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Feb 25, 2015 | 12:43 PM

#11

Mike Lawless

Thread Starter

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 2,181

Likes: 488

From: Central California

Thanks. I've got the Lyndall pads and I'm gonna change the rotor too, and just need some time to do the install.

It might be that it just takes some gettin' used to, since the bike is much heavier than what I'm accustomed to. Both my Sportster and Triumph Bonneville will stop very quickly with only moderate pressure on the lever. The softtail seems to respond better with using more rear brake, and needs a good bit more pressure on the front to haul 'er down quickly

Feb 25, 2015 | 01:00 PM

#12

Imold

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 27,096

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From: Frozelandia, Minnysota

Both my sportsters had pathetic front brake response. Put EBC pads on the 883, made a big difference. I thought I'd probably have to go dual rotor on the 1200 it was so bad, but when I tried Lyndall Z+ pads on it, it has plenty of stop power with the one disk. I got Lyndall Golds for my Glide, haven't got them on yet. It doesn't do much till you start really pulling the lever, then grabs hard. Stops good enough then, but horrible brake feel, hope the Lyndall pads cure that, too.

Post back how the Lyndalls work for you, seems they do well for everyone that's tried them.

Last edited by Imold; Feb 25, 2015 at 01:02 PM.

Feb 25, 2015 | 06:07 PM

#13

Rayvan

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 157

Likes: 1

From: San Jose California

Please ignore the guy who said to use DOT 4....

Feb 25, 2015 | 07:31 PM

#14

Snowyone

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 604

Likes: 22

Whoa

Well Mike I was coming from a dresser with floating discs and upgraded calipers so was quite underwhelmed by the brakes on my Fatboy. I found a smoking deal on ebay in the form of a PM 18" wheel with a 13" floating disc. I had to comee up with a six piston caliper which also came from ebay but a not so smoking deal but new. I'm very happy with it's stopping power now using the stock master cylinder. The Biggest problem I had was finding a 18" radial tire and ended up with one for a Goldwing. Handles better to.

Feb 25, 2015 | 07:32 PM

#15

Bone Doc

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Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 13,093

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From: Texas, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIPSAW

Is not the 2006 Softail still the Harley 4 piston system with DOT 5?...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rayvan

Please ignore the guy who said to use DOT 4....

In 2006 and later, HD recommended using DOT 4 brake fluid in all Softails. HD was using DOT 5 before 2006.

I stand by my statement that the OP should use DOT 4 brake fluid if he chooses to change the fluid.

Here is an excerpt from the 2006 Softail Owners Manual :

Brakes

Top of page

Inspect brake pads for wear at service maintenance intervals. If you ride under adverse conditions (steep hills, heavy traffic, etc.), inspect more frequently. Excessively worn brake pads can lead to brake failure, which could result in death or serious injury. (00052a)

NOTES:

Master cylinder cover specifies correct brake fluid.

When adding or changing brake fluid, be sure to use only the type specified for your motorcycle.

Use only Harley-Davidson D.O.T. 4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID (Part No. 99953-99A).

Do not mix D.O.T. 4 with D.O.T. 5 brake fluid.

Refer to Regular Service Intervals: 2006 Softail Models. Check brake pads and brake discs for wear at proper intervals.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoirs at proper intervals.
If level is low, clean dirt and debris from reservoir cover before removing.
D.O.T. 4 brake fluid will damage painted and body panel surfaces it comes in contact with. Always use caution and protect surfaces from spills whenever brake work is performed. Failure to comply can result in cosmetic damage. (00239b)

Direct contact of D.O.T. 4 brake fluid with eyes can cause irritation. Avoid eye contact. In case of eye contact flush with large amounts of water and get medical attention. Swallowing large amounts of D.O.T. 4 brake fluid can cause digestive discomfort. If swallowed, obtain medical attention. Use in well ventilated area. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. (00240a)
Add D.O.T. 4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID (Part No. 99953-99A) if necessary.

NOTE:
Use only D.O.T. 4 HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID (Part No. 99953-99A) approved for brake system use and available from your Harley-Davidson dealer.

Harley-Davidson has provided your new motorcycle with the optimum brake pad friction material available. It is selected to give the best performance possible under dry, wet and high operating temperature conditions. It exceeds all regulatory requirements currently in effect. However, during some braking conditions you may experience noise. This is normal for this friction material.

Brakes are a critical safety component. Contact a Harley-Davidson dealer for brake repair or replacement. Improperly serviced brakes can adversely affect brake performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00054a)

See Measuring Brake Outer Pads. Visual inspection of brake pads can be made without removing the caliper. View the lower area of each caliper with a flashlight.

Perform routine scheduled brake maintenance. Lack of maintenance at recommended intervals can adversely affect brake performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00055a)

Always replace brake pads in complete sets for correct and safe brake operation. Improper brake operation could result in death or serious injury. (00111a)

NOTES:

If the brake pad friction material is 0.04 in. (1.02 mm) thick or less, the pads must be replaced immediately.

Always replace brake pads in pairs.

The rear brake outer pad on all models can be measured from the caliper bracket side using a thin plastic 6.0 in. (152.4 mm) rule. Place the rule against the brake disc through the space alongside the caliper.
The outer surface of the brake pad backing plate should measure 0.04 in. (1.02 mm) or more away from the brake disc.
NOTE:
Replace pads if brake friction material (1) is 0.04 in. (1.02 mm) or less above the backing plate.

Front brake bottom view
Rear brake top view

Measuring Brake Outer Pads

Feb 26, 2015 | 05:27 AM

#16

Jackie Paper

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38,528

Likes: 6,407

From: Honah Lee

Thanks Bone, ever time DOT 4 come up I start scratching my head when did ABS come out on a Harley. That is why I had my statement as a question. Saved this thread to Brakes/DOT 4 . Not sure how many bikes had ABS but Harley had no choice but make them all DOT4. Know all the new ones I see down here in the dealer have ABS unit right above the voltage regulator.

Feb 26, 2015 | 07:06 PM

#17

Bone Doc

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 13,093

Likes: 13,025

From: Texas, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIPSAW

Am I replying to Rip or to Saw?

I saw the question mark in your post and knew what you were thinking. My response was actually directed towards Rayvan. His comment, "Please ignore the guy who said to use DOT 4....", without a qualifying remark is inconsequential. IOW, indicate why he believes I was incorrect.

I'll live to see another day. Ride safe.

Boog