Brakes on an 05 FXDLi
Brakes on an 05 FXDLi
while the brakes are not terrible on my 05 Low Rider, they're not a patch on (admittedly) sportbikes I've owned in the past.
any recommendations / words of wisdom on options to improve the ability to safely and smoothly scrub of speed (the rains are rolling back in here in the Pacific Northwest and the thought of trading for something with ABS rears its head again!)
any recommendations / words of wisdom on options to improve the ability to safely and smoothly scrub of speed (the rains are rolling back in here in the Pacific Northwest and the thought of trading for something with ABS rears its head again!)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Texas
I have thought about this also. This is what I keep concluding...I ride a 2001 FXD with the exact same brake system as your 2005 FXDL. I have never ridden a sport bike and I do not ride like I am on a sport bike so I cannot compare the braking systems, but this brake system has proven to be sufficient for the way I ride in the conditions I ride in (we get a lot of rain down here in Houston also). If I were going to improve it, I would just scrounge up the components and make it a dual front system.
My reasoning is that since I don't have the means or inclination to ride test out all the different single disk designs to really tell which one suits my needs, and since all basic disk brake systems work pretty much the same, and not all aftermarket systems are better designed or function better than what I have. The more interesting systems are on the upper price range and when I crunch the numbers, I just feel that the return on investment to upgrade the single disk system with a significantly better braking system while keeping it a single disk system is just not that impressive to motivate me. Upgrading to a HD dual system is...I think this is the best bang for the bucks.
just my dos centavos...
My reasoning is that since I don't have the means or inclination to ride test out all the different single disk designs to really tell which one suits my needs, and since all basic disk brake systems work pretty much the same, and not all aftermarket systems are better designed or function better than what I have. The more interesting systems are on the upper price range and when I crunch the numbers, I just feel that the return on investment to upgrade the single disk system with a significantly better braking system while keeping it a single disk system is just not that impressive to motivate me. Upgrading to a HD dual system is...I think this is the best bang for the bucks.
just my dos centavos...
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,175
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From: Nor Cal
Besides the lower cost normal suggestions of Braided Lines, different brake pads and flushing fluid...
There have been good reviews on here of using the Arlen Ness 15" Big Brake Kits
http://www.arlenness.com/prodcat/big-brake-rotors.asp
Also as mentioned, you could convert to dual disc and additionally Upgrade Calipers to V-Rod/Touring Brembos
There have been good reviews on here of using the Arlen Ness 15" Big Brake Kits
http://www.arlenness.com/prodcat/big-brake-rotors.asp
Also as mentioned, you could convert to dual disc and additionally Upgrade Calipers to V-Rod/Touring Brembos
Last edited by multihdrdr; Oct 29, 2016 at 10:27 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: southeast PA
Another vote for the Big Brake. With upgraded pads it will give a significant improvement in braking. Not only is it cheaper and easier to do, the setup will have less unsprung weight than a dual setup. Plus, if you decide it's still not enough, add another rotor and caliper to the other side.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
I admit that I don't have any experience with different currently used brake systems other than OEM singles on Dynas and duals on baggers, so I am just sharing what makes sense function and dollar wise to me...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Wayne County, PA
Other than braided lines I put a pm 4 piston on the front to replace my stock single piston one. It works pretty well but I get fade in the twistys when really pushing it. I'm gonna bite the bullet and convert to dual disk and put another pm 4 piston on the right when I can afford it. Stiffer front springs help with the brake dive too.
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