AGAIN with this stuff!?!?
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 407
Likes: 2
From: Bixby Oklahoma
Just a word about the ESP and rotors. I recently had the front brake vibration and asked the dealer about being covered and three different desk guys said no. One of the long timers said they hadn't ever covered warped rotors to his knowledge. I had read here someone said they got theirs covered so I looked at the paperwork on the ESP and rotors are listed. Called HD help line and was told rotors are covered if - rotor is not beyond minimum thickness (didn't get that measurment) and runout beyond .008 (I measured my runout and had .010 on one side and .012 on the other.
Had to "reinforce" the idea with the servicve guys but they made the call for the ESP and presto, got it done.
Had to "reinforce" the idea with the servicve guys but they made the call for the ESP and presto, got it done.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 104
From: Mississippi
About 5 months ago, I replaced my very warped PM Heathen rotors with Harley's 2-piece version. Not as aesthetically pleasing as PM's, but I figured they'd get the job done and would last...
Well I go on a nice "pre-start-of-my-tour" 30 mile ride, get on the highway, grab the front brake and V-V-V-V-V-VIIIIIIIBBBBBRRRAAAATTE.
WHAT.
THE.
F**K.
For the record, I do not "ride" the front brake, I do not "panic stop" while pulling up to lights or other obstacles. I'd say I use a 60/40 front/rear braking style. NOTHING that would warp TWO sets of rotors made by different manufacturers. The problem isn't me or my riding style. The issue must be...
I'm at a loss.
Now I have to f***ing go BACK to the stealer and ignorantly ask, "What's wrong with my bike?"
I hate that.
Any ideas fellas?
Well I go on a nice "pre-start-of-my-tour" 30 mile ride, get on the highway, grab the front brake and V-V-V-V-V-VIIIIIIIBBBBBRRRAAAATTE.
WHAT.
THE.
F**K.
For the record, I do not "ride" the front brake, I do not "panic stop" while pulling up to lights or other obstacles. I'd say I use a 60/40 front/rear braking style. NOTHING that would warp TWO sets of rotors made by different manufacturers. The problem isn't me or my riding style. The issue must be...
I'm at a loss.
Now I have to f***ing go BACK to the stealer and ignorantly ask, "What's wrong with my bike?"
I hate that.
Any ideas fellas?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 4,261
From: Virginia
Did you notice any brake pad residue on the rotor (uneven shading would be a telltale sign)? That could be the cause of vibration you feel. Brand new pads need to be broken in. If you ride them hard right away, you will have an uneven rotor surface due to residue.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 407
Likes: 2
From: Bixby Oklahoma
Got to thinking about this and wondered why holding the front brake at a stop would cause the rotor to warp, which makes sense, but holding the rear - only other option - seems to have no effect on the rotor. Seems the rear would be a little hotter environment being shielded from open air by bags but maybe its that the front accumulates more heat since it does more work??
Club Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 87
From: Stokton, CA
How hot can the rotor be....
If you come off the HWY and hit the off ramp, gear down and then use the brake to stop, How hot can it be....
Are you guys staying in high gear and using brake only and not your engine gearing down to stop....
I mean your not GP {Grand Prix} racing....
My self, I use the engine by gearing down and barely use my brake at the end to stop...
now this is just me thinking, flame on....
If you come off the HWY and hit the off ramp, gear down and then use the brake to stop, How hot can it be....
Are you guys staying in high gear and using brake only and not your engine gearing down to stop....
I mean your not GP {Grand Prix} racing....
My self, I use the engine by gearing down and barely use my brake at the end to stop...
now this is just me thinking, flame on....
Thread Starter
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Supporter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,685
Likes: 37
From: Hoboken, NJ
I'm sorry- I do NOT buy this "don't hold the brake at lights" crap. In all my years of riding, I've never heard of such a silly thing. Why doesn't this rule apply to cars? The mechanisms are almost identical.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 33
From: East Alton, IL
I agree! This ain't the first bike I've owned and not the first bagger. I don't do anything different on this bike that others I've had. Also hold my brake at stops in all of my cars/trucks.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Now I HAVE heard it all - simply using your brakes will warp the rotors.....sheesh.
I don't have the answer but I can positively say that holding the brake at a stop will NOT warp the rotors. If it did we'd all have vibrating brakes.
Personally I've only had one warped rotor, and that came from a gorilla and his tire changer. Trued it back up and all was well.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Do you hold the front brake after coming to a stop? I've read and found that those who hold the front brake tight after coming to a complete stop seem to experience more rotor warping than those who come to a complete stop, then release the front brake. Something about the rotors being held while hot between the brake pads. Just a thought. I've got after market rotors from HogPro on my bike and so far have had no signs of warping. I come to a complete stop, then release the front brake. Maybe worth a shot on your next set of rotors.
