I know there are some threads on this topic, but wanted to ask specifically about my set up. I have an 03 road king classic with the dual ABS. I am putting on new chrome wheels, 16x3 stock size and would really like to see more of the wheel. I’m already planning on chrome lowers, new cables and wanted to ask thoughts regarding the ride and stopping power. I’m well aware I would need a six piston caliper and perhaps even go to a 13 inch rotor. I ride solo most of the time, live where it’s flat and don’t ride across country. All the HD techs tell me I’d lose too much stoping power and strongly discourage the change. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Stopping is actually done by the tire, not the rotor & caliper. Changing to a single rotor does not change that.

What does change is the feel at the lever, both in terms of force and distance. As long as you set up for that and don't flip out over the differences, you'll be fine as far as simply stopping.

Something else that changes is friction surfaces and heat dissipation. Very generically, a single rotor will heat up faster and get hotter than a dual rotor brake will. Just like how a little brake gets hotter faster than a big brake does. This does mean you may be more likely to experience fade under repeated hard braking and using that brake to hold back speed while riding down a long mountain. Will it matter to you in your application? Probably not.

Of course, I actually ride a bike with mechanical drum brakes, so I'm really comfortable with sketchy braking power, Lol!

 

Larger diameter rotor will increase leverage ... might help

 

Except for the FatBob, your Softails on down have a single front disc. Just food for thought.

 

dont switch out to single.... just get nicer rotors.. PM and Lyndell do some real nice and color matched rotors

 

First, are you sure you have ABS? I didn't think you could get ABS until 2005 and then only on the police bikes.


Second, braking power is a function of surface area, pressure and traction. You probably don't have enough power now to lock the front wheel on dry pavement, so you haven't reached the limits of the tire. The 03 brakes aren't great, even as a dual so I wouldn't want to degrade them at all. You'll need to find a setup that increases surface area and/or pressure to even come close to equaling what you currently have and as others have said, you'll have an increased risk of fade during long or repeated stops.


Personally, I'd be looking to upgrade to better dual brakes and getting rotors that match you wheels and maybe chrome Brembo calipers.

 

There are plenty of members riding with a single rotor on a Touring bike, but that isn't for me, not least because when Mrs B and I are touring we get close to our Glide's GVWL. We each have to decide on the consequences of a change like going to one rotor, but each of our circumstances may be quite different, of course. The Alps are not far from us!

 

 

Are you sure? You may want to rethink your statement.

I'll agree that the tire meeting the road is ultimately how the bike stops, but the caliper, pads and rotor provide the necessary forces to the tire to stop the bike.

Reducing caliper, pad and rotor capacity will reduce stopping ability.

 

I wouldnt, Harley brakes arent great as it is. Heavy bike. I wouldnt decrease that stopping power.
If you do get rid of one, Id definitely upgrade to a nice rotor and good 6 piston caliper.