Floating Rotors
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 653
Likes: 116
From: Texas
Floating Rotors
I am planning on installing HD floating rotors to the front end on my 06 EG Classic.
Do I need to install a floating rotor on the rear?
I will be installing Lyndall E-Z pads on front and rear. I hear these are good pads?
Comments?
Thanks,
Woodreaux
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
RE: Floating Rotors
you don't NEED to... and for the most part i'd probably not bother anyway... after all, about 75-80% of your braking power comes from the front brakes anyway... those are the ones i'd worry about most... when its time to have your tire off for a replacement you can do it then...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Floating Rotors
I put the Lyndall pads on the front. Big difference, I thought. Have them for the back but have heard they might lock up more easily. Might leave it the way it is. Would like to have floaters though...
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 199
From: Vancouver BC
RE: Floating Rotors
ORIGINAL: relli
what is a floating rotor exactly?? i know on a car they are simply a hubless rotor held on with the wheel/lug nuts. why are they better??
what is a floating rotor exactly?? i know on a car they are simply a hubless rotor held on with the wheel/lug nuts. why are they better??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
RE: Floating Rotors
I wouldn't go tearing the back end of the bike apart to replace an in-spec rotor with a floating rotor. If you were going to have to replace it because it was undersized or warped, then by all means toss the extra money at it for the ugrade.
Other things you can do to get more braking power is 1) replace the brake fluid every 2 years. This keeps it from boiling in hard stops, and keeps the pistons from gunking up and or rusting/sticking and 2) go to quality braided lines. Braided lines keep the lines from expanding under pressure, so the fluids hydraulic force works the pistons instead of expanding the rubber lines.
Obviously a more agressive pad will help, but it will also wear the rotors quicker too. I'd rather pay for rotors and pads and have the braking there when I need it than to cheap out on the parts.
Aftermarket calipers will also give you more oooomph, but don't go so agressive with your parts combos that you get into a position where the brakes will lock in a panic stop.
One of the things we rice bike owners learn early on is if you get too aggresive with pads and lines on the rear axle, we'll only bleed one side of the rear caliper so it doesn't lock up. In a panic stop when the weight of the bike shifts to the front axle, the rears will lock as the weight comes off it. I have SS lines all around on the ZRX, but I run stock pads on the rear, with aftermarkets on the front.
I have noticed the front end of the Electraglide is lacking in braking IMHO, so I too might be looking at a brake system upgrade of some sort soon.
Other things you can do to get more braking power is 1) replace the brake fluid every 2 years. This keeps it from boiling in hard stops, and keeps the pistons from gunking up and or rusting/sticking and 2) go to quality braided lines. Braided lines keep the lines from expanding under pressure, so the fluids hydraulic force works the pistons instead of expanding the rubber lines.
Obviously a more agressive pad will help, but it will also wear the rotors quicker too. I'd rather pay for rotors and pads and have the braking there when I need it than to cheap out on the parts.
Aftermarket calipers will also give you more oooomph, but don't go so agressive with your parts combos that you get into a position where the brakes will lock in a panic stop.
One of the things we rice bike owners learn early on is if you get too aggresive with pads and lines on the rear axle, we'll only bleed one side of the rear caliper so it doesn't lock up. In a panic stop when the weight of the bike shifts to the front axle, the rears will lock as the weight comes off it. I have SS lines all around on the ZRX, but I run stock pads on the rear, with aftermarkets on the front.
I have noticed the front end of the Electraglide is lacking in braking IMHO, so I too might be looking at a brake system upgrade of some sort soon.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 21
From: central florida
RE: Floating Rotors
ORIGINAL: davewear
search https://www.hdforums.com/m_1135166/tm.htm
ORIGINAL: relli
what is a floating rotor exactly?? i know on a car they are simply a hubless rotor held on with the wheel/lug nuts. why are they better??
what is a floating rotor exactly?? i know on a car they are simply a hubless rotor held on with the wheel/lug nuts. why are they better??
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,519
Likes: 5
From: Slidell, LA
RE: Floating Rotors
No need to do the rear. Most of the stopping power is up front anyway. Floating rotors is the best mod I ever did to my Road King! Significant increased stopping power with no brake dragging noise.