Downsizing....2 discs to 1 with H-D's ABS

[threadkiller]

Did a search, but............there's a trend for dropping a front rotor on FL's and I was curious? Has anyone done this with H-D's ABS system? Does the system "know" that you've eliminated one side? Can the ABS pump be regulated if factory pressures are designed to feed 2 sides instead of 1? Thank you & TIA. TK.   

[akajjmon]

Why would anyone want LESS stopping power??

[moscooter]

 
My buddy has a '05 Ultra and he also has diabetes and major leg problems.  He cannot raise the front of his right foot to apply the brakes.  He had one side of his front brake (crippled) (that means "disconnected" for those of you in Rio Linda).

A brake hose was then run from the junction block on the front brake to a T connector by the rear master cylinder.   He now is able to apply both the front and back brakes via his right hand.   Works just fine for him.

[Ed Y]

I agree, why?? And I'd debate the statement about "there's a trend for dropping a front rotor on FL's". Seriously doubt that. Anyone who knows anything about the dynamics of motorcycle braking would never consider reducing your stopping power.

[HD99FXR3]

They do it so that you can see the $$$$$$$ rim the just put on. The rotor hides it pretty good.

[calif phil]

Did a search, but............there's a trend for dropping a front rotor on FL's and I was curious? Has anyone done this with H-D's ABS system? Does the system "know" that you've eliminated one side? Can the ABS pump be regulated if factory pressures are designed to feed 2 sides instead of 1? Thank you & TIA. TK.

Good question. I have a friend who just asked me that today.  I would like to hear if it can be done, not wether it will reduce braking power.

[IndyHarley]

well i hate to be the smart aleck here but............the answer is yes it can be done and you can even take both front brakes off if you are so inclined.

[Dennis The Menace]

I presume you could put a bolt in the T and block off the hydraulic line to the side you are removing.  I dont know what the extra pressure would do to the remaining brake rotor/piston.  I suspect it might make it more sensitive to input. 

Keep in mind, the hydraulics are different for a 1 versus 2 rotor setup.  If you really want to do it right, get the 1-rotor reservoir setup.  Only diff is the line hole is smaller on single rotor setup.  At least, that is what I have read here on HTT...I dont know that to be fact.

Oops....just realized ABS is involved.  No f-en way I would mess with that.  I am sure you are talking about replacing a lot of parts to get it to work.  Just bleeding the brakes requires specialized equipment (Digital Tech).

menace

[TweekmyTwin]

My buddy has a '05 Ultra and he also has diabetes and major leg problems.  He cannot raise the front of his right foot to apply the brakes.  He had one side of his front brake (crippled) (that means "disconnected" for those of you in Rio Linda).

A brake hose was then run from the junction block on the front brake to a T connector by the rear master cylinder.   He now is able to apply both the front and back brakes via his right hand.   Works just fine for him.

So he rides a Ultra with Neuropathy..... We did a ride to Banff this year with guy like that.. that was scary. Did his shifter lever break in Wash.?  I'm with the rest of the guys here.. why? Matching rotors ( Clocked to the wheels ) looks real sharp and still stop when you really need it.
Jim

[mc9395]

Yes It can be done and looks and functions well and regardless what your dealer says you do not need a digital tech to bleed them although a mity vac does make faster to bleed. And no the system does not know a caliper is missing. I used a HHI 6 piston caliper to compensate for the missing caliper. The chrome shaved legs are also available. After test riding the bike I could not feel the difference in stoping power although there has to be less just because extra pistons on one side can not make up for a missing rotor. Pics were to large but can supply upon request with futher info

[threadkiller]

Thank you very much 9395. Thats EXACTLY the information I was looking for. Glad you are extremely happy with the way your bike looks AND stops with one rotor. If you squeeze the lever or step on a pedal and the brakes/wheels are locked up, well I guess you can't "realistically" ask any more from a brake system  TK.

[Ultrashovel]

I never heard of removing one of the front disks. I don't think I'll do that. If there's some specialized need, as with a disability, then I guess it would be OK, though.

I have a general idea how ABS works but I don't think I'd want one if they are difficult to bleed.

[akajjmon]

Good question. I have a friend who just asked me that today.  I would like to hear if it can be done, not wether it will reduce braking power.

ANYTHING can be done...it just usually costs more to do the dumb stuff.

As to the post about combining front/rear braking, what do you use to delineate pressure from front to rear? about 80/20 on a bike if I remember correctly.

[moscooter]

Good question. I have a friend who just asked me that today.  I would like to hear if it can be done, not wether it will reduce braking power.

ANYTHING can be done...it just usually costs more to do the dumb stuff.

As to the post about combining front/rear braking, what do you use to delineate pressure from front to rear? about 80/20 on a bike if I remember correctly.

In the case of my friends '05 Ultra, I don't think any changes had to be made to the master cylinder size.  Since I own a streetrod,  I can tell ya that a (proportioning valve) that is adjustable is a readily obtained item to dial in the pressure you want between front and rear braking.

[09WGULTRA]

 

Why would anyone want LESS stopping power??

[redrokit8]

IMO you have gotta be out of your flippin mind to decrease braking power just to look cool with a single disc.  is this all about??

[02roadcling]

Not anti-lock but I did it with my 02 RK. Those softails only have 1 and when loaded up weigh more than mine does. Considering that, whats the big deal anyway? My rim is awesome and I got tired of hiding it. Bike stops just fine.

cling

[ViennaHog]

The ABS sensor of the missing disk will generate a error code that disables the ABS in the front circuit. There is no known way of tricking the sensor. I would consider this before tearing out the brake. You may have sufficient braking power for short stops, but you will notice a rapid overheating of the single brake under conditions of heavy loads in hilly areas.
I wouldn't even think about his option.

[Ultrashovel]

The ABS sensor of the missing disk will generate a error code that disables the ABS in the front circuit. There is no known way of tricking the sensor. I would consider this before tearing out the brake. You may have sufficient braking power for short stops, but you will notice a rapid overheating of the single brake under conditions of heavy loads in hilly areas.
I wouldn't even think about his option.

That's a very good explanation. Removing brake discs in the name of vanity is unsafe. How about just riding the motorcycle and enjoying the scenery?

[mc9395]

Only one front sensor and it's on the left

[ViennaHog]

That's correct, but I did not know which disk he wants to take out.

[threadkiller]

Not anti-lock but I did it with my 02 RK. Those softails only have 1 and when loaded up weigh more than mine does. Considering that, whats the big deal anyway? My rim is awesome and I got tired of hiding it. Bike stops just fine.

cling

Thanks Cling. You are absolutely correct about loaded softies and braking. A sensible answer to my question without adding to the "debate".

[02roadcling]

Thanks, I didn't answer your question really, just sticking up for us maniacs, lol.

cling

[boooby1744]

Some folks that go to single side brake  go with a 13" disc and 6 piston caliper........................

[crash1292]

after you rear end someone the lawyers will be all over your azz for modding the factory system and reducing the brakeing power