Single disc vs dual
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Single disc vs dual
I know there are some threads on this topic, but wanted to ask specifically about my set up. I have an 03 road king classic with the dual ABS. I am putting on new chrome wheels, 16x3 stock size and would really like to see more of the wheel. Im already planning on chrome lowers, new cables and wanted to ask thoughts regarding the ride and stopping power. Im well aware I would need a six piston caliper and perhaps even go to a 13 inch rotor. I ride solo most of the time, live where its flat and dont ride across country. All the HD techs tell me Id lose too much stoping power and strongly discourage the change. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Stopping is actually done by the tire, not the rotor & caliper. Changing to a single rotor does not change that.
What does change is the feel at the lever, both in terms of force and distance. As long as you set up for that and don't flip out over the differences, you'll be fine as far as simply stopping.
Something else that changes is friction surfaces and heat dissipation. Very generically, a single rotor will heat up faster and get hotter than a dual rotor brake will. Just like how a little brake gets hotter faster than a big brake does. This does mean you may be more likely to experience fade under repeated hard braking and using that brake to hold back speed while riding down a long mountain. Will it matter to you in your application? Probably not.
Of course, I actually ride a bike with mechanical drum brakes, so I'm really comfortable with sketchy braking power, Lol!
What does change is the feel at the lever, both in terms of force and distance. As long as you set up for that and don't flip out over the differences, you'll be fine as far as simply stopping.
Something else that changes is friction surfaces and heat dissipation. Very generically, a single rotor will heat up faster and get hotter than a dual rotor brake will. Just like how a little brake gets hotter faster than a big brake does. This does mean you may be more likely to experience fade under repeated hard braking and using that brake to hold back speed while riding down a long mountain. Will it matter to you in your application? Probably not.
Of course, I actually ride a bike with mechanical drum brakes, so I'm really comfortable with sketchy braking power, Lol!
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 671
Likes: 168
From: Ontario, Canada
I know there are some threads on this topic, but wanted to ask specifically about my set up. I have an 03 road king classic with the dual ABS. I am putting on new chrome wheels, 16x3 stock size and would really like to see more of the wheel. Im already planning on chrome lowers, new cables and wanted to ask thoughts regarding the ride and stopping power. Im well aware I would need a six piston caliper and perhaps even go to a 13 inch rotor. I ride solo most of the time, live where its flat and dont ride across country. All the HD techs tell me Id lose too much stoping power and strongly discourage the change. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
First, are you sure you have ABS? I didn't think you could get ABS until 2005 and then only on the police bikes.
Second, braking power is a function of surface area, pressure and traction. You probably don't have enough power now to lock the front wheel on dry pavement, so you haven't reached the limits of the tire. The 03 brakes aren't great, even as a dual so I wouldn't want to degrade them at all. You'll need to find a setup that increases surface area and/or pressure to even come close to equaling what you currently have and as others have said, you'll have an increased risk of fade during long or repeated stops.
Personally, I'd be looking to upgrade to better dual brakes and getting rotors that match you wheels and maybe chrome Brembo calipers.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
There are plenty of members riding with a single rotor on a Touring bike, but that isn't for me, not least because when Mrs B and I are touring we get close to our Glide's GVWL. We each have to decide on the consequences of a change like going to one rotor, but each of our circumstances may be quite different, of course. The Alps are not far from us!
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 798
From: Bear Flag, lower end
First, are you sure you have ABS? I didn't think you could get ABS until 2005 and then only on the police bikes.
Second, braking power is a function of surface area, pressure and traction. You probably don't have enough power now to lock the front wheel on dry pavement, so you haven't reached the limits of the tire. The 03 brakes aren't great, even as a dual so I wouldn't want to degrade them at all. You'll need to find a setup that increases surface area and/or pressure to even come close to equaling what you currently have and as others have said, you'll have an increased risk of fade during long or repeated stops.
Personally, I'd be looking to upgrade to better dual brakes and getting rotors that match you wheels and maybe chrome Brembo calipers.
Second, braking power is a function of surface area, pressure and traction. You probably don't have enough power now to lock the front wheel on dry pavement, so you haven't reached the limits of the tire. The 03 brakes aren't great, even as a dual so I wouldn't want to degrade them at all. You'll need to find a setup that increases surface area and/or pressure to even come close to equaling what you currently have and as others have said, you'll have an increased risk of fade during long or repeated stops.
Personally, I'd be looking to upgrade to better dual brakes and getting rotors that match you wheels and maybe chrome Brembo calipers.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
I'll agree that the tire meeting the road is ultimately how the bike stops, but the caliper, pads and rotor provide the necessary forces to the tire to stop the bike.
Reducing caliper, pad and rotor capacity will reduce stopping ability.
