Took my 2005 Harley Ultra Classic with 30k miles on it to an indie shop for the first time, for a great deal on new tires and installation.

After removing the wheels, they reported that the rear brakes need to be replaced - which I believe because my last brake job was 20k miles ago.

Here's where I need help:
They say the rear rotor was showing blue discoloration, indicating high heat issues. As a result, they say the rear rotor needs to be replaced (for $200).

If I don't replace the rotor, they say the new brake pads "won't wear properly".

Should I replace the rotor, or is there another less expensive option?

Thank you for any advice...
Brian

 

jpeg would be nice
throw out:
stainless will harden with heat so in a way, the material will react diff. sometimes a rotor will get hard spots, shows up as small patches of shinny metal.
usually you will feel the diff as the pad sweeps over the area as friction is not as great and pulses.
hd rotors are not serviceable and most just stick new pads till the throw away thickness is reached. the pads will wear into the form of the rotor, in the mean time, braking might not be as firm due to contact area.
there are other options than an hd rotor and at better cost. it is your call since no one can see it. some discoloration is normal.
second opinion from a brake shop, if the outcome is the same, does not hurt to err to the safe side.

 

Got it. Thanks a ton, bustert!
I appreciate that.
Brian

 

you stop more weight but i stop more speed probably so here is a shot of mine




the front have a bluish tint but all normal

 

Awesome, brother. Thanks so much.

The shop where my bike is being worked on was closed yesterday when I wrote this, and it's closed today, so I can't post a jpeg yet. I'll do that tomorrow.

Thanks again!!

 

Definitely pictures. I would ask what caused it, while some "could" be completely normal. If excess I would be concerned with the caliper hanging up or could also be the master cylinder not releasing. Granted, if you ride the brakes or are in constant stop/go traffic that too will cause the excessive heat that caused the blueing.

 

Thank you, chopper man. Yes, out here in Seattle I've been caught in constant stop/go traffic often. I'll post pics tomorrow night.

I never noticed any blue discoloration... I'm looking forward to seeing what they are talking about.