Brake Systems
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,840
Likes: 900
From: Philly Suburbs
A stainless line will improve lever feel and possibly help the rider's ability to modulate pressure at the limit, but it does nothing to actually improve the bike's ability to stop. The only difference between braided and rubber occurs during the time the rubber line is expanding... Once it's fully pressurized, it really behaves the same as a braided line (unless it's in bad shape). The big rotor kit actually increases the swept area of contact between pad and rotor considerably, thus having a significant impact on performance. There is simply a lot more rotor passing between the pads for any given amount of distance traveled.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 561
From: Kerrville, Texas
A stainless line will improve lever feel and possibly help the rider's ability to modulate pressure at the limit, but it does nothing to actually improve the bike's ability to stop. The only difference between braided and rubber occurs during the time the rubber line is expanding... Once it's fully pressurized, it really behaves the same as a braided line (unless it's in bad shape). The big rotor kit actually increases the swept area of contact between pad and rotor considerably, thus having a significant impact on performance. There is simply a lot more rotor passing between the pads for any given amount of distance traveled.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,279
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
I got mine from Phat Performance. At the time it was about $165.
Sorry, that was a typo. It was $265.
Sorry, that was a typo. It was $265.
Last edited by nevil; Nov 30, 2017 at 06:18 AM. Reason: typo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,756
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
Add me to the list of very happy Big Brake rotor owners
F86 nailed it with his post, the Big Brake is worth the price of admission. I do practice max/threshold braking from highway speeds down to parking lot speeds and the rotor does make a substantial difference in braking distances.I'm also using Lyndall pads front and rear, they do provide a better 'feel' at the lever as you approach maximum braking. The Big Brake isn't difficult to install; you need to remove the front wheel, mount the new rotor to the wheel, mount the caliper adapter to the slider, mount the wheel, and mount the caliper to the adapter.
Check Phat Performance for best pricing on the Big Brake kits; the price has increased since I bought mine but I'd still do it again without hesitation: http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/...rake-rotor.htm
You can see in this image how the caliper adapter is mounted:
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,840
Likes: 900
From: Philly Suburbs
Honestly, if price is an issue (which it always is), you might start by upgrading the pads and completely flushing the system with fresh fluid. Pads from Lyndall or EBC can make a noticeable difference for a very reasonable cost. And I'm constantly amazed at how much better everything feels after a good flush and thorough bleeding... I don't know exactly what your braking goals are, but you might be satisfied with the result of some pretty simple upgrades...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 561
From: Kerrville, Texas
Honestly, if price is an issue (which it always is), you might start by upgrading the pads and completely flushing the system with fresh fluid. Pads from Lyndall or EBC can make a noticeable difference for a very reasonable cost. And I'm constantly amazed at how much better everything feels after a good flush and thorough bleeding... I don't know exactly what your braking goals are, but you might be satisfied with the result of some pretty simple upgrades...
this bike was already upgraded to better lines when I got it in June and I did a flush on both ends of the bike when I changed out the rear caliper in July because it was hosed up. and it does stop well, but if this will make it stop BETTER and look a little different... why not?
on the arlen ness site the kit i like the look of is PN# 02-994 the wave rotor style
when looking at PHATs site I dont see it listed at all and its confusing as they list FLT and softail
We are business men, price is always an issue because there's always another upgrade and running you mouth gets you deals that save money for the next upgrade. Never pay retail.
Last edited by cvaria; Dec 3, 2017 at 07:37 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 5,801
Likes: 809
From: South Carolina
Man I almost woke my wife laughing at this post..