You're right Dooley: it does take some time to get used to the Softail brakes.
My wife has a Nightster and even compared to such a bike (on which the brakes aren't earthmoving either...) my FB takes getting used to. If I use the same braking effort on the Nightster as on my FatBoy, I'm sure I'll block the front wheel in no time.
I got used to the Softail brakes, but still wasn't satisfied. Making an emergency stop on a Softail takes too much effort, and therefor you loose crucial time and thus stopping distance. I simply wasn't comfortable with that.
I searched the internet and found the same article as above (although in German) and decided to get me a Müller caliper for the front. They brake much more agressive but still very easy to control.

A friend drives a 2011 ABS-equiped DeLuxe, which has exactly the same brakes as my 2010 non-ABS Fatboy Lo. Consequently, it brakes just as good (or bad...) but because of the ABS you can squeeze the frontbrake without hesitation: it will not block the front wheel. I've tested it, and you can really brake harder and shorter, untill the ABS kicks in off course...
Drive safe!

 

Is that brake Caliper test, performed by Muller (one of the manufacturers of one of the Calipers) In a German magazine ( are Muller German) & who won again? Muller by anychance?

 

Did you read it? lol Where is PM's test? I dont have either setup, still stock so not a big deal to me... The softail brakes do suck, especially riding 2up with lots of braking in the hills and mountains where I live.

 

Well... I'm not German, let's get that straight, but... Your statement doesn't really makes much sense.
It might be possible that a German manufacturer gets some advantage in a test conducted by a German magazine. Same goes for an Amercan manufacturer in a test conducted by an Amercan magazine. We've all seen it before and I guess it's human, and I have no problem with that. Why does a Corvette never win in European car reviews, except maybe the price for the worst quality and the largest engine?
However this test was based on measurements, recorded by instruments. Pretty damn difficult to cheat in this case, no?
However, feel free to think what you like, and buy what you favor.

PS. I happen to like a Vette!

 

Gonna revive this thread from last year. Anyone try the steel braided line to see if that improves front break performance? I love the Heritage, but the front break is one tick in the negative column. Talked to the dealer and adding another disc is a big job and over a grand: new wheel, new fork lower, disc, pads, caliper etc, etc.

 

Good timing. Definitely looking to beef up my braking. I love my Deuce but the brakes really are pretty mediocre. Maybe I've gotten used to the beautiful stopping power of my other bike but I'm starting to feel a little uneasy.

 

I have performance machine calipers fitted to my Deluxe, six piston front, four piston rear, with braided brake lines & can easily say this set up is 'better' than standard, less lever travel, more bite / power & better feel, have not tried other makes so my opinion is PM compared to stock. In fact my Deluxe stops better than my Streetbob with the standard Harley brakes.
So from my experience, the magazine test that's quoted above is 'bull' you can't beat real peoples experience in the real world.

 

Just replaced the front hd oem pads with EBC Double H. Spoke to Lyndall and EBC about their pads and EBC said their Double H has more stopping power then Lyndalls Z's and Gold + pads. I spoke with Lyndall and they agreed that the EBC HH would have more braking power then their pads. I have put several hundred miles on the EBC's and can say they do stop better then hd oems and worth the $30 investment. However, riding 2up in the hills, twisties and when having to brake fast and hard, they still leave a lot to be desired.

Part of this issue is also due to our weak front suspension and unacceptable amount of brake dive. Front end dive can be very unsettling when braking hard, to say the least. Anyone who rides at a spirited pace will understand this. So, I am installing Ricor Intiminators as they will greatly reduce brake dive and provide a much better over all ride as well. Hundreds of positive reviews on Ricors on ALL types of bikes. Stay tuned...

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_In...spension_.aspx

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You have to upgrade front cylinder going to the 6 piston? Stock pads?

 

Boy this thread is just getting better and better. Love to hear the results of that install.