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Floating Rotor Problem!

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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 12:34 PM
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Question Floating Rotor Problem!

Just bought a new Harley Vivid Black floating rotor for my 07 rear wheel, which I have just had repainted gloss black. I have Harrison floating rotors on the front.

Something I didn't expect is that the pattern of decorative holes in it exposes the internals of the hub, which means rain and road muck can get in there. Doesn't sound like a good idea to me! Anyone fitted these and had any problems with them in wet weather?

Photos show stock rotor, hub with rotor removed, Vivid Black rotor in place.
 
Attached Thumbnails Floating Rotor Problem!-stock-disc.jpg   Floating Rotor Problem!-disc-removed.jpg   Floating Rotor Problem!-vivid-disc.jpg  
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 01:14 PM
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I'd Permatex a piece of beer can aluminum cut to fit the hub and paint it black.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 01:51 PM
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I have the HD floaters on the front of my bike, and they too expose a little of the hub. I haven't had any adverse effects from water or debris getting on the hub surfact. I just hose it out every now and then when I wash my bike.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by bamorris2
I have the HD floaters on the front of my bike, and they too expose a little of the hub. I haven't had any adverse effects from water or debris getting on the hub surfact. I just hose it out every now and then when I wash my bike.
The instructions that came with the disc include a warning not to fit it to a 2000 Deuce without a plate kit (presumably a factory adapted beer can!), but my dealer cannot tell me if there is a problem with other models. As it is on the rear of a Glide it won't be visible and, having looked at other floating rotors, I would have chosen a Classic Black if I had known what I now know! I'm waiting for the dealer to come back to me with some technical advice.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Beemervet
I'd Permatex a piece of beer can aluminum cut to fit the hub and paint it black.

Im thinking you wear cowboy boots and a big belt buckle and have a kinda of reddish neck ?
 
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by n8dc
Im thinking you wear cowboy boots and a big belt buckle and have a kinda of reddish neck ?
No its called Redneckineering, rare trait.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by grbrown
The instructions that came with the disc include a warning not to fit it to a 2000 Deuce without a plate kit (presumably a factory adapted beer can!), but my dealer cannot tell me if there is a problem with other models. As it is on the rear of a Glide it won't be visible and, having looked at other floating rotors, I would have chosen a Classic Black if I had known what I now know! I'm waiting for the dealer to come back to me with some technical advice.
Can you exchange it for a Classic style?

I have the same rotor you purchased on the front of my bike. As you can probably tell, it's not really a floater. It's just a 2 piece rotor. I'm assuming your Harrison rotors are true floaters where you can move the friction ring and carrier independently. The HD ones are solid, no movement.

Zach
 
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Biggzed
Can you exchange it for a Classic style?
Hi Zach,

That's a possibility, but the dealer ordered in the one I have for me and don't seem keen to accept it back without querying with HD if it is actually OK and I am worrying about nothing!

I have the same rotor you purchased on the front of my bike. As you can probably tell, it's not really a floater. It's just a 2 piece rotor. I'm assuming your Harrison rotors are true floaters where you can move the friction ring and carrier independently. The HD ones are solid, no movement.

Zach
It is what I understand as a 'floating' rotor. The outer friction area is independent of the hub, although why the word 'floating' is used I am not clear! My front Harrisons are the same concept, but 13" in diameter. I have already fitted an 07 swingarm into my old bike, the wheel will follow soon!
 
Attached Thumbnails Floating Rotor Problem!-harley6-26may03e.jpg  

Last edited by grbrown; Feb 25, 2010 at 04:15 PM. Reason: Added sentence.
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by n8dc
Im thinking you wear cowboy boots and a big belt buckle and have a kinda of reddish neck ?
Nope.........
It's called field expediency. Improvise, adapt, overcome.

or, something you learn because there is no money to fix it.

Truly a lost art.

Hope the other rotor takes care of it Graham.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 09:03 PM
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Graham, I know that the rear shim plates are 0.040" thick. They will locate your rotor out but the caliper bracket is located as part of the wheel spacer. As far as I know the plates are only made for 0.040". In order to even make them work, they are for rears only, you must shim the inside of the caliper bracket wheel spacer the same amount as the rotor spacer. If you wish to do this the parts are sold in many different parts catalogs such as parts unlimited/drag specialty and all others.

THe final axle shim will be OK as the axle will fit.
 
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