Upgraded brakes?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Upgraded brakes?
When I upgraded to a WideGlide front end I was also required to upgrade to a 4-piston front caliber, but I didn't see anything wrong with the 'stock' front brake and 2-piston caliper.
How much braking power do you need?
From what I recall I was able to 'lock up' the front wheel if I wanted, so the braking power was limited to the small tire footprint, not the breaking system. Also, I never experienced any brake fade during normal stop and go traffic.
The only valid reason I can see for replacing or 'upgrading' is if you are racing or doing extreme riding, where you are constantly on and off the brakes and start to experience brake fade.
How much braking power do you need?
From what I recall I was able to 'lock up' the front wheel if I wanted, so the braking power was limited to the small tire footprint, not the breaking system. Also, I never experienced any brake fade during normal stop and go traffic.
The only valid reason I can see for replacing or 'upgrading' is if you are racing or doing extreme riding, where you are constantly on and off the brakes and start to experience brake fade.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, Florida
RE: Upgraded brakes?
The only reason for adding that unsprung weight of a second disk/caliper that I can think of is if you must do a lot of downhill racing and your single disk fades on you. Since your right slider doesn't have the mount, you'll have to add that as well. But I can lock up that front wheel with the single (a very carefully controlled test; I really wouldn't want to in a panic!!!!), so I'm not sure the purpose.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
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RE: Upgraded brakes?
All good points. I'll discuss it with my shop. I hadn't really thought about the extra weight from the second disk/caliper, so I think I'll just look into other options. Maybe better pads. Thanks for the info, everyone! 
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Upgraded brakes?
FLBikerchick,
I just took my right front brake off my 2004 Roadster. It was just rebuilt by the Harley Dealership. I have the dual brake line, front disk, and brake caliper. You could get a 19 inch roadster rim or you can drill the hub on the 21 inch wheel and add the disk to it. I have instructions on how to do it. Either way I would sell those parts cheap if you are interested. The only other issue is the master cylinder on the handlebars is larger on a dual brake set up.
To tell you the truth, I removed my right brake and hardly noticed the difference. I have all the stopping power I need with one brake.
I just took my right front brake off my 2004 Roadster. It was just rebuilt by the Harley Dealership. I have the dual brake line, front disk, and brake caliper. You could get a 19 inch roadster rim or you can drill the hub on the 21 inch wheel and add the disk to it. I have instructions on how to do it. Either way I would sell those parts cheap if you are interested. The only other issue is the master cylinder on the handlebars is larger on a dual brake set up.
To tell you the truth, I removed my right brake and hardly noticed the difference. I have all the stopping power I need with one brake.
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