Warped Rotor?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
I had the same problem on my '11 Ultra Classic - severe pulsating and I could actually look down and see the front forks "hopping". It was a very rough braking. As it turns out, one of the front rotors was warped, so I upgraded to the HD "floating" rotors. Five thousand miles later, same problem. Then somebody on the forum suggested that it might be dust buildup on the pads and the calipers and suggested having the dealer tear down the brakes and thoroughly clean them. So when I go in for a new front tire next month, it will be time to put on new pads as well. That will be a good time to clean the whole system. It's difficult to imagine that this second set of rotors is warped too.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 680
Likes: 3
From: Upstate New York
2011 SEUC. About 3000 miles. Under braking it feels like a warped rotor. I have confirmed it's one of the front two since I don't feel it when I use only the rear brake. This is the last thing I expected so soon since my '05 Fatboy and '07 Ultra never had a brake issue.
I do not "ride" the brakes nor am I hard on them. I actually feel I use the rear more than the front especially during slow speed maneuvers.
Short of taking it to the dealer any suggestions/comments are welcome. Speaking of the dealer would you folks say this should be covered under warranty?
I do not "ride" the brakes nor am I hard on them. I actually feel I use the rear more than the front especially during slow speed maneuvers.
Short of taking it to the dealer any suggestions/comments are welcome. Speaking of the dealer would you folks say this should be covered under warranty?
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.
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704-402-4991
Plus these pads are easy on the rotors and prevent warpage issues.
www.performancefriction.com
704-402-4991
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
I have the same problem on my '08 UC with 28k on the clock. The difference is that I know that it is the right front rotor that is warped (every time I use the front brakes, I feel the pulsating in the lever and the bike wants to lean to the right as it stops -- takes concious effort to force it to lean left). Maybe it is just in my mind; but, it seems to pulse more slowing gradually than if I hit the brakes hard (maybe the ABS compensates pressure to the rotor during the harder stops).
Now to get off my lazy fouth point of contact and place the order and prepare to pay one arm and 1/2 a leg in shipping charges (still cheaper than buying from a German dealership). (Yes, I have an APO box - US address - so dealers are not discouraged from shipping to me because it would hurt the German dealers. I just have to pay Post Office shipping charges instead of paying the big brown truck.)
Now to get off my lazy fouth point of contact and place the order and prepare to pay one arm and 1/2 a leg in shipping charges (still cheaper than buying from a German dealership). (Yes, I have an APO box - US address - so dealers are not discouraged from shipping to me because it would hurt the German dealers. I just have to pay Post Office shipping charges instead of paying the big brown truck.)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
It has been my experience that the floating rotors are worse. I've had two sets of floating rotors get warped, within a couple thousand miles. I have never had the stock rotors warp.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,860
Likes: 32,730
From: King George, VA
I've gone through quite a few HD rotors including the floating rotors, each getting only about 5K miles when they started warping. The set I have now is none HD and have lasted me about 30K miles and they're still good.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
From: Music City, USA
Happened on my Road Glide.
Reported it at the 5000mi check-up & the dealer changed it (the front 2) without a problem.
Reported it at the 5000mi check-up & the dealer changed it (the front 2) without a problem.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Mine vibrates like hell too when I apply the front brakes. I was thinking about this and came to realize that maybe it's a high spot rather than a warp. How many people wash their bikes then put them away without riding them, or just put them away wet. Well, there is water between the pads and rotors. If you leave it sitting long enough rust will build up, next time you ride you'll have a high spot. That's what I think the problem is.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 511
Likes: 14
2010 Electra Glide Limited with 13,000 miles. Just hade the front rotor replaced under warrantee. Good thing the front works so good again. Cause the dealer got air in the line replacing the rear brake switch. Grrrrr
I have a lift and a dial indicator so I knew mine was warped before I took it in, but they replaced it without a problem.
I have a lift and a dial indicator so I knew mine was warped before I took it in, but they replaced it without a problem.