I have a 2011 Sportster Low XL1200L. I replaced my stock rotor to a larger stainless steel polished rotor on the rear to match my front rotor. I use Hawk organic brake pads since the rotor is polished....but my rotor is blackish where the pads contact the rotor. Two questions:

1) The black residue on the rotor is difficult to remove. Any suggestion on an easy way to clean the rotor? I tried brake cleaner and could not get it off.

2) What kind of brake pads do not leave a residue and can be used on a polished rotor?

Heard Lyndall pads are good and do not have the dust that the organic leaves behind, but not to sure about use on polished rotors (not leaving that black residue on the rotor). Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

I've not used these but have read about them. Thinking about my next bagger pad change to try them.

DP Brakes
Dp-brakes.com

Available thru Dennis Kirk.

Sintered metallic pad made from powered metal. To be dust free with a ceramic back to help dissipate heat better.

GOOD LUCK!

 

lyndall z+

Harley Davidson Front Brake 7233
Harley Davidson Rear Brake 7234

http://www.lyndallbrakes.com/brakes/...00-series/2011

black residue is there:

 

Thanks for the pics...perhaps the black residue is "normal"

 

I don't think you're seeing any "black residue" in the above pics, that's just some rotor discoloring due to heat.

The Lyndall Z+ or Lyndall Gold pads work great, last much longer than stock pads and leave virtually zero dust. They're the only pads I use.

 

[QUOTE=cvaria;15461930]lyndall z+

Harley Davidson Front Brake 7233
Harley Davidson Rear Brake 7234

http://www.lyndallbrakes.com/brakes/...00-series/2011

I just recently put on a set of Lyndall Gold+ pads F&R along with a SS front line and fresh brake fluid and it greatly improved the braking on my bike. Having good brake components is one of the best things you can do for your bike.

 

[QUOTE=Davemac122383;15464468]Thanks for the link. My Hawk does not leave much dust (or it is just not noticeable) and decent braking...just wanted to inquire on pads that will reduce the black residue/discoloring.

Yes I relocated my rear caliper to accept a 11.5" rotor, replaced both F&R calipers, and cleared and refilled my fluid. So my brakes work fine. It appears the black residue/discoloring in normal and will occur no matter what pads you use.

Thanks again

 

When you operated disc brakes, they generate heat and leave a small layer of transfer material on the rotor. The two effects will make your rotors have a slightly bluish to slightly gray color to them. That is perfectly normal and is a good thing. That's the stuff that helps you stop.