Warped rotors
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
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From: Louisiana
Warped rotors
Yesterday while I was riding I noticed a "swish swish swish" sounds coming from the front of the bike at low speeds. I usually ride with ear buds so I can listen to music so I cant say for sure how long the sound has been there. Today I put it up on the stand and spun the front wheel and it looks like I warped the rotors. For some reason my magnetic dial base wont stick to my fork legs but it looks like both of them are warped. These rotors came as part of a wheel package from Southern Motorcycle Works and they are one peace units that match the wheels. I guess my question is, how common is it to warp rotors? I admit I do ride pretty aggressively and mostly use the front brakes when stopping. But I haven't beat on them and Ive only had them for about a 1000 miles. Im kinda stuck with getting another set simply because they match my wheels and they don't offer the design in a floating style. Any thoughts or opinions? Thanks
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,756
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From: Out West
That's a bummer, no doubt. Have you spoke with them about the issue?
Say worst case scenario, you have to buy new rotors, I wouldn't buy the same ones, because for one, I personally can't see your riding habits on that bike having been the culprit and two, very good chance it could repeat itself.
So, some of those hot Lyndalls in all black sounds like the ticket, match your bike nicely too
Say worst case scenario, you have to buy new rotors, I wouldn't buy the same ones, because for one, I personally can't see your riding habits on that bike having been the culprit and two, very good chance it could repeat itself.
So, some of those hot Lyndalls in all black sounds like the ticket, match your bike nicely too
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
Yea I spoke to SMW a little while ago and he said it isn't common. I kind of expected that reply though. It just sucks because the rotors match the wheels so either I gamble on another set and try to start using my back brake more or I get another set of good quality floating rotors for more money that don't match.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 735
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From: New Brunswick, Canada
My bike was bought new in 2011,by the end of summer my front rotor was warped pretty bad,had it replaced under warrenty,I ride hard and am front brake heavy.I only had around 10,000 kms at the time.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
Im going to loosen everything up and retorque but I know for a fact that everything was good when I installed the wheels. The wheel spun smooth and quiet. Now it grabs for about 1/4 of the rotation so Im pretty sure the rotors are warped. And I DO ride like an *** sometimes. lol.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
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Warped 1 piece rotors are common on baggers 08 and newer, but not on a Dyna of any year. It is possible that they have been that way the whole time and you never noticed. the tell tale sign of warpage is vibration in the brake lever.
When we sell a wheel and rotors we true the rotors once they are mounted on the wheel as rotors being out of true right out of the box is extremely common especially on chrome wheels. All it takes is a hub that has chrome buildup or is not perfectly flat for a rotor to be out of spec.
Harley runout spec on a rotor is .008". If you are not feeling a pulsation in the lever forget about it. .008" leaves plenty of margin for error. 95% of the warped rotors I see are on 2008 or newer baggers.
When we sell a wheel and rotors we true the rotors once they are mounted on the wheel as rotors being out of true right out of the box is extremely common especially on chrome wheels. All it takes is a hub that has chrome buildup or is not perfectly flat for a rotor to be out of spec.
Harley runout spec on a rotor is .008". If you are not feeling a pulsation in the lever forget about it. .008" leaves plenty of margin for error. 95% of the warped rotors I see are on 2008 or newer baggers.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
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From: Louisiana
Well like I said, they were fine when I installed the wheels. I grabbed the front brake, released it, spun the wheel, and repeated. Then I finished torqueing everything to complete the wheel install. Then I tested the brakes again. The wheel spun completely free with just the slightest sound of the disk and pads making contact. But it was a continuous noise. Not like it is now where it grabs and makes noise for about 1/4 of the rotation of the wheel. Granted, the warpage isn't horrible but its audible over the engine and V&H Big Shots. I haven't noticed the lever pulsing and the noise goes away once I apply the brakes. I guess its more annoying than anything. And I also guess I might be a little ****, but I want my **** right, ya know? I understand that warpage might not be common on Dynas but these aren't stock rotors. I imagine that floating rotors dissipate heat better so maybe that's why I have an issue now and not with the stock wheels and rotors.
Last edited by spankdog; Mar 14, 2014 at 05:54 PM.
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Not uncommon on the touring bikes, especially with one piece rotors...
I see that frequently being that the terrain where I am at at the moment is very steep and mountainous with lots of brake usage. Having the brakes hot from normal cruising and driving through a puddle of water getting the rotor wet and quickly cooled will get them warped. A common side effect of a warped rotor is the brake lever vibrating as has been mentioned above, another one to watch for is the brake lever collapsing. When you have the bike o a stand with the wheel lifted pump your brake, you should get a normal pull on the lever. Turn the wheel after that, if the lever falls back that's a sure indication that the rotors are warped as they are pushing the pads open and it take time to pump them back for a firm grip
Joe
DEFAB
I see that frequently being that the terrain where I am at at the moment is very steep and mountainous with lots of brake usage. Having the brakes hot from normal cruising and driving through a puddle of water getting the rotor wet and quickly cooled will get them warped. A common side effect of a warped rotor is the brake lever vibrating as has been mentioned above, another one to watch for is the brake lever collapsing. When you have the bike o a stand with the wheel lifted pump your brake, you should get a normal pull on the lever. Turn the wheel after that, if the lever falls back that's a sure indication that the rotors are warped as they are pushing the pads open and it take time to pump them back for a firm grip
Joe
DEFAB
Last edited by Jbco2; Mar 15, 2014 at 01:17 AM.
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