I replaced the front brake pads on my Heritage Classic and now the piston does not seem to want to retract properly. The pads are dragging and heating up the rotor to the point that the wheel bearing grease seems to be migrating out. WTF? I pulled it back apart, flushed out the old fluid and cleaned out the caliper - same thing. That blob? The tab for the speedo drive seems to have broken so the P.O hammered what was left into the hole and JBwelded it in place. Seems to work OK.

 

If you feel there's no issue with your Calipers themselves, then make sure the Compensation/Equalization Port in the M/C isn't blocked

 

Is the contact point on one side of the rotor or both? The capper does need to float the little bit it does. May just need to clean up and use a light coat of grease to allow them to float. If they won't retract enough after you let off the brake. I have pulled and exercised the pistons in the caliper before. Just be careful not to over extend them or use too much pressure on the item in place for a stop. Id also replace the bearing if it is a sealed on on that year bike or inspect/repack if not sealed.

 

If the port in the master cylinder is clear, and the caliper slides on the mount pins, you may need to bite the bullet and rebuild both caliper and m/c.

Are you using DOT 5 fluid?

That single piston caliper is just about the poorest excuse for a brake caliper I have ever had the misfortune to use...

$68 for a piston/seal rebuild kit.....

$214 for a Wilwood GP 310 4 piston caliper, with pads, direct bolt on...