I replaced the front brakes on my 2005 Road Glide today. I first reviewed the service manual and the "Fix My Hog" DVD. Things seemed to go fairly well. However I noticed a couple of things when I was done. 1) The pads seem to drag excessively (with the front end off of the ground). I can spin the front wheel with my hand but it is kind of hard and will only spin freely about 1/4 - 1/2 turn after I let go. 2) The brake lever feels pretty hard without much play. I didn't hear any dragging noise when I rode down the street. The front brake seems to work OK. When I brake hard from a slow speed using only the front brake it will bring the bike to a stop but not lock up the front wheel. Is this normal for new pads and will they wear in after 100 miles?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

The pads may take a little time to "set" against the rotors, break in and you should be fine. Take the bike out for a short 5-10 minute ride, use the brakes normally and then stop. Feel the front rotors, it is normal for them to heat up with the application of the brakes. If they are very hot to the touch, the pads may be dragging which could require a removal of the calipers and checking that the pistons retract all of the way into the caliper bores so they don't push the pads out and contact the rotor when the wheel is spinning.

I did new Lyndall pads and polished rotors on my Road King this winter and they were hot to the touch on the first ride. They have since set themselves against the new rotors and all seems to be good.