After Market Rotors

rhilker · Posted: June 27, 2009, 12:19 pm Post subject: After Market Rotors

I have looked high and low for a replacement front rotor for my 79 Special II. (I haven't gone to the dealer yet)

ikes wants $149.00 cdn for the XS performance rotor and offers no stock type replacement.

I really don't want to buy used. I guess I could have mine turned although I'm not a big believer in turming rotors when they run around $20.00 new for a car.

The basic problem is my front brake squeels. The pads are about 70% there and there is not much scoring on the rotor. Other than the noise the brake works good.

Would just changing the pads fix it? I figure that if I'm going to pull the wheel off I might as well do the whole shabang and replace pads, rotor and rebuild the caliper.

Also is this something I even want to attempt or would I be better to
buy the parts and have a pro do it? I can get it done for $50.00 cash if I want.

At any rate what alternative after market rotors will fit?

xsjohn · Posted: June 27, 2009, 12:28 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

Find a XS1100 or XJ1100 front slotted rotor on ebay and be done with all the squeels and double the brake.............and xs750 and 850 slotted fronts fit right on the back...........done deal there..........

xsjohn

pamcopete · Posted: June 27, 2009, 12:30 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

rhilker

The squelling is probably not the fault of the rotor. Most likely, it's just the pads. Try bevelling the edges of the pads with a file.

You could also have a tiny pebble embedded in one of the pads, so when you remove them, check for that and place a piece of sandpaper on a flat concrete surface and sand the surface of the pads to remove the accumulation of carbonized oil from the surface of the pads.

rhilker · Posted: June 27, 2009, 12:36 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

Thanks guys, this might be an easier fix than I thought.

xsjohn · Posted: June 27, 2009, 12:41 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

You might play with the pads but the squeeling and bad brakes will just come right back without slotted or drilled rotors.........

xsjohn

nudude53 · Posted: June 27, 2009, 12:45 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

I tried to get a rotor re-faced awhile back and no one would touch it saying it was because it is stainless steel. I just glued a scotchbrite pad to the disc on my right angled air grinder and touched it up myself. Works fine now. Unless it's really gouged bad don't worry about re-facing it.

rhilker · Posted: June 27, 2009, 12:54 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

I didn't realize these were stainless. No wonder they are pricey.

Retiredgentleman · Posted: June 27, 2009, 2:54 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

My brake disks looked a little on the worn side. I mounted them on a spindle and turned them in my drill press, while using some emery paper to clean it up. After clean up, I drilled the disks. They work really well.

Squealing may be due to no lube on the steel back part of the pads. You can buy anti-squeal lube for brakes.

I occasionally rough up the disks using 80 grit sandpaper, with the disks on the bike.

rhilker · Posted: June 27, 2009, 3:00 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

Looks brand new, wow. You guys are all amazing. This post drew some heavy hitters.

RT: too bad your in Calgary. I'd love to buy you a beer and pick your brain.

Retiredgentleman · Posted: June 27, 2009, 3:27 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

rhilker;
I used to live not far from you, in Whitby, Ont. Now, as far as my brain, it would be slim pickins Smile

Gymi · Posted: August 18, 2009, 10:51 am Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

A friend of mine used this guy to resurface and drill his rotors. The work he does is fantastic.
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotor...5fServices

pumps · Posted: August 18, 2009, 11:42 am Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

Luckily for me my riding buddy neighbor took it to his work and had their machinist turn it. Cost me lunch. Painted it and I think it looks pretty good.
Before.

Turned

Painted

As for me I'm no heavy hitter, just heavy. Embarassed

xsleo · Posted: August 18, 2009, 4:47 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

Looks good, now it just needs holes.

pumps · Posted: August 18, 2009, 7:09 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

Might have to send it off to RG to get it done!

c1skout · Full Member Joined: Sep 10, 2008 Posts: 29

If you have a drill press these rotors drill pretty easily. I drilled my last one and that took care of the squealing.

xsleo · Posted: September 20, 2009, 10:05 pm Post subject: Re: After Market Rotors

I went the xs1100 route. I put on dual disc up front and a single disc on the back . All slotted, I think they look nicer than the drilled rotors. And the brakes work great.

What Happened to 650rider.com?

Yamaha xs650