Looking to upgrade the brakes on my FLD. I love the look of the stock rim and really don't want go all out and get a new rim to support 2 disks, new right leg lower, etc.....


I saw Performance Machine makes 4 and 6 pot calipers. Is this a worthwhile upgrade for brake performance (assume new pads as well)?

Thanks!

 

I'm interested too, would this be a simple bolt-on upgrade with actual results or would you need to upgrade the master cylinder as well?

 

Good question. Hopefully someone chimes on this.

 

Just from what I've read, no stellar outcomes.
The number of pots doesn't really matter much. What matters is the hydraulic ratio between the master cylinder and caliper.

 

100% yes. Here is the reason

1. They look better
2. better pad bite
3. More piston options (4 or 6)
4. Bigger pistons

Now on another note. I have a pm 4 piston on the rear of my softail. That thing works. I have used them before on the front and am looking to pick up a used one right now for my evo softail. On my Dyna i used the speed merchant radial caliper mount bracket. This setup cost me about 200 bucks to do including the bracket and caliper. It works exceptionally well. It is also easy to get pads for because you can get them at any sportbike shop. Just something to think about but aftermarket brakes make a heck of a difference compared to stock assuming you are using stainess lines.

 

I have used a woods 4 piston caliper and it does make a difference.

 

I can easily exceed tire traction on both my front and rear brakes. If the brakes are good enough to exceed the grip of the tires (and not fade), there's not to be gained from brake mods. Except that they may give you better performance psychologically.

 

Can you expand on that? Are you saying if you upgrade the master cylinder, it would achieve better results than caliper change?

 

I have had the chance to use and try out PM,Brembo & HHI brakes on various custom builds over the years and they are all an improvement over stock HD.
My preferance being the Brembos.
They all grab better and have an improved "feel".
The worst brakes I have ever tried where the stock rear brakes on a 2010 FXDWG, absolute garbage!

 

It's a bolt on, plug and play, and it is worth it. I've had mine for years, and added a dual disk in front as well. I also went with PM controls and utilized their master cylinder, and the relationship between the two does make sense.