Floating Brake Rotors
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Vermont
Floating Brake Rotors
Is it acceptable to put floating brake rotors on a 2010 FLHX with ABS? I changed my brake fluid and brake pads recently and everything was working perfectly for most of the summer. This week while out for a ride I decided it was a good opportunity to force ABS to work and flush out the ABS module. I wasn't moving fast as I was on gravel so the rotors didn't heat up. About 1 hour into the ride I noticed while coming down a steep hill, a pulse as if the rotors were warped? Im not sure if it was there prior as light pressure on the brakes doesn't cause too much pulsing. The rotors are only one year old. They are stock Harley that have been polished and purchased with chrome wheels from one of the top platers. I'm not messing with them. If warped I thought Id just change the rotors to floating if I can use floating on an ABS bike? Also open to suggestions if anyone thinks this may just be something real simple rather than warped rotor?
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 2
From: North Miami Beach, FL
I would say if there's a set of floating rotors made for your bike, then by all means it's ok to put them on.
I put a used set off a trike on my bike last week and the pulse that I had went away instantly, I'm sure if I put another good set of stock rotors on the initial results would have been exactly the same, it has before. What I'm hoping for with the floating rotor is no more warped rotors in the future. Time will tell.
The new touring bikes on the show room floor are sporting floaters, that's got to say something. Floating rotors have been around for a very long time and it seems Harley is finally jumping on the band wagon so to speak.
If you decide to put them on your bike then I hope they work for the both of us.
I put a used set off a trike on my bike last week and the pulse that I had went away instantly, I'm sure if I put another good set of stock rotors on the initial results would have been exactly the same, it has before. What I'm hoping for with the floating rotor is no more warped rotors in the future. Time will tell.
The new touring bikes on the show room floor are sporting floaters, that's got to say something. Floating rotors have been around for a very long time and it seems Harley is finally jumping on the band wagon so to speak.
If you decide to put them on your bike then I hope they work for the both of us.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I've been using floating rotors on my bikes for many years, including an ABS BMW. They can wear out the pins before the rotors themselves reach minimum thickness in my experience - one of the BMW rotors actually cracked. However those experiences are all in the past and other bikes I have with them are just fine.
As for your bike, before changing anything satisfy yourself that your rotors are indeed out of true. A spot of grease or dirt can give the impression that they are not working correctly, so also consider degreasing them.
As for your bike, before changing anything satisfy yourself that your rotors are indeed out of true. A spot of grease or dirt can give the impression that they are not working correctly, so also consider degreasing them.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Vermont
Thanks Guys! That's a thought GR? I may have inadvertently hit one of the rotors with a small spritz of spray wax last time I cleaned? I'll hit them with some brake clean and see what happens
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 472
Likes: 59
From: farmington ny
Both my stock front rotors were out of spec and drove me nuts,so last winter i replaced them.In my search for new ones i discovered that this was going to be expensive venture.I ended up settling on E.B.C full floating rotors for 149 each.Best 300 i ever spent,much better ride and they look good to..These were the cheapest i found yet still held good reviews.Most full floaters start around 300 each.Hopefully you won't have to buy any after you clean up yours.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1,908
From: East Coast, USA
I'm also looking to replace the front rotors on my 2011 Ultra. Bike has 105K miles and I do sometimes feel a slight pulsating in the front brakes. I sometimes pull a pop-up camper, so I'm stopping a considerable amount of weight. Took a quick measurement of my front rotors today with a Harbor Freight 1" mechanical micrometer, and I'm seeing .180", .190", .205"
so it looks like it's time to change them. Front tires are due for new rubber, so I figure I'll replace the rubber, install new wheel bearings and replace the rotors (and brake pads).... a full front wheel service.
Anyways, I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality floating rotor. Keep in mind I have the stock Harley Contrast Chrome, 28-spoke Cast Aluminum rims, so I'm not looking for a fancy rotor design.
so it looks like it's time to change them. Front tires are due for new rubber, so I figure I'll replace the rubber, install new wheel bearings and replace the rotors (and brake pads).... a full front wheel service.
Anyways, I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality floating rotor. Keep in mind I have the stock Harley Contrast Chrome, 28-spoke Cast Aluminum rims, so I'm not looking for a fancy rotor design.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 95
From: lancaster, pa
I think I put the cheapest floating rotors on way back. They were a HD offering(probably semi floating...). No issues at the time just wanted to try them.I had read mixed reviews in general as to the value spacific to touring bikes. Now with some years with them Im glad I did. A noticeable difference and over the long haul piece of mind.
Not sure i would feel that way on a bike with 105k miles, or if HD is makeing better stock rotors now a days?
Not sure i would feel that way on a bike with 105k miles, or if HD is makeing better stock rotors now a days?
Last edited by voodoodrug; Aug 9, 2017 at 03:50 AM. Reason: sp
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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I'm also looking to replace the front rotors on my 2011 Ultra. Bike has 105K miles and I do sometimes feel a slight pulsating in the front brakes. I sometimes pull a pop-up camper, so I'm stopping a considerable amount of weight. Took a quick measurement of my front rotors today with a Harbor Freight 1" mechanical micrometer, and I'm seeing .180", .190", .205"
so it looks like it's time to change them. Front tires are due for new rubber, so I figure I'll replace the rubber, install new wheel bearings and replace the rotors (and brake pads).... a full front wheel service.
Anyways, I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality floating rotor. Keep in mind I have the stock Harley Contrast Chrome, 28-spoke Cast Aluminum rims, so I'm not looking for a fancy rotor design.
so it looks like it's time to change them. Front tires are due for new rubber, so I figure I'll replace the rubber, install new wheel bearings and replace the rotors (and brake pads).... a full front wheel service.
Anyways, I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality floating rotor. Keep in mind I have the stock Harley Contrast Chrome, 28-spoke Cast Aluminum rims, so I'm not looking for a fancy rotor design.
I have a couple friends that run Ferodo full floating rotors with good results. I recently just bought a ferodo non floater for the back of my bike.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1,908
From: East Coast, USA
I think I'm just going to go with the HD turbine polished floating brake rotors. I'll just order them from Boardtracker HD.
https://www.harley-davidson.com/stor...ng-brake-rotor
https://www.harley-davidson.com/stor...ng-brake-rotor