Front brake upgrade on Softail
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5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Michigan
Front brake upgrade on Softail
I am changing my wifes Softail to a twin disc front end, she is small and finds that it does not like to stop quickly, (I will post how I do it once its completed), but I need some advice about Disc size and Disc Type, i.e. to Float or not to?
Seeing I am in need of new discs and I have seen that Arlen Ness makes a 14" Front disc kit, it has a Caliper adaptor, and a large Disc,.
The price seems reasonable, $281.96 each side (ok its a little expensive) does anyone have any experience in using a larger diameter disc? I have read it is supposed to improve braking by ~ 30%, but I would like to know what others have experienced.
On another note, would I be better to go with STD size Floating Disc? These also add up in cost a fair bit, but I want this bike to Stop fast, which is why we are converting it to Twin Disc.
Seeing I am in need of new discs and I have seen that Arlen Ness makes a 14" Front disc kit, it has a Caliper adaptor, and a large Disc,.
The price seems reasonable, $281.96 each side (ok its a little expensive) does anyone have any experience in using a larger diameter disc? I have read it is supposed to improve braking by ~ 30%, but I would like to know what others have experienced.
On another note, would I be better to go with STD size Floating Disc? These also add up in cost a fair bit, but I want this bike to Stop fast, which is why we are converting it to Twin Disc.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: southeast PA
Look into the Arlen Ness Big Brake kit. It's a large diameter rotor that replaces the stock one using a simple bracket. After I put one on my Dyna the braking was so vastly improved I shelved the idea of a dual rotor upgrade. Don't know if they make it for your bike, but mine cost under $170.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Tell us what model and year her bike is, as there have been changes over the years. IMHO twin floating stock size rotors with stock calipers, but braided lines and aftermarket pads should be a good base to start from. By all means use larger than stock rotors, but I would be wary of custom-style calipers, as the brand I used were not very reliable - worked fine when fresh, but quickly went down hill.
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5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Michigan
Hi All, its a 2014 Soft Tail Delux, so to fill you in I have fitted the sliders from a 2013 Road King, I have a Road King front hub that I am going to lace into her original 16 inch rim so it will hold the duel discs.
I have bought Brembo Front Calipers from a Road King so they match the mounts on the sliders and I am going to try the larger Diameter Disc,s I am hoping the extra Braking they give will allow me to stick with the same size Front Master cylinder.
I am not sure if I will be able to move enough fluid with the Std single disc Mater Cylinder to push 2 Calipers, but I will let you know.
I have bought Brembo Front Calipers from a Road King so they match the mounts on the sliders and I am going to try the larger Diameter Disc,s I am hoping the extra Braking they give will allow me to stick with the same size Front Master cylinder.
I am not sure if I will be able to move enough fluid with the Std single disc Mater Cylinder to push 2 Calipers, but I will let you know.
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5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Michigan
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
It's easy enough to swap over to the larger ID twin rotor master cylinder. They look the same on the outside, so once installed nobody will know! I've never tried a twin rotor set-up with a single-rotor master cylinder, but being an engineer I would just do the swap as part of the conversion.
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From: Nor Cal
FL Softails have slightly narrower Fork Tube Centers than "Touring"
...unless you have done some modding
