All,

I'm going to do a little upgrade to my braking system. I have an idea of how much I want to spend and my two options are:

1. Install a better front caliper / floating rotor.

2. Install HD's dual disc kit for my FXD.

My question is, what will I get "better" braking performance from, the aftermarket 4 or 6 piston caliper or installing a second OEM caliper and 2nd disc. The dual disc is a bit more costly and I don't want to go that route if in fact option 1 is equally effective.

Thanks.

 

I did the dual disc set-up using a second OEM caliper, pads, and disc. It definitely stops much better than stock, but I can't compare to an aftermarket 6 piston caliper. A lot of guys say they are satisfied just by using Lyndall pads, but I haven't tried those either (I'll switch to them when I need new pads).

 

I dunno about either choice you are trying to decide on. My thought on it is if you have too much front brake it is just as bad if not worse than not having enough...with that said I know several people that have removed the front brake completely and use the rear brake and/or gear down to slow down or stop.

 

i have been told lyndall pads and rotors will give up to 50%(don't quote me on that) better stopping power over stock and the reduced weight of the equippment improves overall power to the wheel. I'll do that mod someday when I'm feeling rich! right now stock braking on the fatbob is just fine plenty!

 

That might be the craziest thing I've ever heard. Remove the front brake completely? I need to stay away from wherever those guys are riding.

To the OP, I did the HD dual brake conversion, and it's a really nice upgrade. What better caliper/rotor are you considering that costs less than the HD dual brake kit? I paid $297 from Zanotti's, and it came with everything including new pads and stainless lines. I also put EBC sintered pads in both calipers and put the new HD pads in the rear brake. I'm satisfied. Plus. IMO the dual brakes look much better than before.

 

70+% of braking power is from the front. I ride twisties hard and would not last long with no front brakes. After engine upgrades, suspension upgrades, and some brake upgrades (running LRB pads) I need _more_ not less braking power for how I ride.

Just exploring best options for that increase.

 

Sorry, I didn't catch it before my first post, but I see you have on 04. As MZBuckeye recommends, I don't think you could possibly get better bang for your buck than the Harley kit. Start with that kit, then maybe try lyndall pads. It would still cost less than a 6 piston binder.

As for the post about no front brake, I hope that was a joke.

*Edit - I see you already have the LRB pads. Nevermind.

 

Personally I would look at a 6 piston and a better rotor before going to duals just to try and keep rotational weight down. You'll have more braking power and a better performing wheel, though you might get better stopping power with a dual set up. Heck, down the road you might even be able to upgrade again to a dual 6 piston set up... might be kinda overkill though...

lyndalls are also a whole lot cleaner then the stock pads.

I've seen guys run older bobbers with out a front brake, the scary thing is when they are jockey shift/suicide clutch set ups too. Come to an up hill stop and you have one foot holding down the clutch and another on the brake, no feet to put down.

I met a friend of a family friend that claimed that he could hold the bike in place with the clutch for an up hill stop like that, never saw it though.

 

I have an 07 FXD with cast wheels, so a single caliper was the only option...I went with the QTM-Brembo.....pricey, very happy with it. I believe the 04 cast wheel will accept a 2nd rotor..if that is true, the HD kit might be cheaper.

If you are willing to go with used parts, there may be other options, such as V Rod calipers, etc....not sure what will work on your bike. There are lots of threads on this forum (and the vtwin forum) on this subject.

If your current brake is as bad as the one I had, anything should be an improvement

 

Eric! what the hell man! hit me up next time on your way though town... I have been following some ideas's myself on this.. here are the posts i have saved for it:
Duel disk brakes:
https://www.hdforums.com/m_3632699/tm.htm
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-glide-models/266574-dual-brakes-on-street-bob-fast-straight-no-fade.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...will-they.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...kit-today.html

4 piston brembo brakes (off sport bike)
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...al-brembo.html


Floating rotors
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-glide-models/279425-brake-rotors.html