switching to singl side brake?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
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From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
I don't have any scientific data for you Mr Brown but I put a 6-pot caliper on a 2008 FXDWG with OEM disc and crikey dick...it STOPS!!!! It needs to as it is a 101HP bike and very fast.
What I like about the set up is that the 6-pot has more progressive braking and feel than the original 4-pot had and is light years ahead of the older Evo type single pot caliper.
Had no issues with heat under heavy braking but it does feel as though its going to rip lumps out of the tarmac if you squeeze too hard :-)
What I like about the set up is that the 6-pot has more progressive braking and feel than the original 4-pot had and is light years ahead of the older Evo type single pot caliper.
Had no issues with heat under heavy braking but it does feel as though its going to rip lumps out of the tarmac if you squeeze too hard :-)
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I don't have any scientific data for you Mr Brown but I put a 6-pot caliper on a 2008 FXDWG with OEM disc and crikey dick...it STOPS!!!! It needs to as it is a 101HP bike and very fast.
What I like about the set up is that the 6-pot has more progressive braking and feel than the original 4-pot had and is light years ahead of the older Evo type single pot caliper.
Had no issues with heat under heavy braking but it does feel as though its going to rip lumps out of the tarmac if you squeeze too hard :-)
What I like about the set up is that the 6-pot has more progressive braking and feel than the original 4-pot had and is light years ahead of the older Evo type single pot caliper.
Had no issues with heat under heavy braking but it does feel as though its going to rip lumps out of the tarmac if you squeeze too hard :-)
102HP here! My twin 13" rotors with 6-pot calipers are just fine!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
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From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Maybe mine is 103hp then? yes, that must be it...103hp 
I wasn't saying your brakes weren't good and at 15 tons heavier than a Wide Glide you will be needing what you have but I was trying to make the point that it is possible to prove something without scientific data...some things prove themselves but then I am a mechanic and you are an engineer....two completely different approaches to the subject of buggering about in sheds
I wasn't saying your brakes weren't good and at 15 tons heavier than a Wide Glide you will be needing what you have but I was trying to make the point that it is possible to prove something without scientific data...some things prove themselves but then I am a mechanic and you are an engineer....two completely different approaches to the subject of buggering about in sheds
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Maybe mine is 103hp then? yes, that must be it...103hp
I wasn't saying your brakes weren't good and at 15 tons heavier than a Wide Glide you will be needing what you have but I was trying to make the point that it is possible to prove something without scientific data...some things prove themselves but then I am a mechanic and you are an engineer....two completely different approaches to the subject of buggering about in sheds
I wasn't saying your brakes weren't good and at 15 tons heavier than a Wide Glide you will be needing what you have but I was trying to make the point that it is possible to prove something without scientific data...some things prove themselves but then I am a mechanic and you are an engineer....two completely different approaches to the subject of buggering about in sheds
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
I`ve been riding a single rotor Softail for 22 years, and I agree it stops fine, compared to a loaded dump truck...
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 406
Likes: 13
From: Langley, BC. Canada
I changed the pads to Lyndal Gold += nicer stopping feel at a stop sign, but still didn't stop any better from speed. I put on a floating rotor, no improvement. I put on a Tokico 6 piston caliper and maybe it stopped better, maybe it didn't. The only caliper that I could find that had more piston surface area than the stock HD 4 piston caliper, is Jaybrake's 6 piston. I just ordered one for a 13" rotor and am now trying to find a way to tell who has the best friction material on their rotors. Again, without having to mortgage my house. I kind of believe that just because it is more money, doesn't mean it is better. Unfortunately, that is not always true. It would sure be nice if there was a place where they tested and compared all this stuff, so we could make informed decisions.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 406
Likes: 13
From: Langley, BC. Canada
Is jealousy a sin?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Stainless steel is the worst material for stopping power, cast iron is best but it looks crap...so we get a compromise....the expensive aftermarket stuff is expensive because it works and some thought has been put into it.
Brembo used to make cast iron rotors and they stopped very nicely indeed!
The real key to getting a Harley to stop is to change the master cylinder...it is very primitive but there are very few options available....try a Harley twin disc master with a 6 or 4 pot single caliper.
Brembo used to make cast iron rotors and they stopped very nicely indeed!
The real key to getting a Harley to stop is to change the master cylinder...it is very primitive but there are very few options available....try a Harley twin disc master with a 6 or 4 pot single caliper.