Harley Brakes Suck! Here's how to fix them.

In this video I discuss how many Harley Davidson, Indian, and Victory Motorcycles have insufficient brakes. I show how the Arlen Ness Big Brake Rotor can improve the braking by 30%. I make a case for using this product rather than adding dual disc brakes. It's a cheaper, and better looking solution.

[@chrisquas4113]

Don’t forget about your rear brake as well. I figure you should always use both brakes when stopping 100% of the time. People always say the front brake is better. It is better than the rear, it isn’t better than the rear and front together. Might as well use both all the time in case of an emergency it’s muscle memory.

[@terrymcquade8341]

Hey Chris, I agree and I hope you still monitor this so you can hopefully give me some leads as to what to buy to do a complete upgrade on my 2009 Dyna Low Rider. Thanks in advance for any helpful info you can share.

[@roadsterman]

Good clean video! Clear speech and no loud angry music. Thanks!

[@davids7349]

Appreciate the video bud, that 12ft could be the difference between life and death. Subbed and liked

[@chrissmith7669]

Thanks for the video. Sounds like a great improvement. Now to bring the rear brakes up to snuff.

[@3.2Carrera]

Great video. I found the same thing with my Superglide. From the dealership I almost ate the trunk of a car stopped in front of me. I've experimented on many other bikes. Dual disks with quality calipers are ideal. But I found increasing the braking power of a single sided braking system will cause the forks to twist under hard braking. It looks like you have the remedy already- a fork brace.

[@arthurleino]

Great Video for Modern Harley Davidson. The Harley Davidson I ride, since new is a 1983 FXWG. It has dual disks and for this 67 year old rider. It is good enough for me!

[@MrCheckster2000]

Love my 15" wave rotor. Looks killer and works!!

[@aaronsc231]

Cool vid man. Love the idea. Was considering dual but this is interesting. Keep doing what your doin g 💪🏼

[@tetlow2]

Ya man I've been drooling over a dual disk set up. But this is pretty cool too.

[@treborkciddur]

dude I love how you come up with stuff I haven't even thought of. Awesome

[@agentelvis81]

What did he "come up with?" Not a damn thing. This was a lame commercial for a well-known aftermarket product... A bit of advice: if someone has more fingers than tools, they're full of shit.

[@treborkciddur]

@@agentelvis81 he came up with something a new guy like me didn't know about...now I do, just like you sweetie

[@agentelvis81]

@@treborkciddur you weren't looking for a brake upgrade, though. Considering the AN big rotor kit is in the first few results when you Google "Dyna brake upgrade."

[@agentelvis81]

@@treborkciddur this bozo came up with NOTHING.

[@nickheinz3737]

Good Video; I am going to do it on my Victory CCT. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesholliday8167]

I ride a 48 and I love it but I’ve been wanting something more..So I test rode the 2018 street bob today. It felt great and handled almost like a sportster. Just a hell of a lot comfortable. I enjoyed the video grave me ideas and things to look out for with the new bike next week.

[@wescobts]

I have an 2018 Street Bob, you'll love it if you already don't have by now, get the ABS brakes, worth the cost

[@johncasor9698]

Another Great Video ... thank you so much... i had a 2009 street bob and the brakes where a joke. i would have to stop and let them cool down ... and almost had many accidents because of sad poor brakes... and it only had 12 K on this sad system...

[@redlee3391]

It’s a very nice compliment to your bike. Looks amazing

[@scottroberts4185]

I have had one on my wide glide for over a year and have had no issues. I have probably only put about 5,000 miles on it though. It performs well and installs easily. Can definitely tell the difference in a big way. I would highly recommend.

[@laneh.5150]

still running this rotor? ^^ has held up? what pads you're using with it?

[@TaterGrabbinBass]

I know this video is over 3yrs old now, but I was wondering how these brakes/rotors have held up over time. I have a new 2020 Street Bob and the front brakes are still bad. They aren’t unusable or absolutely worthless, but I came from sport bikes with amazing brembos and incredible stopping power. My last 2 bikes were BMW 2015 s1000rr and 2016 s1000r, so I know great brakes. Now as I get older and still want to ride and take long trips I got a Harley but I’m thinking about getting dual discs but stumbled on this video and if they hold up over time and give me more stopping power for a cheaper price point, I’m totally down to do that and spend the rest of the money on other things. Let me know if you do see this and tell me how they held up over time, it looks badass and for $300+- 30% more stoping power is no joke and seems well worth it! Great video brother, very informative and helpful! 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼

[@wilsonstaff007]

Thanks bro !!! It's going on my 04 Deuce !!! Matching rotor going on the back !!!

[@Jayfield1972]

Keep making videos man! There isn't enough well made videos with Street Bob owners.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks Jay.... More on the way.

[@bobby3849]

Awesome clip. Nice work buddy. Thanks 🙏

[@97irishflyer]

My Victory (06 Kingpin) has floating Brembos on it. Coming off a 96 Electra Glide, I felt like I was going over the front end..lol. This setup looks like it would help a bunch on the EG.

[@Tecton420]

Man you need more subscribers, all of your videos are killer. Granted I'm a little biased as we have the same bike, and seemingly same taste in upgrades so you're offering me one solid road map haha. Keep doing what your doing! I bet these manufactures would give you an affiliate link too, so you can make some side money for more parts!

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Hey Mathew... appreciate the feedback. I plan to keep making these vids... so hopefully the subscribers will follow. Thanks for the tip on the affiliate link. I will definitely look into that.. When you get that bike dialed... send me a pic. I'd love to check it out. [e-mail]

[@dho.onthesteel]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful.

[@Frosty_357]

Thanks a lot man. My iron 883 is ready for tour.

[@coisnotpog]

I would love to double up on this on my Roadster. Even having a factory dual disc the brakes still arnt great.

[@HawaiiZR1]

Thanks! I like watching all your videos. I am going to buy this big rotor kit and upgrade the brakes lines, keep fresh fluid and good pads. To those that have this upgrade have you also upgraded your calipers? I want the best braking possible. I would imagine the front and rear calipers need to be upgraded if so. I will be adding Trask Turbo to my Street Bob so I want the brakes to be the best and be able to stop when needed. We run our bikes fast in my group in Japan on the expressways. Stopping is more important than going fast or looking good. Thanks!

[@aviezek3072]

thank you for this video...just shows the difference between stock and the upgrade. my fxdx has dual front brakes yet i'm still not satisfied, just dont feel they give the braking power i need..

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks man.. appreciate the support.

[@davidinghram2494]

I also appreciate this video. My dyna needs help and thought maybe a change to EBC pads would help. 30% is a huge difference, and like another said, it could save your life. I also subscribed because of this video. Thanks

[@PAULY-P]

Yes, put double H sintered in the rear and semi sintered in the front. Problems solved!

[@roberthagen7024]

Thanks bro very helpful. I have same problem.

[@thechiefengineer5886]

Im running that same brake set up and i love it , the old brakes was like trying to stop a angry rhino with a rolled up wet news papir ...

[@oldhead_]

Wow..that was exactly what I need..thanks so much for showing us your findings w that product..save big $$ too...appreciate it

[@PAULY-P]

Put EBC double H sintered un the rear and semi sintered in the front. Solves all your issues. 👊

[@jonathanvermillion7263]

Beautiful bike brother!

[@scott_0492]

wow that's pretty signifigant! great video man

[@jago5300]

Simple and two the point. Scientific enough for me. An extra 10 feet can makeup to big difference.

[@mikeessary7691]

Nice work on the video!!

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks Mike!

[@portercoogan4862]

I hated the brakes on my Heritage ,squealing ,jerking till I tried sintered brake pads,I love em!

[@malcellison8831]

Great video. Thanks 👍

[@coreyboyd8056]

Cool! How about the WORTHLESS rear brake on a 2010 Dyna...any suggestions?

[@dman3349]

Thanks for this helpful tip on the sucky stock OEM brake on Street Bob. Any updates on other options you may have encountered since making this vid 5yrs ago?

[@1450flstc1]

Thank you..This vdo is a big help....again thank.....

[@boxcarbro3043]

It seems like this could also solve a brake cable length for taller bars too... maybe...

[@martinwall7297]

thanks,Harley's always had shite brakes, best HD I owned that stopped and handled well was a fxrts

[@Vulgaren2012]

This will be the next mod that I do to my night train. Thanks for the video.

[@m3talc0re]

I haven't had any problems out of my 2020 Street Bob's brakes. Also, your test comparison was on two different surfaces..., so not sure how much that actually affected either's braking distance.

[@geraldwest3428]

Excellent video, thanks! Need to upgrade my brakes too. Hope you still own this bike, very nice. Saddlebags look nice as well, who makes them? Thanks again man...enjoy the ride!

[@ericnuernberg3901]

Wow so informative... thank you 👍🍺

[@gdubbsmotolife9713]

My kit is on order from Revzilla. Can't wait to put it on my Dyna. 🙌

[@williams2652]

I have a 2014 Low Rider and I added the Arlen Ness dual 15" Rotors on my bike and now I have near sport bike stopping powder.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Hell yeah... that's what I'm talking about!

[@williams2652]

$500 upgrade and one two finger braking all day everyday also progressive fork cartridge and 970 in the rear. I enjoy watching your videos keep up the good work.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks Richard. I definitely need to upgrade my front suspension. That is high on the list.

[@cjhudson419]

Richard Cardone what other kinda powder you got?

[@WICKEDPONY81]

Richard Cardone kinda powder u rollin with

[@theodavies8754]

It's a good idea. I can only imagine how bad a single disc with standard pads would be. GG rated pads on twin disc 1450 when I got it. No wonder the last guy sold it.

[@allennewbold7800]

Awesome. Can't wait to install on my 09 Street Bob. What Saddle Bags are those?

[@1jasonover]

thanx for this. You may have saved me a lot of money. Was gonna trade bikes with the wife and then I'd have to make a bunch of changes to hers so that i could ride it. It all began cuz I'm trying to make her 04 lowrider safe.

[@craphittingthefan9445]

I have a 09 Super Glide and I have rear brake problems the rotor gets real hot and it takes lots of pressure on the brake pedal to stop, Harley did a fluid flush and it did nothing, how do I fix that?

[@depdeim9787]

Wow thanks man.

[@1jasonover]

any ideas on the weak rear brakes?

[@PunisherPrime81]

Nice video man.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thank you for the support!

[@RESTLESS_ERRANT]

SOLD! Thanks!

[@nobodysreview6137]

Better then duel because its still nice and lightweight. most riding on a Harley like backroads and normal riding you have so much engine braking but this was a nice upgrade for sure. How much weight savings with this over duel set up? Has to be quite a bit, the suspention works better with less weight.

[@Patiboke]

Nice! You don't even need to fiddle with the brakeline. 36 to 24 feet, its dangerous to not do it!

[@cachidril]

great choice

[@losteroni]

I have dual rotors up front with Performance Machine calipers . The problem is the rear brake ! I can stand on it and my 93' Dyna has only half the stopping power of the rear brake on any other bike I've ever owned !

[@greenmarine5]

I have a 05 CBR 600RR and a 08 Low Rider, the Takiko calipers on the CBR are far superior than the Brembo's on the low rider, in fact my rear caliper seized on the low rider once before a rebuild and about 2 years later after a rebuild. I switched to after market calipers, it's been 8 years with no issues.

[@douchebagdyna4870]

If you were adamant on going with a dual disk set up, you can swap out the stock streetbob lower fork sliders for some fatbob sliders and change the reservoir. I haven’t priced that option yet but it seems like it would be cheaper than one of the kits.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Yes, this is a good option. And I have seen the fatbob sliders on ebay.

[@charlesharper7292]

? Doesn't the Fatbob have an inverted fork?

[@JacobLopez]

My Low RIder S has pesky ABS. I have hated it for so long but the other day it saved my life. Thank you Harley for putting ABS on my Dyna S.

[@seanstrickland4970]

Jacob Lopez how?

[@moorshound3243]

I hate ABS, no skidding fun no drifting fun just crap.

[@ChuckBradfordPhotography]

Agree, abs is wise.

[@Hadji-sw3ct]

Interesting thanks !

[@luisreneventura]

In the video you say that the OEM setup is spongy (ohhh yes it is, O have a '11 Super Glide) but did that go away from just changing the rotor to this bigger one? I understand that it brakes quicker but does the spongy feel go away too?

[@jcporosity4764]

I like how u relocate the turn signals

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks man... They are Arlen Ness Direct Mount signals. They are really discreet, and honestly just as bright as the stock signals.

[@GraniteCityRiders]

Thanks... they are the Arlen Ness Direct Mount signals. They are small but very bright. I love em..

[@Arizona_Vineyard]

I bought a fat bob 2008 with dual rotors on front. They will stop you on a dime. I use the back to slow me down and stop with the front and finish with the rear. I consider my back brake my Jake brake because it just holds you back but doesn’t stop you completely unless the front brake is used 😂

[@Savage1776_]

Good video

[@legioneretrangere6597]

I am going do the same on my sportster XL 883. Safety's first.

[@curtiss1979]

I have the same bike as you, and this is probably a stupid question but did you get the hub mount or spoke mount rotor? I get that we have the spoke wheels but it's mounted to the hub. So I'm just wondering which one to order.

[@alissarobertson8840]

Try a Harley with drum brakes front and rear with a tank shift and foot clutch. That single disc brake will look pretty hi tech to you. My 72 FLH has single disc front and drums in the rear.

[@genegeneish]

And i find if one hits the rear brake followed by the front brake, together the bike stops flat and little frond end dive. The braking should be integrated, but my brakes work just fine. Use the oe stuff including tires.

[@scott2228]

Guess I never though of this b/c my 883R and Dyna Super glide sport both had dual front disks.

[@tomhanson329]

Noticed you going through the tunnels in between oroville and Quincy. Are you from around that area?

[@mikec7661]

Good info

[@Sifu_Uzzi]

Big rotor does well when coming to a fast stop but, very bumpy when stoping from a slow speed. Not ideal when you have passengers with you.

[@ericosborne9267]

Did you get a cicada type noise after you replaced rotor and pads?

[@terrymcquade8341]

Great video. If you still monitor this, is there a better upgrade you would recommend now 5 years later? I have 2009 Dyna Low Rider and bad stock brakes almost got me killed a week ago with the help of an idiot in a car with no brake light slamming on the brakes 4 car lengths in front of me at 40 mpg. Any helpful info might save my life. I don't mind spend extra to get the baest if it saves my life.

[@LukeTPZ]

What’s the additional/‘piggyback’ saddlebag, please?

[@catrolio60]

Putting front brake pads on a 17 limited .the pin for that pads won't come out .bolt loose won't come out what could be the problem

[@elzer0181]

I already have one of theses on my 2003 Dyna - breaking still isnt great - is there any mounts that work with the AN big disc and use 3rd party sports bike callipers?

[@genegeneish]

I nearly hit deer twice in the baltimore burbs while riding my 06 low rider. I hit the front brake hard and got the slight chirp, BUT I SLOWED WITHOUT INCIDENT AND HAD COMPLETE CONTROL. My brakes work fine.

[@crvzer]

I'm not confident that 30% decrease would scale linearly as speed increased. Was a test completed at 60mph (100kmph)?

[@fagen2222]

Do they do one for my 1981 FLT rear it’s bad all most dangerous it’s dulled on the front though

[@lassei4659]

Is there a way to relocate the master on a flh 76, for it to allow a 11.5 rotor?

[@grahamsavage4994]

Can you do the same with a road king, but a dual system?

[@mikefriday5325]

are you using the front brake only?

[@elliottsmith10]

big reason i got the fat bob was the rake and dual disc brakes.

[@elliottsmith10]

i love street bobs tho

[@peterswales3774]

Is there no easy swap out callipers, no one out there makes a better calliper set, or something fits from a bigger bike..?

[@amg5795]

Did you upgrade the brake pads ?

[@vitoraimondi2626]

Awesome

[@bobbonacorsi2979]

Here's a tip. Take off the stock caliper and throw it away. Install a Performance Machine 6 piston for 13" and Galfer Wave 13" rotor. Much better than bigger Ness. Then do the same on the rear.

[@zeljkobilanovic5107]

Does this kit fitting on 2005, softail?

[@irakli9604]

3:15 I've noticed it has now some strange buzzing sound. Do you know how to fix it ?

[@nightrider3067]

My Ebr 1190 has a massive Single rotor and stops well

[@Liveharley1]

Good video and info, saved us some money. I go to you tube for everything, Lol! take care

[@pedroomarurtiaga8612]

im thnking about buying the new strert bob, did a test ride and didnt like braking.. specially rear brakes, thats seemes inexistent, does this system work with abs ? and do they have a similiar solution for rear brakes? other than that i really liked the bike , engine is brutal! thanx for the video relly helps a lot

[@laneh.5150]

4 yrs later.. any update as to if this rotor has held up to normal use? one thing i worry about with "upgrade.aftermarket/pretty parts" is-- will they last and be durable? anyone with long term use (at least 10k to 20k miles or maybe a set of replacement pads or two) of this specific upgrade please update me?

[@thomascarpenter7415]

Just found your channel,do you still have this bike ? Arlen Ness makes quality stuff . I actually spoke within him , rider to rider at the Laughlin River Run in ‘05… we were both checking out the Big Dog lineup and struck up a conversation, cool dude , RIP

[@hodaka1000]

Hi there. I'm looking for extinct rear brake seals and piston for an Australian release 1978 SR500e Yamaha. Found one kit in the world but they want about $330oz for it when most other kits are about $35. The cylinder is 5/8" it's cast on the outside of the cylinder 5/8". They seem to be unique to the SR500e's and XS400e's, only. If you mention the word Yamaha to the local Harley places it causes some kind of seizure or mental blockage so I was wondering if you or your viewers could help with a very basic question. Forgetting the piston. Just the seals would do. It looks like a kit from a 1982-87 Harley could be what I'm looking for. The cup seal that sits against the inner end of the piston over the spring and against the 6 petals of the reed sought of valve thing must be the same as the cup seal on my SR they have the same type of valve and are 5/8". The information I'm looking for relates the other seal the one like a cup but with the hole through it that is on the outer end of the piston. Could anybody tell me the diameter of the part of the piston where this seal sits and how is this seal retained in place. The SR is 9.55mm at this part of the piston and the seal is retained by a small ring cast around the piston under the centre of the seal about 1 mm wide and not much higher than 1mm. Any help to solve this mystery would be a benefit to all SR500e XS400e owners globally. Found tons of photos of the kit but none without this seal removed from the piston. Thanks.

[@moustachemike7128]

how's it in the rain ??