front brake issues
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Stage II
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
front brake issues
I have a 2012 Ultra Limited with 5,000 miles
Around 4500 miles I noticed a pulsation in the front brake that became worse. It varies at different speeds but is really distracting while drifting up to a stop at low speeds. Sometimes when I slowly apply both brakes lightly I do not feel the pulsing. I feel it in the ride , like the front tire is egg shaped ? , not in the brake lever.
I just got it back from the dealer after the 5000 check up. They checked the run out on the rotors--found no problem. They purged the ABS system- whatever that means. Then they road tested it and say the brakes are fine.
Driving it home it pulses at low speeds as it did before. It did not do this in the first 4500 miles. Anybody else have this experience? Is it an ABS thing? I've been on bikes since 75 and I have never been afraid to apply the front brakes, but I'd almost rather use the rear only.
Thanks for any comments, experience etccc .
Around 4500 miles I noticed a pulsation in the front brake that became worse. It varies at different speeds but is really distracting while drifting up to a stop at low speeds. Sometimes when I slowly apply both brakes lightly I do not feel the pulsing. I feel it in the ride , like the front tire is egg shaped ? , not in the brake lever.
I just got it back from the dealer after the 5000 check up. They checked the run out on the rotors--found no problem. They purged the ABS system- whatever that means. Then they road tested it and say the brakes are fine.
Driving it home it pulses at low speeds as it did before. It did not do this in the first 4500 miles. Anybody else have this experience? Is it an ABS thing? I've been on bikes since 75 and I have never been afraid to apply the front brakes, but I'd almost rather use the rear only.
Thanks for any comments, experience etccc .
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 507
Likes: 5
From: Florida
I had some issue somewhat similar to what you described but when I apply the front brakes especially when hitting the binders hard. First trip at 5K to the dealership and I was told it was "normal." Heck, at around 7K, same dealership but different tech diagnosed it as warp rotors. Replaced under warranty and no more issues. I too have the ABS system and man, can they stop almost a 900 lbs. machine like nothing.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
You have warped rotors. I would find a different dealer or just ride with them as they are. Chances are if you go back with HD rotors, they will warp again. You can go with Lyndall or EBC rotors and have quality rotors for life. Even hd floating rotors warp. Ask me how I know.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
May also be contaminated rotors. Most so called warped rotors are really just contaminated. Sometimes you can get lucky using brake cleaner and a scrubber to scour the brake rotors.
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