That is good information... Thanks!

Would going from a 4 piston caliper to a 6 piston caliper make up for loss of stopping power?

 

It is not necessarily down to the number of pistons but rather the total area of the bank of pistons.

If...you want the same rotor (albeit 1 instead of 2) AND the same "sensation" on the brake lever AND the same brake torque using the same master cylinder then you need the same total area - ie

4*(original piston area) = 6 * (new piston area)

Where Piston Area = Pi*(diam^2)/4

Incidentally, the comment made about heat dissipation is quite correct

 

Have to put up with me on this lol I understand about the heat dissipation, would a single , larger rotor work? Don't have this problem on any of my tractors lol

I'm not a aggressive rider at all but if the mechanics don't work then I will look for other solutions. I appreciate your advise.

 

Yes , like a Buell. That rotor size is almost the same size as the wheel. Also takes a ton of strain off the center section of the wheel. But not real aesthetically pleasing either. The first thing my dad taught me is to get something, you gotta give something.

 

Yes, you can also increase the diameter of the rotor. Again, if you kept same calliper, same master cylinder and wanted the same sensation on the lever then you would need a rotor with twice the diameter of the original.

This is why, in general, the aftermarket solutions adjust a number of variables. Understanding the effect of each allows you to do the maths. If you want me to do a calc check for you PM me details of the various products and I will be happy to oblige

 

Opinion yes, BS no. Don't go to Starbuks either.
However, I do have an civil engineering degree from an accredited US university and have a fairly good grasp on the physics associated with bringing a moving object to rest. As I said, it is an individuals personal decision to remove half the braking capability of their bike for asthetics, but do not expect it to perform as before. Oh yea, have a great day.

 

what does a CE degree have to do with this? furthermore, my point was and is that unless you have first hand knowledge of the question, why answer it with an opinion?

all the math and physics in the world looks great on an internet forum, but unless you've built a bike and tested it then you dont know for sure.

 

The Brembo system HD introduced with the '08 Touring models is a major improvement in braking power over the '07 and older brakes, so ditching the dual front calipers/rotors and replacing the left side with a superior caliper/rotor/master cylinder/brake line would probably come close to equalling or exceeding what you have now--and I'd for sure ask for technical info from any vendor offering calipers/rotors/etc. to confirm that replacing the system you now have would not be a decrease in braking power with their product(s).

Good luck with your project.

Carl

PS: On my '04, I replaced the OEM front calipers, rotors, and m/c with Brembos while retaining the HD stainless brake lines and noticed a huge improvement in braking power; the HD tech who test rode my bike after bleeding the lines said he almost went over the gas tank when he hit the front brakes hard--that's using dual calipers.

 

I can tell you about the 1 guy I met that had a single sided 13" rotor with a 6 piston Pm caliper with a 21" front wheel on a FLHX. He got the bike that way and he didn't say anything negative about the front brake. But then he got big bore(103")heads cams exhaust etc., after the dynotune and after the mechanic took it for the shakedown run he handed it off to the owner. He took his bike out for a run and that dude came back sheet white. First words out of his mouth, "What can I do to get better brakes, this thing sucks" We all laughed as we saw the single brake and the 21" and wondered what the difference was, as it did look better. I think if a guy cruises and rides like he knows he removed some braking power he should be fine. But if you think its the same as 2 rotors and 8 pistons with a wider tire, you are mistaken.

 

I have a stock 96" on my SG and plan on keeping it that way ... well, perhaps new cams in the not too distant future lol

All I what is a new wheel that is not covered by ugly *** rotors on both sides. I am not aggressive riding my SG.. dirt bikes yes!

Harleypingman can the Brembo can retro fitted to a '07 fairly easily? I have seen some nice wheels/rotors from Wannryd that would look good on my SG