Warped PM Rotors
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Hoboken, NJ
Warped PM Rotors
So as some of you may know, I picked up this '10 FLHX SG in August from a dude in LI. Paid way too much for it, but hey- I wanted it and had the cash.
Anyway, the guy had upgraded the bike with PM Heathen Rims and matching front 2-piece rotors up front. No issues at all after I rode her home...
...until about 2-3 weeks ago when I began to feel a "pulsing" in the front brake lever. At first I thought that perhaps the ECM was improperly telling the ABS to activate. It was subtle at first but as the days went by, it became more pronounced- to the point where when the bike is almost at a stop, the front end kinda "bounces". Needless to say, I've begun using the rear more.
Well, I finally brought her in for the 5,000 mi service and what does the service guy tell me? Yep, both rotors are warped- the left more than the right.
Now, I DO use the front brake more than the rear (about 70/30) but I have NO IDEA what could have caused this. Again, there was NO issue for the first month or so that I had the bike. Nothing at all.
Has anyone had this happen to them?
Also, I had the HD tri-bar brake light module installed. VERY bright and very cool. Glad I did that.
Anyway, the guy had upgraded the bike with PM Heathen Rims and matching front 2-piece rotors up front. No issues at all after I rode her home...
...until about 2-3 weeks ago when I began to feel a "pulsing" in the front brake lever. At first I thought that perhaps the ECM was improperly telling the ABS to activate. It was subtle at first but as the days went by, it became more pronounced- to the point where when the bike is almost at a stop, the front end kinda "bounces". Needless to say, I've begun using the rear more.
Well, I finally brought her in for the 5,000 mi service and what does the service guy tell me? Yep, both rotors are warped- the left more than the right.
Now, I DO use the front brake more than the rear (about 70/30) but I have NO IDEA what could have caused this. Again, there was NO issue for the first month or so that I had the bike. Nothing at all.
Has anyone had this happen to them?
Also, I had the HD tri-bar brake light module installed. VERY bright and very cool. Glad I did that.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
on this next set, try:
when stopped do not hold the hot pads against the rotor. if on level ground release the brake.
if on a slight slope, leave room so that you can apply, roll, apply etc.
that keps one part of the rotor from getting hot and warping.
also try to ride in the rpm range where you can slow the bike by closing the throttle- this saves your brakes for when you need them
mike
when stopped do not hold the hot pads against the rotor. if on level ground release the brake.
if on a slight slope, leave room so that you can apply, roll, apply etc.
that keps one part of the rotor from getting hot and warping.
also try to ride in the rpm range where you can slow the bike by closing the throttle- this saves your brakes for when you need them
mike
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,196
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From: Maryland
About two months ago I bought a RC Components wheel package, rims, rotors and Metz tires. Dealer installed and after he took a test ride he immediately called me and said the new rotors (one piece) were warped. Picked it up, rode it home and called RC. They said no problem, send them back and we will replace. They sent the dealer two piece floating rotors to match. Good to go now. Bad part about the deal was I had to pay dealer for labor of re-installing. Check with PM and see what they will do.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 2
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Well the two piece rotors on my PM Riviera front wheel are the same. I bought these rims used, and since I installed them theve pulsated like crazy, and have basically made using the front brake an issue altogether. Ive actually been toying with the idea of polishing up my stock HD rotors and bolting them on, at least then id have my front brake back.
Im just wondering with these PM rotors whether i can replace the outer braking surface and resolve the issue, or will I need to replace the entire rotor assembly. Id hate to give up the nice look of my matching rotors, but sh*t I need to be able to stop this damn thing! lol
Ill stay tuned to find out what route you go!
Im just wondering with these PM rotors whether i can replace the outer braking surface and resolve the issue, or will I need to replace the entire rotor assembly. Id hate to give up the nice look of my matching rotors, but sh*t I need to be able to stop this damn thing! lol
Ill stay tuned to find out what route you go!
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
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Call PM. They will ask you to send them in for inspection. The Brembo calipers warp rotors like crazy due to the fact they they get the rotors so hot. It is unfortunate as the calipers work so well but it is occupational hazard.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 13
From: 501
Might I suggest Cryo treatment of your new rotors before installation. This harmonizes the structure of the metal rotor on a molecular level. A very popular option for rifle barrels and race parts.
I need new rotors now, and my OEM ones are still not warped. So Guess what part I'm going with! I should be able to get both mine treated here in town for $40.00
Just adding my $0.02 to the mix.
aka Bob
I need new rotors now, and my OEM ones are still not warped. So Guess what part I'm going with! I should be able to get both mine treated here in town for $40.00
Just adding my $0.02 to the mix.
aka Bob
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Hoboken, NJ
So, am I reading this correctly that PM (or any aftermarket) rotors LOOK good, but perform like s**t? I just got back from a 200mi ride to Bear Mountain, NY and the couple of times I applied the front brake, the entire bike shimmied like a belly dancer. NOT a good feeling. The brakes work but I do NOT want to feel any vibration except the rubber-mounted touring motor.
I will be contacting PM. The fact that I am the second owner of the bike should have little to do with this issue.
I will be contacting PM. The fact that I am the second owner of the bike should have little to do with this issue.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 2
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Mine were warped when I bought the rims, not sure exactly how many miles were on them before I got them, but the front rotors show very little wear. But in my case its not just a slight shimmy, it feels god awful. I have to use my rear brake when coming to a stop, because the front is so bad at slow speeds. Not sure what to do, I really dont want to have to go back to the stock rotors, I love my chrome matching rotors.
I wouldnt think in my case that id have any chance getting help from PM seeing as Im not the original purchaser. Bummer, there pricey to replace, and if the replacements are going to warp, why bother. Let us know what ya find out JY.
I wouldnt think in my case that id have any chance getting help from PM seeing as Im not the original purchaser. Bummer, there pricey to replace, and if the replacements are going to warp, why bother. Let us know what ya find out JY.