 Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
So, I pulled my wheels off today so I can take them in for new skins on Monday. I slapped the digital micrometer on my rotors. The rear is still good at about 5.8mm (I don't use the rear that much). The front is at about 4.4mm. Now the manual says 5.0mm standard (new?), 4.5mm service limit for thickness. Is there any fudge factor in that or should I just go ahead and order up a rotor?
I'd rather not replace the rotor until I absolutely have to since I'm holding out hope of finding a TBS wheel. My pads still have plenty of life on them. That said, I'm getting ready for the big California trip next month and the last thing I need is a major repair on the road.
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 Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
If it's just .1mm you can leave it for a while. Didn't you say you had front brake fade?  That is the biggest problem you should have, as long as the rotor is not warped. But replace it semi-soon.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Well....., that service limit is there for a reason but I would hope they err on the side of caution.
I'd throw the new pads on and wait until after the trip to replace but replace it I would and figure out the TBird wheel later.
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
The way my TBS wheel search in going, I may as well buy the floating rotor and new sintered pads from Brent.
I haven't noticed any warpage in the rotor, but I don't have any way of measuring run-out. Since my little "incident" in BC I've been back to my normal, mellower riding style, and concentrating on downshifting more. It helps greatly.
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
FJ,
It would really suck to find out you failed the service limit test on one of those long 6% grade downhills going into CA.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Yeah, that would ruin my whole day.  I e-mailed Brent to see if he has the floating rotor in stock. If a stock rotor costs $185 I may as well pay $233 for the floating rotor and pads. Hopefully that will be a sufficient upgrade until I can find the elusive TBS wheel.
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
FJ,
It would really suck to find out you failed the service limit test on one of those long 6% grade downhills going into CA.
I agree... if you are questioning your brakes and are planning a long trip, not to mention a long trip to an area that can require frequent and heavy braking, you already have your answer! Replace it and be safe.
If your still questioning it then as your self if painful injury (possibly terminal injury) is worth the money!
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
If it wasn't for the CA trip I would say run it for awhile but Ed has a point those long down hill sections and steep hills in CA it might be wise to replace it. It would probably be fine but I would vote to err on the side of caution.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
If it wasn't for the CA trip I would say run it for awhile but Ed has a point those long down hill sections and steep hills in CA it might be wise to replace it. It would probably be fine but I would vote to err on the side of caution.
I didn't realise about your trip.
Put me down in the replace column. 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
When I was a much younger man I rode down one of those CA passes in a crew bus after the brakes faded away. It's a sleigh ride I'll never forget and wouldn't want to repeat.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753 |
you would be surprised how well the floater works
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I like BikeBandit.com but they are super slow.
Oh, and I just checked the link - I'm a little concerned that the rotor they picture has five mounting holes and not the six holes my bike has. I would assume that's a generic image, but it's something I'd have to follow up on before I order.
Last edited by FriarJohn; 08/19/2007 10:47 PM.
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Re: Talk to me about rotor thickness
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Well, after contacting Brent to make sure he had the floating rotor and pads in stock I placed the order. I know it's more than BikeBandit.com but ordering from them is like putting your cash in a bottle and throwing it into the ocean--it'll get there but you have no idea how long it will take. With Brent, the parts are already on their way and I already have a tracking number.
I also ordered SS braided brake lines. Guess it's time to overhaul the braking system. I've had some speed-bleeders sitting in my garage for quite a while, but I'll finally get to put those in.
I still want the TBS wheel, but if I find one I'll probably just stash it for a while, depending on how good this new setup works. I'll get my wheels back with new Avon Venom tires mounted up before the shipment arrives. I should be able to report on the braking performance this weekend.
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