PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES- SILVERBACK IS DOWN

[@amsoiladam]

Also John please keep in mind one thing. The rotors you have there are called a floating rotor. The rivet that connect the outer ring to the center hub have a designed movement in them. Therefore your dial gauge measurement will never be accurate on a floating rotor system as it would be on a fixed router system where it is all one piece. I’m not saying there’s nothing wrong with your rotors just saying that that method of measurement is not accurate

[@BikesBeardsAndBrews]

Silverback is like the Notorious B.I.G. of motorcycles, Mo' Upgrades Mo' Problems. It's gotta be maddening to be on that rollercoaster ride. Hope it gets squared away soon!

[@berwickcomputers]

If they are floating rotors they will move when doing that test with the brake callipers still bolted to the bike... that's what floating rotors are designed to do.. instead of knocking the pads back into the piston when the brakes are not applied.. they allow movement... because your callipers are still bolted up..that may be why your are seeing such deflectors in the dial indicator...

[@dennisknoblauch4700]

There not floating rotors

[@berwickcomputers]

@@dennisknoblauch4700 is the center hardware solidly mounted to the outer brake rotor.. if so I stand corrected...

[@jameslindsay479]

Upgrades. That's what we do. Stage 2 with a torque cam is ... wow ... noticeable boost in power and torque! Legend suspension ... undeniable improvement in comfort and performance. Seats and handlebars for the perfect fit and feel. But. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! If it works, leave it the fk alone. Late model Harley touring Brembo brakes are fantastic. I've dropped $10k on my RGS in upgrades. Brakes are probably the last thing I would change or spend money on.

[@paullee4042]

Hey John you need to check run out with the calipers off first, sounds like your calipers are still putting pressure on the rotors. Then check piston pressure and ABS for air.

[@chrisburch9513]

The industry says " under 50 mph for then first 50 miles, it takes up to 500 miles to match a set of pads to rotor. The new parts need to temper because in their world temperature changes are classed as extreme. Glad you didn't suffer a complete breakdown when needed. Stay UPright stay safe ;)

[@DeBa1226]

Brother, you could not have explained and demonstrated that rotor issue any better. Who in their right mind would have concluded the shape of that disc lends to more surface for the pads to grip, then less surface to grip then more and so on?! Wow, obviously even their engineers didn’t catch that one. I gotta believe these new on the way will resolve that pulsating in the lever, if in fact that is the actual issue. Man, not only all the elements you charged thru for 1162 mi, and the stress that brought on, I can’t imagine what the additional anxiety was like with all that shimmy in the front end that progressively got worse?! Like trying to land a mig on the hard deck with failing engines! Holy Cow bro, you’re an Overcomer! Hey if Arlens new set don’t work, keep Performance Machine in mind; stellar brakes and disc!

[@joe6223]

some times performance parts hurt reliability

[@SJBagger]

Thanks for the info. I have the Galfer 11.8 (stock) Wave, but no issues so far. I too changed out the pads at the same time, but everything was smooth as butter. It looked like you had to put some effort into spinning that front wheel. I couldn't believe the deviation, crazy. Anyway, great points about the Wave style, I didn't even know a lot of that.

[@flyonawall6521]

I don't know how I ran into your channel but I'm glad I did, boy how time flies. The first video recall seeing of yours was when you rode the Street Glide 1500 miles with Paul. Keep up with the great work! Your channel will continue to grow and can't wait for when you reach 100k subs. It will happen.

[@joshstucker4250]

I installed the 14” wave rotors on my 19 RGU. They are the solid spoke mount not floating and have had no issues so far. They are a little loud but i also installed the 6 piston matching calipers and are loaded with sinister pads

[@jimg.so.cal.1018]

Good info John I’ve been thinking about put the Arlen Ness 14” on my street glide and road glide cvo but I’m going to wait and see how the new one work for you first. Thank for the heads up.

[@jamesdunn3508]

Thank you for the great video.I loved the look on your bike and have the red ones in my cart for my Electa glide standard. Was just waiting until I found a new rim I liked. But now I don't know. thats alot of money hopefully they warranty them. Thanks again for the great info.

[@jrm1730]

Since it's a floating rotor, I would unbolt caliper and check again with dial indicator. Had one that the bearing was the causing the braking issue. Another bike with aftermarket floating rotors the thickness on one mounting point to the hub was thicker then the others thus causing vibration.

[@biker_trash582]

I'm a machinist that indicator is .100 thou per one revolution . Find the low spot and move the face to 0 rotate the wheel and find your high spot one line equals .001 or one thousandth.

[@Ridingon3TN]

another thing to possibly look at which I had a issue with is the front bearings could be going out as well which could cause the vibrations as well. I just had my front bearings replaced and had vibrations on the front end when I used the brakes not to mention had to have the new brake pads replaced as well because they were wearing oddly due to the bearings going out. The rotors are mounted to the wheel which if the bearings are going bad it could give the impression that the rotors are bad when it could be the bearings instead. Given the testing though the rotors in your case were no doubt warped a bit. Great video may actually look into the rotors next being I still am getting a slight vibration when i use the brakes just not as bad as before.

[@professor767]

John, I'm not a brake mechanic, but "troubleshooting 101" tells me if several of your subscribers are getting the same effect from this rotor, I think I'd find a new rotor supplier. Looks have to take a back seat to safety.

[@ocglide2566]

I have stock size Galfer Wave Brake Rotors on my 2019mRoad Glide Special and I don't notice anything like that at all, they seem to work very well.

[@freightrn]

I just installed these and found an issue during install that was easily resolved. Since our calipers are solid mounted they have to be centered up on the rotor, both of my calipers had the inside guide (for lack of a better term) touching the rotor while the gap to the outside guide was .12, so I found some washers to use as spacers that were about .06 each and put those between the caliper and the AN bracket, this resolved the issue and centered the caliper up. This could have easily caused the issue you were having over time.

[@CYCLEFANATIX]

That is an interesting hypothesis, maybe you are correct, but I just don’t see how a consumer should be responsible to figure that out. Keep me posted. Let me know how it works out in the future. Thanks.

[@stevehelton7825]

I would go with harley rotors some aftermarket parts are cheap metal.

[@zion1126]

John, thanks for sharing your bike problems!

[@richardrussell500]

Improper torque sequence when installed will warp a rotor... to eliminate excessive tolerances in vehicle hubs, many manufacturers recommend having the rotors trued while on the vehicle. Obviously the rotors were warped when installed as you noticed it right away. I have floating rotors on my trike and they work fantastic. No issues. Sounds like you received a bad set. I have dealt with Arian Ness on more than one occasion. And my experience has been excellent. I am sure they will take care of you. And yes, breaking in a new set of pads and rotors is important. The old rule of under 50 for 50 is important. Getting on the brakes hard without break in is a bad idea. Not doing so will cause excessive heat and eventually warp the rotor. I stick to stock these days. Too many aftermarket parts are not up to par. Might as well check the calipers while you are at it. Best of luck and keep us posted.

[@taps_1021]

Go solid vs floating rotors. Floating rotors will more around that's what they are intended to do

[@bigredhead87]

I have the Arlen Ness big brake rotor kit for my street bob with the round (non-scalloped) rotor and have no shimmy. Make sure to just get new pads too! Good luck!

[@ICEMANINVADER]

So I have those rotors and the 11.8 in the rear but there it’s no colored ring, it’s just the tabs that you pointed too and they’re black. Unsure the major design difference but hopefully, in my case, yours were warped from the factory as I don’t have another $900 for new ones. Haven’t put as many miles in as you but I’ve yet to have any issues.

[@raymondhintz691]

that sucks that they warped that much and with a bike they cant be turned but easily replaced thank you for sharing this video with us

[@JC-px2xo]

Having same issue with Arlen Ness 13" rotors. Brake pulsation in the brake lever measured runout and seeing .006" on one side the other is fine. I only put about 50 miles on the bike since installing rotors and OEM brake pads. Wheel mounting surface where the rotor bolts too is fine (I checked with straight edge) bearings are good. Revzilla won't process a return because I've ridden on them lol and Arlen Ness doesn't care to respond to calls or email. Good luck

[@brownrican129]

I just saw a video of a guy lubricanting the rivets around the rotors and the problem went away

[@brownrican129]

Rivets are supposed to have play in them

[@briannorwell202]

I have the ones you just ordered. I haven't measured mine but mine started to vibrate after a hard stop from 100mph. Now, every medium-hard braking from legal highway speeds, it vibrates. There was no issue for 10,000 miles but after that hard stop, seems like I overheated them

[@robertdavis5495]

I have these same rotors, when I first installed them I used EBC semi metallic pads and they were loud! But then a put a brand new pair of Harley Brembo pads and they were smooth and quiet. But I have not experienced the problem your having. I hope Arlene Ness sends you a new pair .

[@kostah976]

According to your video when you came back, I thought the bike did so well you said and now it was a massive brake failure on that trip??

[@flytheedge]

I initially ordered Counteract beads and attempted to install in my rear wheel - that was a shit show. Ordered the Ride-On per your video and going to try that in my front wheel. Then I'll ride it, assess whether there are any vibrations (possibly from the rear wheel), and start again with the Ride-On in the rear wheel, if necessary. All this to say, I'm one of those that purchases products based on your input.

[@paul-pw9yk]

Got to be careful of "all show and no go"

[@rickcasey611]

Not trying to be disrepectful. Rotor warpage is normally caused from heat. That large of diameter there doesn't seem to be enough rigidity in the disc itself. 5 narrow spokes does not look like enough support to keep from flexing when braking Just my 2. Sometimes cool isn't always funtional. Just my 2. BTW enjoy your videos.

[@arthurcutaiar9994]

Yep. Stop with the spindly parts that work, work to open your wallet only

[@ncautolink]

I have the same issue with stock Brembo rotors. I stopped fast on freeway and rotors got warped, I put new rotors and pads and same thing happened 3 months later to new robots again .

[@RidingandWrenching]

Good content! I need to get one of those meters. I don't have those particular rotors, but I've experienced similar problems. It would be great to troubleshoot this my self

[@fxlrsaz6363]

Call Arlen Ness, and say WTF!

[@WilzMrci]

Man I was going to get them for my CVO, thanks for sharing !!!!!

[@keithclever5810]

Hey John, another great video ,it's not related to brakes, but I was wondering how the Love Jugs worked on Silverback in Daytona ?

[@crushkrew]

Wow - glad you posted this vid - I was going to order these this week!! Thanks!

[@barbercvo_19]

Galfer rotors all the way in my opinion

[@Wessoncustoms]

Not a big fan of arleen ness stuff but they look good

[@redrider0151]

My PM rotors did the same thing....and they would actually knock the piston back into the caliper so you had to pump the brakes to get them to work. Unfortunately for my, there is an 8 week wait to get my new rotors....mine match my green wheels, and have replaceable "outers" (the portion that the brakes hit is replaceable so I dont have to get the anodized inner portion done again). The noise you hear when you hit the brakes (if it sounds like a swarm of bee's) is actually common if you are running sintered pads...EBC sintered pads do this all the time... :D...ask me how I know!! I hope it all works out for the best John!! Check your pads, make sure the wheel is spaced properly, etc...

[@sandtrap9]

Another great video John! Very valuable information! Hopefully the new rotors resolve the issue!👍👍

[@Jarvisbiker]

My rotors didn't warp but the surfaces were blue in patches, HD replaced them with new. which within 4000 kms. the wheel was binding and brakes were dragging. dealer told me to use brake cleaner to loosen them up. took calipers off and inspected and found the new pads were not the same, I placed the pads back to back and the inside left pad was much bigger @ 3/32" bigger and was not sliding in the caliper. It was locked up hard which acted like a seized piston. I used a hand file and reduced the size of all the pads slightly until they slid freely in the caliper with adequate spring tension still available. once reassembled and test driven they worked fine and have been perfect ever since. I believe this is what was wrong with the original rotors and I will be checking all parts before they or anyone installs in the future.

[@FLYANDRIDE15]

Great video and very helpful insights John, thanks for the transparency 💯🤙

[@freedom6919741]

OK I’m having the same problem. Changed the rotors didn’t fix it. Changed the entire wheel and rotors again didn’t fix it. It Has to be in the ABS. I haven’t taken it to the dealer yet. But I can’t see it being rotors after three sets of rotors and two sets of wheels.

[@2004AIH]

ABS was my first thought too. If the Calipers were changed out with the rotors and then not properly bleed opening up the ABS module that could cause some issues.

[@freedom6919741]

@@2004AIH I guess I need to take it to the dealer and have it checked. Lord knows I have spent enough money trying fix it. I am no mechanic but my opinion is that it’s in the AbS somewhere.

[@scanbike]

I have changed left rotor tree times, and bleeded abs module last time to dealer. The front left and rear rotor is part of linked brake system...

[@fourftr]

Read all the comments. Why haven’t you contacted Arleen Ness. Why isn’t the wheel free spinning is the calipers hanging up creating too much heat

[@funhumanusa]

Are the buttons causing the movement? So now you are going with solid rotors? Call Kraus and get some BrakeTech's.

[@Desmo1]

I imagine Arlen Ness hasn’t been making rotors for that long. Prob best to go with a more experienced manufacturer.

[@MasterObiwan01]

John, so sorry to hear that you are having issues with the arlen ness 14 inch wave rotors. Man, I was just about to order those same rotors for my bike. No floating rotors for me. Definitely going to do some research on front rotors before I order them. Good luck with the new rotors my friend. Thank you for sharing this valuable information with us all. 🤙

[@vincentrowan2846]

Great video very informative glad you found the problem 👍👍

[@JD-il9uq]

Check out the brakes on moonshine horsepower videos

[@dwight072]

Good info. Keep us posted

[@newtonmetres]

Dont stuff around with brakes no matter what aftermarker maker claims:stay with original equipment

[@tank7358]

Sorry to hear your rotors are failing to stay true. I remember in a different video, you mentioned to always install new pads whenever you change rotors…looking forward to hearing how Arlen Ness handles this

[@asoshkin]

These are floating rotors so there will be fluctuation since it's not one piece. There something else that is going on. Could be the design like you mentioned (waves)of the rotor which is causing this behavior.

[@azulsanteon4908]

What kind of headlight are you running? Thanks.

[@MrB846]

Did you have any figment issues with the rotor and the wrapped fender bracket/spacers?

[@CYCLEFANATIX]

No

[@robertfagan8833]

Wow very interesting.. didn’t know they have a tool for that.. always learn something new and informative from your videos.. look likes it’s time to change rotor brands

[@capecodbiker9902]

Sounds like a bad design for the rotors seem like a lot of people are have same problem I almost got a set good thing I waited thanks for the update

[@Country-Marshal]

Sorry to hear about this. You've got a plan how to get it right. I hope it all works out for ya, brother. See ya soon. Til then be safe.

[@2147crew]

Darn bro. Sorry to hear that. However, thanks for sharing this so we’re aware they are about $300 or so each. Ride safe.

[@michaelfrascati7610]

It’s called pulsation. I’m sure you torqued them down correctly. I put a new front wheel on my VFR using original rotors, so hopefully I won’t have problems. We’ll see.✌️👍😎🇺🇸

[@anthonymennella7169]

I had a warped over drive gear on a 2000 jeep that at 52mph it would shake the whole truck . Jeep figured it out years after the fact . That being said , these expensive rotors should be balanced checked at the factory before being sold to the public . Good luck with the new ones .

[@matthewmoody9631]

Gotta go with Galfer !

[@bronxbrosmotorcycles]

I'd like to hear from the manufacturer? Floating Rotors have movement. Not saying you're wrong, just would like a second opinion.

[@RoadGlider1839]

Brake Rotor warp common in harleys in hot weather, however you should be using competition brake rotors and pads for you, especially with the HP your using. If you look at the harley competition bagger check the front brakes. Yours are for show and not riding . Brembo is the way to go with extra big solid rotors. Every one love to show and look cool but you give up functionality. Guarantee those replacement rotors will give you the same problem. Just my opinion remember your in a different class bike now speed and braking is what its about, and you cannot make up for lack of metal on your rotors.

[@bradlozano2571]

Looks like your gonna have to go back to a rotor with more solid surface area that will take the high heat

[@skys_limit73]

Also a machinist and no way i would let that out of my shop!

[@resto-sk7be]

Maybe a bad flex line. Overheating the rotor

[@darrenlingerfelt5879]

👍👍

[@JonV-r7q]

The Beast is down... 😢

[@xpresident]

That’s a scary design flaw . Surprised they didn’t catch that in testing during R&D

[@olafklokman3523]

I ride with the same Arlenness discs but then with the 6 piston calipers from arlen ness and have no problems at all.

[@macmac3770]

New pads and rotors need to broken in as mentioned in another comment. The pads and rotors should be eased into their proper bedding to be the most effective - through various heat/cool cycles with increasing speeds. This need to be done over time and varying speeds. You may have missed the opportunity to get that accomplished prior to the Daytona trip. Hopefully they will warranty their product for you. Keep us posted.

[@Roadglide117]

Yes those are definitely way out. I had some after market rotors in the past with the same issue. I went back to Harley floating rotors and never had the issue again. Some of the aftermarket makers, even though they're considered premium makes, seem to use substandard quality metal. Hope they work it out for you.

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

I wood get off the money 💰 and purchase the Brembo brakes A Big Fat joker 🃏 like me needs them And you can have the Best 2 Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇸

[@hectorarbelo9965]

I’m a machinist,that’s not square! You should call the company and ask what the tolerance is on the rotors

[@austin2267]

Had same issue, switch to a Galfer floating rotor. 1 million times better than that Arlen crap.

[@charliedaly7599]

Love the information u put out on ur channel easy to understand and straight to the point,good job,ride safe

[@jfk5230]

They say floating rotors don't work so well with the BIG bikes.....

[@vtwinnking]

oh no 😰

[@jkjmmat]

No mechanic here but seems like that wheel should be rolling a lot easier than what I'm seeing. I can hear the breaks dragging. I literally just went out and lifted my Road Glide and checked. I have stock wheels, rotors, breaks and front tire spins MUCH easier than what I'm seeing on your vid. So are your breaks dragging causing the rotors to overheat and warp? Again not a mechanic just an observation. Keep up the vids and someday I'll try to catch up and shake your hand at a meet/greet

[@Tom-jw1pe]

Kinda scary… think ima stay stock now..

[@lightningrod6980]

Yes I am having the exact same problem, I have the same brakes. I'm trying to break them in a little more with lighter pressure. Got my fingers crossed.

[@donschlegel1972]

Yep Arlen Ness is not always the best in this type of thing that’s not good Floating Rotors from other companies are much better

[@arthurcutaiar9994]

Almost 10 thousandths, guage reads to one thousandths. So how much run out. I didnt see 10, so almost 10 is a blanket statement if your not gonna be precise using a precise tool , well you know the rest.

[@jetag93]

Never buy brake parts from a company that doesn't specialize in brake manufacturing.

[@timdavis8154]

That sucks. It seems that their engineering is not strong enough.

[@dmenace265]

Whatttttt, you mean it was bad!? On a Harley?

[@MiamiJato]

yeah, that sucks, get a better design rotor......

[@HOLYSHIFT]

Dude- that’s not good ! Sounds like it’s a bad rotor - maybe that specific manufacturing batch !

[@professor767]

Sandy, If other subscribers who bought this rotor on John's suggestion are having the same problem, it's probably not a bad batch. I think I'd avoid this manufacturer altogether. We're talking a real safety issue here.

[@HOLYSHIFT]

@@professor767 you’re probably right!