I just bought an 03 Fat Boy with 1900 miles on it. I has sat for the better part of the last year and a half. The bike was never wrecked or laid down. My issue is that while going down the road I can hear a rubbing noise that I think is the front rotor rubbing on the pads. There is no pulsation in the brake lever when the front brake is applied. This is my first bike so I am unsure if this is normal as I am still learning. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

My 2000 Fatboy does the same thing. It's more noticeable when I shut it down and coast. I don't think it's a problem.

 

My 03 makes the exact same noise so I'm sure it's normal. No pulsing but I get the noise.

 

Yes, the norm with my bike as well. The calipers sqeeze pads but don't retract them. When you let pressure off of your brake lever pressure is released from pads.

 

Yep, it will do that, If Ur remove the calp and clean the pistons when pushed out a little that might help.. same as when replacing the pads..keep her clean and it will help...

 

Try what I suggest in the post right after this one LINK: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...ange-easy.html

We fix lots of them. I have posted several times on this subject, had several HDF Member down who said it is normal, and also cut quite a bit of new wheel spacers when they were too short and the leg was pulled in. It is not normal when the brake pad rubs, the rotor gets hot or all of that other BS. Do a search, and just fix it by doing it.

 

You can try and GENTLY pry the pads away from the rotor with the appropriate tool. (Screwdriver) yep, it sounds bad but if appropriately placed you wont hurt anything. The goal is to make some room between the pads and rotor. Some sandpaper 40 grit or so will slip in between and you can dress the pads slightly. It might help some. You dont have to take a lot off. It worked for my rears.
MikeM

 

Very normal, don't worry about it.

 

clean the pistons
http://www.lyndallracingbrakes.com/service_tech.htm

 

It's normal. When the brake lever is applied the pads squeeze the rotor, release the lever the pads relax but remain in extremely close proximity to the rotor. If this were causing an overheating condition the rotors would be discolored and would probably warp, and the pads would be smoking. Auto disc brakes do the same thing you just don't notice.