Rear rotors

[trikermutha]

Different PN doesn't always mean they won't fit previous MY's, I'll bet its a material of construction change.

Did someone also mention larger rotors on the newer MY trikes??

 

[msocko3]

Did someone also mention larger rotors on the newer MY trikes??

Your correct, I just reviewed the tech bulletin and the rear rotors for the 14 and later are 10.6", so that answers that.

 

[stroker 23]

In 2005 I purchased a 79 FLH Lehman trike converted between 1995-1999. I knew a person who helped convert this trike. Drum brake system was 4 bolt pattern and this person remembered Lehman used a Mustang or Ford product drum brake system OR a 4 bolt VW system. Brakes were awesome, stop on a dime and give you nine cents change. With the MOCO schmoosing Brazil, could this system be VW after they switched to rotors vs. drums? Have we been looking in all the wrong places?
dan

 

[WindyOne]

Well, the Thread gave us a little more info; but, was not definitive on a car rotor substitution....

Given that our FLRTs have the linked braking system, I think we need to stay with a solution that would use our stock calipers. If we found a car rotor that would mount but was of a larger diameter, we still could in most probability utilize the stock caliper - just have to have a corrected mounting bracket.

This may end-up being a winter project to look at when we are in the off-season and can put one of our FLRTs up and try a mock-up. But, it would be great to hone in on some logical choices of a rotor to target.

I also noted that the Thread above mentioned that the HD rotor's composition changed. Maybe that is the reasoning behind the premature (under 10K) failures that have been reported? If so, finding an alternate rotor could prove not only to save maintenance costs in the long run, but may prove to be a good safety upgrade as well?

Springman

If you found a rotor that would mount up but was a larger diameter why couldn't it be turned to the diameter needed? It's just cast iron and machinable.

 

[Springman2007]

If you found a rotor that would mount up but was a larger diameter why couldn't it be turned to the diameter needed? It's just cast iron and machinable.

Well, I can't say it is cast iron, as we don't have one yet...that would be a conclusion we are jumping too.

But, as for the diameter issue, I think if we did have a car rotor that worked and we have to: having a modified mounting bracket for the caliper and being able to use a stock car rotor (if it worked) would be the ticket. See, then, if anything did happen to the rotor, you would just buy another without having to worry about having it modified.....simple maintenance.

Springman

 

[Sloufoot]

Well, I can't say it is cast iron, as we don't have one yet...that would be a conclusion we are jumping too.

But, as for the diameter issue, I think if we did have a car rotor that worked and we have to: having a modified mounting bracket for the caliper and being able to use a stock car rotor (if it worked) would be the ticket. See, then, if anything did happen to the rotor, you would just buy another without having to worry about having it modified.....simple maintenance.

Springman

LOL ! You have to keep in mind that you have to keep all that inside the wheel.
DFT makes a conversion kit for the TriGlide to change it over to IRS. On that kit they use a 10.5" rotor with the same offset & wheel bolt pattern. This is so you can use the stock wheels from the Harley, along with your stock calipers. They are making a different length plate to mount the calipers on to fit the larger rotor.
I talked with the mgmt at DFT about getting a pair of rotors, & two new plates to do my Trike . His price was $650. But it would be a bolt on kit if you want the bigger rotor.
What you are fighting is Harley wanting to sell the parts for your Trike without competition. They feel you can find enough parts everywhere at their dealers to keep everyone happy.
What amazes me about the brakes is the fact they don't use pads that are about 3/8" thick. It is all about selling parts !
Something to consider..... Ingersol Rand built the Imperial model air compressor. It lasted so long without repair it put the company into bankruptcy !

 

[Springman2007]

LOL ! You have to keep in mind that you have to keep all that inside the wheel.
DFT makes a conversion kit for the TriGlide to change it over to IRS. On that kit they use a 10.5" rotor with the same offset & wheel bolt pattern. This is so you can use the stock wheels from the Harley, along with your stock calipers. They are making a different length plate to mount the calipers on to fit the larger rotor.
I talked with the mgmt at DFT about getting a pair of rotors, & two new plates to do my Trike . His price was $650. But it would be a bolt on kit if you want the bigger rotor.
What you are fighting is Harley wanting to sell the parts for your Trike without competition. They feel you can find enough parts everywhere at their dealers to keep everyone happy.
What amazes me about the brakes is the fact they don't use pads that are about 3/8" thick. It is all about selling parts !
Something to consider..... Ingersol Rand built the Imperial model air compressor. It lasted so long without repair it put the company into bankruptcy !

I understand Harley wanting to keep this proprietary; but, I suspect that the brakes were not a scratch design, I really think it is most likely they adapted from something.. And, that is an opportunity to investigate......its a simple line....

Springman

 

[nevtat]

There is a TG thread that I responded to for a guy named Sean. Took all the measurements for rear rotors.
He is looking at early FORD rotors. They use a 4 bolt pattern just like our TG.

As for turning the rotors , take to your local auto parts store like O'Riley or Autozone. I had my rotor turned for $15 even.

Hope this helps.
TG Specific Thread: Rear Brake Rotors for 2012 Triglide

Just an FYI: I took a rotor to my local O'Reilly shop and their equipment would not cut the TG rotor due to the hardness of the metal. They refused to continue for fear of damaging their machine. Just saying'

 

[WindyOne]

Just an FYI: I took a rotor to my local O'Reilly shop and their equipment would not cut the TG rotor due to the hardness of the metal. They refused to continue for fear of damaging their machine. Just saying'

Were they using a regular lathe or one made just for rotors? Curious about the machine and the tool used to cut the rotor. Now I am wondering if the rotors have a case hardening to them?

 

[KRUZR]

Good question. I'm sure you'll get a lot of different opinions.

First off, please get used to using the rear brakes because that is where the stopping power resides on a trike.

Next, I've owned 3 trikes now with 20K, 40K and 50K miles, and have never had to replace a rear rotor.

I've seen on other boards that there is a Tri-Glide rear rotor upgrade package with 11.5" rotors, high performance calipers, and larger diameter master brake cylinder. Start with the J&P Cycles site for more info.

Disclaimer: I've never owned or ridden an HD bike, but I am an totally committed to being a friend of all true bikers, whatever their ride may be.

I agree with your comment on using both brakes all of the time. So please, for every Trike riders own good, get practiced on proper braking techniques. I ride a HD Street Glide with a CSC Daytona conversion kit. 35 k miles, no brakes or rotor work has been needed.

 

[nevtat]

Were they using a regular lathe or one made just for rotors? Curious about the machine and the tool used to cut the rotor. Now I am wondering if the rotors have a case hardening to them?

They were using their brake rotor lathe, not a machine shop type lathe.

- - - Updated - - -

Performance Machine does make a conversion kit that includes new calipers and rotors, however, it only works with their custom wheels, not stock wheels. They have a kit that includes only calipers, master cylinder, and brake lines.