Topic: warped rotors (Read 5254 times)

jc15025 · « **on:** May 17, 2020, 09:34:23 AM »

7000 miles rotors are warped. With floating rotors, shouldn't that take out the pulsating from being warped? If not do you replace rotors with the OEM or go aftremarket and if aftermarket what do you go with for the Aggressor wheels? Thank you, the other JC

Cvostu · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2020, 10:19:51 AM »

I had to go replace mine on a 19 CVO rg at 7000 miles also. First time ever I had to do that. It was covered under warranty and no questions were asked. I think the new roters just suck and don't last. I don't have any idea why.

Stuart

grc · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2020, 03:06:46 PM »

It's been a problem for years, and more so especially after Harley started using rotors that don't have a center carrier mounted to the hub. You have the style mounted directly to the wheel, and now you have to deal not only with warping of the actual rotors but also a lateral runout condition of the mounting points on the wheels. That was found to be a problem with some wheels, and bolting a new rotor to such a wheel leads to fairly rapid warping. The "floating" feature of the rotors is very limited and won't mitigate the problem. Have the wheel checked for lateral variation of the rotor mounting pads before you buy and install new rotors.

Jerry

Cvostu · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2020, 04:16:18 PM »

Thank you Jerry. I had a feeling that you would have the answer. Stay safe siiiiiiir. Stuart.

Mr. Warlock · « **Reply #4 on:** May 18, 2020, 07:06:40 AM »

Y'all know where the rotors are made right?

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #5 on:** May 18, 2020, 07:16:04 AM »

Quote from: Cvostu on May 17, 2020, 10:19:51 AM

I had to go replace mine on a 19 CVO rg at 7000 miles also. First time ever I had to do that. It was covered under warranty and no questions were asked. I think the new roters just suck and don't last. I don't have any idea why. Stuart

New rotors are junk, I'm sure made by the very lowest bidder. Between my wife and I we have had 14 new Harley's since 2009. My 09 CVO had rotors replaced once and was told it had to due with original software version for ABS. No other bike has had rotors replaced, all but two went over 45K miles.

My 19 CVO Road glide is on its 4th set of rotors, second front wheel. First set replaced at 6000 miles, then again at 1300 miles and again at 20,500 needed replacement and ordered by dealer, but due to covid not installed until 27K miles. New rim was put on to see if that is why rotors warp. My bet is by 32000 miles I will need rotors again.

Sad that I need rotors more often then tires. Dealer has checked rims, mounting surfaces, caliper mounts, caliper operation.

Not sure what to do, but once out of warranty cant afford three sets of front rotors a year.

ltank · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2020, 04:41:03 PM »

My FXR4 has 96k miles on OEM floating rotors.
My 98 Road King has 68k on OEM non floating rotors
Are the older ones better quality?

J.D. · « **Reply #7 on:** May 18, 2020, 06:40:54 PM »

HD seems to be designing stuff to "just" work for the casual rider. As stated many times, most will fail out of warranty.

Best you can do sometimes is look for higher quality aftermarket. I've found that the NAO pads generate less heat and are easier on the rotors than the more aggressive pads (including OE pads).

SDCVO · « **Reply #8 on:** May 18, 2020, 11:11:13 PM »

I unfortunately am regularly going through rotors on my Harley's as I brake way to hard. Always replaced under warranty (until it runs out..)

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #9 on:** May 19, 2020, 05:45:58 AM »

Quote from: SDCVO on May 18, 2020, 11:11:13 PM

I unfortunately am regularly going through rotors on my Harley's as I brake way to hard. Always replaced under warranty (until it runs out..)

Out of 14 new Harleys between my wife and I, had rotors replaced once on my 09. No other bike had rotors replaced, put at least 45K on all but two of them.

My 19, well it needs new rotors every 6 to 7K miles, more than tires. I still ride the same. I really believe its sourcing from cheapest supplier. Just like my 19 has the only seat that is worn out and looks ragged by 10K miles, cheeper materials.

HOGMIKE · « **Reply #10 on:** May 19, 2020, 09:31:12 AM »

Quote from: FLSTFI Dave on May 19, 2020, 05:45:58 AM

Out of 14 new Harleys between my wife and I, had rotors replaced once on my 09. No other bike had rotors replaced, put at least 45K on all but two of them.

My 19, well it needs new rotors every 6 to 7K miles, more than tires. I still ride the same. I really believe its sourcing from cheapest supplier. Just like my 19 has the only seat that is worn out and looks ragged by 10K miles, cheeper materials.

My 17 cvo wheels were made in Australia and after the dealer changed 3 front rotors we found the mounting points on the wheel were not even and when installing the NEW rotors they were warped right away. If the tech would check the trueness of the WHEEL mounts before slapping on the rotors that may be your issue.
I was told they have a new vendor for the wheels but my 19 still has “Australia” stamped on it. My 19 wheels and rotors seem to be fine, so I’m guessing QC may not be great. Luck of the draw I guess.

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #11 on:** May 20, 2020, 06:27:36 AM »

Quote from: HOGMIKE on May 19, 2020, 09:31:12 AM

My 17 cvo wheels were made in Australia and after the dealer changed 3 front rotors we found the mounting points on the wheel were not even and when installing the NEW rotors they were warped right away. If the tech would check the trueness of the WHEEL mounts before slapping on the rotors that may be your issue.
I was told they have a new vendor for the wheels but my 19 still has “Australia” stamped on it. My 19 wheels and rotors seem to be fine, so I’m guessing QC may not be great. Luck of the draw I guess.

I'm on the second front wheel, they replaced the first trying to find the issue. I'll soon see if it fixes it.

AJDR^ · « **Reply #12 on:** May 20, 2020, 06:35:43 PM »

I am curious for you guys that have had the warped rotor or uneven rims - what were the conditions that you experienced that said 'something isnt right'? Not sure I have been on a bike that had this condition - is it uneven braking, fading, vibration, poor braking, pulsating, jumping around, etc

Just trying to learn what you experienced.... thanks

Cvostu · « **Reply #13 on:** May 20, 2020, 11:05:54 PM »

Get ready for a bad pulse when front brakes are applied. You will know when you need new rotors. Stuart.

Bruce2018cvorg · « **Reply #14 on:** May 23, 2020, 11:37:15 AM »

I too went through two sets of front rotors last summer. My feeling is that the floating rotor carrier does not have enough structural integrity and can’t handle the load being applied. It’s permanently deflecting which makes the rotor portion of the assembly run untrue. In my case I could make that happen with one hard stop. I asked the dealership to look through their catalog and find the strongest looking rotor they could find (sure was ugly) and put them on. I needed something that actually worked! Ran the rest of the season like that with no issue, even with aggressive braking. Lyndall Bow tie rotors on now with their best (most aggressive) pads and boy does it stop now. Hopefully they stand up.

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #15 on:** May 25, 2020, 08:22:08 AM »

Quote from: Bruce2018cvorg on May 23, 2020, 11:37:15 AM

I too went through two sets of front rotors last summer. My feeling is that the floating rotor carrier does not have enough structural integrity and can’t handle the load being applied. It’s permanently deflecting which makes the rotor portion of the assembly run untrue. In my case I could make that happen with one hard stop. I asked the dealership to look through their catalog and find the strongest looking rotor they could find (sure was ugly) and put them on. I needed something that actually worked! Ran the rest of the season like that with no issue, even with aggressive braking. Lyndall Bow tie rotors on now with their best (most aggressive) pads and boy does it stop now. Hopefully they stand up.

The CVO has been using floating rotors for years. Never had the issue until the 19 CVO. Not and issue on the 18, or 17, or 15. I think they just went with cheeper less quality parts to save money.

CVODON · « **Reply #16 on:** May 25, 2020, 11:53:12 AM »

I've had 3 CVO's, a 05 SEEG, 09 SERG and now a 15 SERG. None of these came with floating rotors. The 05 & 09 both needed new rotors in less than 6000 miles. I replaced wheels with Renegade brand with there matching floating rotors and replaced the ones on the 09 with HD brand floaters. Never again had a problem with either bike. Current bike has the crappy seven bolt direct fit rotors (no hub). They also warped about 6500K. I replaced them with Galfer Wavy Rotors and their recommended sintered pads. They work good, make a little dust but not overpowering.
Point is I have never owned a CVO that didn't have warped rotors, Ride 2/up almost all the time and not very aggressive anymore. So for me it has always been a problem.
Photo shows results of using Iron-X on rotors. Works good to keep metal particles out of the rotors. FYI

Gandrtravis · « **Reply #17 on:** May 26, 2020, 09:24:05 PM »

my 2018 cvo fronts are warped as well. never really thought of getting warranty because every time I ask for warranty it isn't covered. after finding this thread Im gunna try to get the dealer to replace mine when I bring it in for the clutch recall. I was thinking of just replacing with beringer breaks and different rotors. but will try the warranty first. and I only have 6500 miles or so although I do ride hard they should last longer than that. my 2014 cvo king lasted 20,000 miles and was ridden equally as hard and I didn't have this issue same breaks as far as I know.

Cvostu · « **Reply #18 on:** June 28, 2020, 06:06:45 PM »

I can't believe it. My front rotors need to be replaced again. I hit the brakes and I have to hang on. Getting worse and worse each time I ride. This really sucks. I think I went maybe 4000 miles on this pair. Do I replace with the same crappy ones??? Dave... What should I do?? I've never replaced rotors till I got the 19.. Sad. Looking for a good solution or suggestion. Stuart. 😩

Fired00d · « **Reply #19 on:** June 28, 2020, 06:28:50 PM »

Quote from: Cvostu on June 28, 2020, 06:06:45 PM

I can't believe it. My front rotors need to be replaced again. I hit the brakes and I have to hang on. Getting worse and worse each time I ride. This really sucks. I think I went maybe 4000 miles on this pair. Do I replace with the same crappy ones??? Dave... What should I do?? I've never replaced rotors till I got the 19.. Sad. Looking for a good solution or suggestion. Stuart. 😩

Not Dave but, … keep replacing w/free (under OEM warranty or extended warranty if you have it). When it comes time that the replacements are on your dime then for sure look to the aftermarket for something better.... who knows by then you may be ready for another/newer motorcycle.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Cvostu · « **Reply #20 on:** June 28, 2020, 06:33:09 PM »

Thanks Dooooood. I can't believe how bad these are. I'll be doing it under warranty again. They don't even question me when I tell them. Thanks again. Stuart

HOGMIKE · « **Reply #21 on:** June 28, 2020, 09:11:41 PM »

Quote from: Cvostu on June 28, 2020, 06:33:09 PM

Thanks Dooooood. I can't believe how bad these are. I'll be doing it under warranty again. They don't even question me when I tell them. Thanks again. Stuart

It may help to put a dial indicator on the rotors before and after just to check if it’s really the rotors OR the wheel.
I’ve had similar problems with my 17 AND my 19.
Seems to be problems with some wheel bearings also. Mine were replaced at 6000 miles.

Cvostu · « **Reply #22 on:** June 28, 2020, 10:16:14 PM »

I guess I should ask them to check out the wheel. I know when I got it back after the original rotors were replaced, all seemed perfect. Just doesn't last. Jeez. Stuart.

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #23 on:** June 29, 2020, 06:33:20 AM »

Quote from: Cvostu on June 28, 2020, 06:06:45 PM

I can't believe it. My front rotors need to be replaced again. I hit the brakes and I have to hang on. Getting worse and worse each time I ride. This really sucks. I think I went maybe 4000 miles on this pair. Do I replace with the same crappy ones??? Dave... What should I do?? I've never replaced rotors till I got the 19.. Sad. Looking for a good solution or suggestion. Stuart. 😩

Have them check the wheel mounting surface to ensure its flat and true. Have them make sure calipers are properly aligned. Odds are both are fine and its just china mart rotors...

I have had CVO bikes since 09, and my wife has had 7 touring bikes since 09. Only my 09 SERG had a rotor replaced once. All these bikes except my last one went over 45K miles.

My 19 has had the rotors replaced 3 times, even a new front wheel to see if its the problem. Its not. I have about 1500 miles or so and Ill need another set of rotors. I can feel the vibration starting, its slight now, but it will get worse. 6000 miles is the best I have got out of front rotors. Sad they need replaced more often than tires.

Harley will continue to replace mine until its not under warranty. I have complained to customer service twice now on this issue. I think I will also complain to National Hiway safety and BBB. This is obviously a defective part, and brakes are a safety issue

Cvostu · « **Reply #24 on:** July 04, 2020, 10:04:54 AM »

I had to bring it by the dealership Thursday. They had to see it this time. They are ordering me a new pair cause they don't stock them. I'm considering buying a better set next time. I know these won't last. Utter crap!! I'll take some recommendations for next time. Which should be in only 4 months or less. Thanks. Stuart. 😩

J.D. · « **Reply #25 on:** July 04, 2020, 11:07:41 AM »

Is it possible to heat treat then blanchard grind them true? I did this with a custom 2-piece rotor (carrier and friction ring were bolted together so it could be disassembled) years ago and it turned out good.

X-Man · « **Reply #26 on:** July 12, 2020, 12:49:49 AM »

My CVO Road Glide has had a pulsation in the front brake starting at 1k miles. Dealer said the Rotors were in spec at that time. At 6K miles it became so severe that it is not safe and would damage the fork bushings or head bearings in my opinion. I measured the run out and it was .007 on one side and .006 on the other. The maximum runout spec is .008. The dealer measured the same as me but they agreed the brakes are bad and are going to replace them anyway.

Cvostu · « **Reply #27 on:** July 12, 2020, 01:10:28 AM »

I'm going after market next time. These stock rotors are just crap. Nothing else to say. Stuart.

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #28 on:** August 19, 2020, 07:14:10 AM »

Well had my bike in for the 35K service yesterday with 36K on it. I have two warranty issues, warped rotors and worn out seat, both repeat issues.

So the first tech is an idiot, so am I for not asking for one of the two I usually use. He checks rotor run out and says its 3 thousandths and spec is 8. He test rides the bike and says he cant duplicate the problem. He reports this to Harley tech.

I get called to service by the service writer my bike is done. I asked about rotors. I am told the above. I politely looked at the service writer and said you know I ride 25K a year, I know when a rotor is bad. Get a competent tech who actually rides to test my bike. Tech comes back, yes the rotors are wrapped shakes hard if you hit brakes hard, not so bad under easy braking.

So I learned, always ask for then two guys I know to do service. Service writer has rotors on order. I'm to come back in a few weeks for them to check again and replace.

Called MoCo customer service and asked what they are going to do to figure out the problem, I should not need two sets of rotor for each front tire, and out of warranty I cant afford rotors every 6 to 7 thousand miles, thats 3 or four sets a year. They of course said nothing, and they haven't heard of this problem.

HOGMIKE · « **Reply #29 on:** August 19, 2020, 07:59:57 AM »

Quote from: FLSTFI Dave on August 19, 2020, 07:14:10 AM

Well had my bike in for the 35K service yesterday with 36K on it. I have two warranty issues, warped rotors and worn out seat, both repeat issues.

So the first tech is an idiot, so am I for not asking for one of the two I usually use. He checks rotor run out and says its 3 thousandths and spec is 8. He test rides the bike and says he cant duplicate the problem. He reports this to Harley tech.

I get called to service by the service writer my bike is done. I asked about rotors. I am told the above. I politely looked at the service writer and said you know I ride 25K a year, I know when a rotor is bad. Get a competent tech who actually rides to test my bike. Tech comes back, yes the rotors are wrapped shakes hard if you hit brakes hard, not so bad under easy braking.

So I learned, always ask for then two guys I know to do service. Service writer has rotors on order. I'm to come back in a few weeks for them to check again and replace.

Called MoCo customer service and asked what they are going to do to figure out the problem, I should not need two sets of rotor for each front tire, and out of warranty I cant afford rotors every 6 to 7 thousand miles, thats 3 or four sets a year. They of course said nothing, and they haven't heard of this problem.

I feel your pain. LOL
I haven’t ridden my 2019 in a few months now and instead playing with my 2000 softail.
Much more fun, same power, 5 speed and carburetor.
Put on a Garmin, phone Bluetooth headset helmet.
Now I have just about all the features of the new bike with better reliability.
BSR commented the rear seat is not as comfortable as the 2019, but it is an all day Corbin seat, no issues.
It’s a fun bike.
JMHO

Cvostu · « **Reply #30 on:** August 19, 2020, 08:13:35 PM »

Dave. I was told the same thing. Warped rotors were in spec. I had to be an ass about it and had to tell the guy that I would never buy a Harley-Davidson again. Of course he then ordered me a new set. I got em on and waiting for them to go bad again. These are just garbage. I will go after market next time even if I have to pay for them. Things never change unfortunately Stuart.

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #31 on:** August 20, 2020, 07:26:25 AM »

Harley with things like this is pushing customers away. I Pretty much told Customer service I have bought 7 CVO since 09, and 8 non CVO Harleys in that time frame. I then asked if Harley was wanting to loose me as a customer? I want not only my rotor fixed, I want them to last more than 50K miles. Have two Halreys in the garage one with over 105K miles on original rotors.

Once out of warranty I'll be on aftermarket for sure, but dang that is expensive. Right now they will replace this set and most likely another set.

Cvostu · « **Reply #32 on:** August 20, 2020, 05:58:17 PM »

Sad. $:-\$

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #33 on:** October 13, 2020, 06:22:14 AM »

Still waiting on mu new front rotors due to the warping its been 7,000 miles since they ordered rotors. I would have almost had another set warped by now. Its really bad shakes the crap out of the bike at any speed now. Been waiting over a month and a half. I'm pretty pissed. Not the dealers fault. Its Harleys fault.

Crappy no quality rotors from Harley and now crappy lead time on the crappy rotors. No wonder they are in trouble

fastfreddy · « **Reply #34 on:** October 13, 2020, 07:53:02 PM »

i installed the galfer wave rotors.... not a good option ... they warped. dennis kirk says they will warranty them, but i have send them first, pita

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #35 on:** October 14, 2020, 10:28:37 AM »

Quote from: fastfreddy on October 13, 2020, 07:53:02 PM

i installed the galfer wave rotors.... not a good option ... they warped. dennis kirk says they will warranty them, but i have send them first, pita

Dang, that is good to know. But sure limits options

CVODON · « **Reply #36 on:** October 15, 2020, 05:55:41 PM »

Quote from: fastfreddy on October 13, 2020, 07:53:02 PM

i installed the galfer wave rotors.... not a good option ... they warped. dennis kirk says they will warranty them, but i have send them first, pita

Curious if you are using the Galfer pads? Or?

fastfreddy · « **Reply #37 on:** October 16, 2020, 08:43:43 AM »

Quote from: CVODON on October 15, 2020, 05:55:41 PM

Curious if you are using the Galfer pads? Or?

HD pads

CVODON · « **Reply #38 on:** October 16, 2020, 05:13:16 PM »

Quote from: fastfreddy on October 16, 2020, 08:43:43 AM

HD pads

Thanks, I have the Galfer rotors, non-floating and so far they are excellent. I am using the Galfer sintered pads, they make a small amount of dust but the bke stops excellent.

Author Topic: warped rotors (Read 5254 times)

J.D.

J.D.