Front brakes
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 488
From: Central California
Front brakes
So, I recently acquired a 2006 ST Deluxe. Coming from a Sportster, dealing with the extra weight has taken some getting used to, but it's coming around.
After riding it for a while and noting the differences, this thing takes a bit of effort to stop it, particularly the front brake. Looking at that brake, it is visually identical to the Sportster. Same size rotor, same size caliper. I thought to myself, "Self, that is a bit strange."
I know I could do a twin disc deal, but I like the way the front looks with the chrome bell over the wheel center on the right side, so a twin disc would only be considered if there weren't a single disc option available.
So the question is, Is there a more powerful rotor/caliper package out there that is preferred over any others?
After riding it for a while and noting the differences, this thing takes a bit of effort to stop it, particularly the front brake. Looking at that brake, it is visually identical to the Sportster. Same size rotor, same size caliper. I thought to myself, "Self, that is a bit strange."
I know I could do a twin disc deal, but I like the way the front looks with the chrome bell over the wheel center on the right side, so a twin disc would only be considered if there weren't a single disc option available.
So the question is, Is there a more powerful rotor/caliper package out there that is preferred over any others?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,594
Likes: 178
From: east texas
Mike , first check out the operation of the brake .
My Fatboy didn't have much (been sitting a long time).
I disassembled the caliper, and master, cleaned replaced the old fluid.
Now is much much improved .
Still cannot lock the front wheel , but can make the tire howl pretty loud.
hope this helps
My Fatboy didn't have much (been sitting a long time).
I disassembled the caliper, and master, cleaned replaced the old fluid.
Now is much much improved .
Still cannot lock the front wheel , but can make the tire howl pretty loud.
hope this helps
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,040
Likes: 12,957
From: Texas, USA
Mike,
First, congrats on the new Deluxe.
As far as the front brakes go, you may want to consider a stepwise approach and change one thing at a time versus changing the kitchen sink at one time.
When was the last time the brake fluid was changed? If it is more than 2 years old or you aren't sure, I would change the brake fluid using DOT 4 fluid.
How do the brake pads look? Are they worn? Regardless, you may want to change them. I use the Lyndall Z+ pads and I like them better than the OEM pads, although, the OEM pads are not bad. The Lyndall pads are less dusty which is nice if you have whitewalls.
The previous suggestions are very inexpensive and can only help.
Then if it still isn't as you like, you can address the caliper. The stock caliper is a 4 piston caliper. You can change it to a 6 piston caliper. Brembro and Performance Machine have nice calipers. IMO, Softails don't require a dual caliper setup like the touring bikes have.
Then after that, you could always consider a new rotor.
This is a start. Enjoy your Deluxe and ride safe.
First, congrats on the new Deluxe.
As far as the front brakes go, you may want to consider a stepwise approach and change one thing at a time versus changing the kitchen sink at one time.
When was the last time the brake fluid was changed? If it is more than 2 years old or you aren't sure, I would change the brake fluid using DOT 4 fluid.
How do the brake pads look? Are they worn? Regardless, you may want to change them. I use the Lyndall Z+ pads and I like them better than the OEM pads, although, the OEM pads are not bad. The Lyndall pads are less dusty which is nice if you have whitewalls.
The previous suggestions are very inexpensive and can only help.
Then if it still isn't as you like, you can address the caliper. The stock caliper is a 4 piston caliper. You can change it to a 6 piston caliper. Brembro and Performance Machine have nice calipers. IMO, Softails don't require a dual caliper setup like the touring bikes have.
Then after that, you could always consider a new rotor.
This is a start. Enjoy your Deluxe and ride safe.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
Dual rotors can be done but cost a good amount. My old 2002 Night Train also had a weak brake on the front. Even with that skinny front tire I could not lock it up. I would have moved up to stronger brakes had I kept it. My heritage is much better. I still cant lock it up, but that is because of ABS now.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
Get a 6 piston PM or HHI caliper and a braided brake line. that will make your bike stop much quicker.
I don;t know about anyone else but the only stock Harley I have never been satisfied with the calipers on are my 13 bagger. The softail calipers have no power, nor does my sporty which is the same caliper.
You can bleed the brakes, clean the pistons, change the pads but a stock caliper with a rubber brake line is only going to provide so much stopping power.
I ran PM 6 piston front and 4 piston rear on my softail. In fact the reason I bought it was that the previous owner had put the PM calipers on it.
I don;t know about anyone else but the only stock Harley I have never been satisfied with the calipers on are my 13 bagger. The softail calipers have no power, nor does my sporty which is the same caliper.
You can bleed the brakes, clean the pistons, change the pads but a stock caliper with a rubber brake line is only going to provide so much stopping power.
I ran PM 6 piston front and 4 piston rear on my softail. In fact the reason I bought it was that the previous owner had put the PM calipers on it.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 399
Likes: 25
From: Northern Alberta
I've used Lyndall pads front and rear for several years on 2 diff bikes. On my 09 Heritage I have an HHI 6 piston, Lyndall pad and would certainly do that again.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
The brakes on our Heritage are IMO plenty good to stop us.. Thinking,, I wouldn't want the front brakes so good that they could be Locked up. That I wouldn't think would be a good thing.
As Bone Doc said above,, have your system checked out to make sure it working properly..
Then go from there...
.
As Bone Doc said above,, have your system checked out to make sure it working properly..
Then go from there...
.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 648
Likes: 35
From: San Diego
When I changed my front wheel, I added a DNA rotor and Lyndall pads both front and rear. It was like night and day difference from stock for me. I would suggest changing the pads to Lyndalls since its easiest and cheapest solution.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,297
Likes: 6,322
From: Honah Lee
Is not the 2006 Softail still the Harley 4 piston system with DOT 5? Basically same as two calipers on one rotor. Think most newer Sportys are 2 piston floating calipers. If so, someone may have put a harder pad on there to clean up the dust. If so, I would try a new set of OEM pads and a good fluid change out to make sure all the air is out. That brake system will slide the front wheel if you pull hard enough. It's just different. Know when I got my Softtail, I though the same thing.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Feb 25, 2015 at 12:47 PM.