Best way to upgrade brakes
#11
For sure. Practice panic stops. I fishtailed from 90 - was fun, probably if I practiced more wouldn't happen. I like responsive brakes, but different people have different preferences.
Everything on HD is functional - just not the best. That's why we customize to our preference, whatever it might be
Everything on HD is functional - just not the best. That's why we customize to our preference, whatever it might be
Agreed. Always room for improvement.
I just cringe when people come on here and complain about braking capability followed up by a comment like "Oh I don't touch the front brakes, I don't want to go over the handlebars"
I know the OP didn't say that but I always mention practicing because it's most often overlooked.
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mirrmu (08-10-2017)
#12
Agreed. Always room for improvement.
I just cringe when people come on here and complain about braking capability followed up by a comment like "Oh I don't touch the front brakes, I don't want to go over the handlebars"
I know the OP didn't say that but I always mention practicing because it's most often overlooked.
I just cringe when people come on here and complain about braking capability followed up by a comment like "Oh I don't touch the front brakes, I don't want to go over the handlebars"
I know the OP didn't say that but I always mention practicing because it's most often overlooked.
#13
Greetings,
I have a Switchback and would like to upgrade the brakes. The bike does not have ABS. Everything is still stock as far as brakes and the bike has 15+k miles. I had a passenger on the bike recently and found the stopping ability of the bike was being tested. I looked at the Arlen Ness rotor/kit, but it won't fit the Switchback. I've thought about doing dual disks up front, but the FLD has 41mm forks and I know of no HD with 41mm forks with dual disk brakes.
Thoughts on best brake upgrades?
I have a Switchback and would like to upgrade the brakes. The bike does not have ABS. Everything is still stock as far as brakes and the bike has 15+k miles. I had a passenger on the bike recently and found the stopping ability of the bike was being tested. I looked at the Arlen Ness rotor/kit, but it won't fit the Switchback. I've thought about doing dual disks up front, but the FLD has 41mm forks and I know of no HD with 41mm forks with dual disk brakes.
Thoughts on best brake upgrades?
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rauchman (08-10-2017)
#14
Agreed. Always room for improvement.
I just cringe when people come on here and complain about braking capability followed up by a comment like "Oh I don't touch the front brakes, I don't want to go over the handlebars"
I know the OP didn't say that but I always mention practicing because it's most often overlooked.
I just cringe when people come on here and complain about braking capability followed up by a comment like "Oh I don't touch the front brakes, I don't want to go over the handlebars"
I know the OP didn't say that but I always mention practicing because it's most often overlooked.
Hmmm. My Low Rider stops more than adequately, though the brake 'feel' could certainly be better. I'm pretty certain I can lock the front brakes on my wife's Iron with two fingers and I bet the same would happen on my Dyna with a big handful of brake application, so I'm not sure I can agree with your general characterization of "anemic". Oddly, the single disc brakes on the Sporty have much better "feel" and are much more responsive than the dual discs on the Dyna. Go figure...
Last edited by martinj; 08-09-2017 at 05:39 PM. Reason: add point
#15
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#16
#18
The simplest, cheapest and most effective way to improve your front brakes are to install a Ness Big Brake and a quality set of pads like EBT or Lyndall. I got my brake kit from Phat Performance last year and it was about $160. The improvement was way more than I expected.
If they made one for the Switchback, I'd be going that route.
#19
Honestly, you may be impressed with the effect of just switching pads. Super cheap. Try a set of sintered or semi-sintered pads from EBC or Lyndall. It's cheap and easy enough that I would start there. Also, completely flush your fluid if it's over a year old. It amazes me every time how much better the brakes feel with fresh, clean fluid.
If you want to improve lever feel, switch to a braided line. It won't improve the overall amount of braking possible, but it will really improve overall feel which may allow you to use the brakes more effectively.
Even if you end up changing everything later, the cost of pads will still have been worth it.
If you want to improve lever feel, switch to a braided line. It won't improve the overall amount of braking possible, but it will really improve overall feel which may allow you to use the brakes more effectively.
Even if you end up changing everything later, the cost of pads will still have been worth it.
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cvaria (08-10-2017)