Upgraded Brakes
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Upgraded Brakes
I was wondering if anyone had ever upgraded their brakes to be beefier? I read an article a few years back (and I'll be damned if I can find it) that recomends putting better brakes on the big bikes we ride.
If you've done this, what was bigger/better about your setup and how was performance before vs. after? What manufacturer did you use? Anything to be concerned with?
I ride an 07 Heritage. I'm a big guy (@ 200) and my wife is tall, so she's 160 (I hope she doesn't read these posts
). So, we've got a bit of weight to stop.
Thanks and safe riding to all.
Mike.
If you've done this, what was bigger/better about your setup and how was performance before vs. after? What manufacturer did you use? Anything to be concerned with?
I ride an 07 Heritage. I'm a big guy (@ 200) and my wife is tall, so she's 160 (I hope she doesn't read these posts
). So, we've got a bit of weight to stop.Thanks and safe riding to all.
Mike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
RE: Upgraded Brakes
Have not done it but the TV show American Thunder did an upgrade using Performance Machine 6 piston calipers and floating rotors to improve braking. They are bolt on replacement parts.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: Upgraded Brakes
I have 6 piston pm calipers on the front of my fatboy, I weigh 200 myself. On the back I have 4 psiton caliper. I bought it used like this. I don't have floating discs, although am interested in how much beter that would help me stop. I don't have the money for all this stuff right now, but am glad that mine came with them.
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: Upgraded Brakes
I question the whole bigger, better brake question.
The reason I say that is because I have little or noproblem getting the rear to run at the very edge of the tires traction limits or lock up with the stock brakes, and I know I have momentarily done the same to the front. Nearly dropped the bike that time.
So until I can get better, stickier tires that the brakes can't lock up on, I don't see how so called "better" brakes could do any more for me thanwhat I have now.
The reason I say that is because I have little or noproblem getting the rear to run at the very edge of the tires traction limits or lock up with the stock brakes, and I know I have momentarily done the same to the front. Nearly dropped the bike that time.
So until I can get better, stickier tires that the brakes can't lock up on, I don't see how so called "better" brakes could do any more for me thanwhat I have now.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,466
Likes: 5
From: Alabama
RE: Upgraded Brakes
the larger braking area of larger calipers and larger rotors would allow you to stop the bike quicker without locking up the wheels. Or thats my understanding of it. [sm=goodidea.gif]
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,592
Likes: 6
From: Florida
RE: Upgraded Brakes
Just changing to LRB Z+ pads and changing to floating rotors made a huge difference for me. They made sush a big difference that I had the dealer install my pads that I brought in when they were preppingmy new bike.
They not only stop better, they have a smoother on/off.....if ya know what I mean.
[IMG]local://upfiles/18505/6FBE9A4B8895421FB8D8C5E53B72CF71.jpg[/IMG]
They not only stop better, they have a smoother on/off.....if ya know what I mean.
[IMG]local://upfiles/18505/6FBE9A4B8895421FB8D8C5E53B72CF71.jpg[/IMG]
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Detroit 'burbs
RE: Upgraded Brakes
Citoriplus,
It all comes down to feel, specifically control and modulation at the point of impending lockup. Have you ridden a single disc Victory with it's stock braided line and Brembo caliper? I have - very impressive stopping power!
The best bang for the buck for a stock HD is abraided line(s) andpremium pads (Lyndall Racing Z pads or EBC "HH").The next step would be a premium caliper and floating rotor.
It all comes down to feel, specifically control and modulation at the point of impending lockup. Have you ridden a single disc Victory with it's stock braided line and Brembo caliper? I have - very impressive stopping power!
The best bang for the buck for a stock HD is abraided line(s) andpremium pads (Lyndall Racing Z pads or EBC "HH").The next step would be a premium caliper and floating rotor.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 776
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Upgraded Brakes
It's not so much a matter of bigger being better, although bigger is better, it also has a lot to do with multi piston calipers.PM's 6piston calipers do not applypressure from all pistons equally. That's a bigcontributing factor inPM's calipers being better.The 00 and later are4 piston calipers, which along with upgraded lines, pads,and floating rotors, are light years ahead(ok, maybe a little exaggeration, but not as much as you would think), of what came on the 99 and earlier dual pistonbikes. BeforeI spent the big bucks on 6 piston calipers, I'd replace the lines with stainless, along with betterpads and floating rotors.You'd want to change the lines anyway,if you were going to upgrade the calipers, so it's only costing you a set of pads (fairly inexpensive), anda set of rotors (not too pricey). Hey, just my opinion, and it's worth what you paid for it.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 998
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
RE: Upgraded Brakes
I upgraded to a 6-piston, differential bore PM caliper on the front and a GMA 4-piston on the rear. I also have floating rotors at both ends. As soon as the original brake pads that came with each caliper wear out I'll be switching to the Lyndall Racing Z pads for even better braking.