have money to burn, but what price do you put on brakes? With that being said, I'm not going over board either.
Thanks Guys.
The floating rotors I can get from HD at a decent price. I don't have money to burn, but what price do you put on brakes? With that being said, I'm not going over board either.
Thanks Guys.
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#8
Yep......
#9
#10
Don't forget that it is the front tire that stops the bike, not the brakes. The stickiest front tire you can get is a good start. If you can lock up the front tire now, you have enough brake.
Most race brake setups are to better manage heat, and we don't really have a heat problem on a street bike.
Most race brake setups are to better manage heat, and we don't really have a heat problem on a street bike.