New Brake Rotor - Recommendations
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
New Brake Rotor - Recommendations
Need to put new rotors on my 04 Road King in order to pass inspection.
Trying to figure out if I should go oem replacement, cheap aftermarket (if there is such a thing), or expensive floating rotor. Searching for info and sources has proven surprisingly murky.
I'm not going to be racing the bike, the oem rotors have worked just fine in my limited saddle time. The bike stops fine and is quiet. I like that.
Aftermarket doesn't really appear to have much that is cheaper than the oem rotors. Those that I did find cheaper are really ugly and crude.
I can't figure out any reason to need or even particularly want the expensive floating rotors, but then I also can't really figure out what they're supposed to do by being floating or semi-floating with a stainless steel friction rotor. I do understand floating a carbon fibre rotor and the like, which is not something I need for this bike.
Comments, suggestions, experiences?
Trying to figure out if I should go oem replacement, cheap aftermarket (if there is such a thing), or expensive floating rotor. Searching for info and sources has proven surprisingly murky.
I'm not going to be racing the bike, the oem rotors have worked just fine in my limited saddle time. The bike stops fine and is quiet. I like that.
Aftermarket doesn't really appear to have much that is cheaper than the oem rotors. Those that I did find cheaper are really ugly and crude.
I can't figure out any reason to need or even particularly want the expensive floating rotors, but then I also can't really figure out what they're supposed to do by being floating or semi-floating with a stainless steel friction rotor. I do understand floating a carbon fibre rotor and the like, which is not something I need for this bike.
Comments, suggestions, experiences?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I found the Harley floating rotors are good value, if you want a modest upgrade. They also come with new screws which helps towards the cost. Those screws have a three-uses life cycle, so it is worth replacing them at the same time as installing new rotors.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 9,241
From: Snow Hill, NC
Stockers are fine, i changed mine with slightly used ones from take off of conversion and i was lucky, no issues... Like Graham said the HD Floating ones are an upgrade and the floating function is forgiving in case of rotor deviation...doesn't transfer vibrations as much...Although after 60000 miles on the originals i never had issues other than being worn...what a difference it made on the brake feel...Your dealer checked those???? They may be really thorough....Mine,....Horn, signals, lamps, tires...good to go dude...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
I have been shopping also for my Road King and have come to the conclusion that the HD floating are the best bang for the buck. Plus you can get them in black.
Stockers for my '99 are hidious looking, certainly won't be putting those back on!
Stockers for my '99 are hidious looking, certainly won't be putting those back on!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
Are the rotors worn past the minimum spec shown on the caliper?
If so, is that the reason you need to replace them?
If the problem is excessive lever travel or poor performance, you can rebuild the calipers for less cost and alve the real problem.
Carl
If so, is that the reason you need to replace them?
If the problem is excessive lever travel or poor performance, you can rebuild the calipers for less cost and alve the real problem.
Carl
Thread Starter
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
OK, thanks. I need to replace them due to their being too thin after many years and miles.
Inspection here is a draconian one time thing. I even got dinged for the missing reflectors.
Inspection here is a draconian one time thing. I even got dinged for the missing reflectors.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 9,241
From: Snow Hill, NC
I would be looking for a different inspection shop if i were you...
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