Brake Rotor Question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,001
Likes: 11,441
Go with float on the front you do not have to spend a lot the HD ones can be had at a good price if you do your home work.
the chnag out is easy enough. The rear floating does not seem to madder.
the chnag out is easy enough. The rear floating does not seem to madder.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 10
I have after-market 13" floating rotors up front and a factory floating rotor on the rear. But then I like to stop!
Let's clear something up. Floating rotors are made with the braking surface separated from the mounting hub, to reduce heat transfer. The two parts are held together by fasteners, some brands use rivets, others can be dismantled and replaced. When brand new they may or not rattle, it doesn't matter! As they get older and the miles roll by, they are more likely to rattle. The ability to rattle is not a judgement on if they are 'floating' or not.
Let's clear something up. Floating rotors are made with the braking surface separated from the mounting hub, to reduce heat transfer. The two parts are held together by fasteners, some brands use rivets, others can be dismantled and replaced. When brand new they may or not rattle, it doesn't matter! As they get older and the miles roll by, they are more likely to rattle. The ability to rattle is not a judgement on if they are 'floating' or not.
Thanks
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I doubt if you will hear them, until the rotors are well and truly knackered. That is a technical term! Forget all about 'rattle', it really is not relevant. Two of my bikes have them and I don't hear the rotors on either bike. On a previous different brand bike the stock floating rotors did start to rattle, but they had done a high mileage and also reached their minimum thickness. The replacements were tight and fine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
Technically there are full floating and semi floating rotors. My understanding is that the primary purpose is to assure perfect alignment between the pads and the rotors at all times.
Secondly they're to help dissipate heat before it warps the rotor.
Harley with their "buttons" could be considered semi floating rotors, though I question their ability to prevent warpage. As I posted earlier, I'm on my 3rd set on this bike.
I've never noticed superior braking between designs personally. Either style can make the tires howl.
Secondly they're to help dissipate heat before it warps the rotor.
Harley with their "buttons" could be considered semi floating rotors, though I question their ability to prevent warpage. As I posted earlier, I'm on my 3rd set on this bike.
I've never noticed superior braking between designs personally. Either style can make the tires howl.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 10
I doubt if you will hear them, until the rotors are well and truly knackered. That is a technical term! Forget all about 'rattle', it really is not relevant. Two of my bikes have them and I don't hear the rotors on either bike. On a previous different brand bike the stock floating rotors did start to rattle, but they had done a high mileage and also reached their minimum thickness. The replacements were tight and fine.
So, those pricey Lyndall rotors don't make any noise?
Thanks
07 SG - I have the EBC Floaters on the front w/ LRB Gold pads. No noticable noise from the rotors & the pads stop very well. I have the stock rotor on back w/ EBC HH pads, hard pads with a little noise when applied. Nothing to be concerned with.
'07 Ultra. I recently replaced my front rotors with a pair of floating rotors from the SE catalog and they were only $20 more per rotor than the stockers. My front brakes slow me down smooth as silk now and use the stock pads. My rear setup is still stock. My new rotors up front look great and didn't cost a fortune. One thing to note. TORQUE ROTORS TO SPECS!! DO NOT OVER TORQUE!! I fully believe that is what killed my original rotors when I swapped wheels.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: S.E. Michigan
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PFC Brakes
I can recommend Performance Friction Brake Pads which are the longest lasting on the market. No wonder we are the prime choice for top leading fleet vehicle brands and Race Teams. Good Initial and Modulation. No Dust. No Noise. Used on Police Bikes.
Plus these pads are easy on the rotors and prevent warpage issues.
www.performancefriction.com
803-222-2141 ext8153
Plus these pads are easy on the rotors and prevent warpage issues.
www.performancefriction.com
803-222-2141 ext8153
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 199
From: Vancouver BC
There is a reason why Harley "floaters" are the cheapest floater you can find. Basically 2 pieces hard riveted together. The HD "floaters" work better than a stock warped rotor and look good. I had them on my '02 RG.