Warped Front Brake Rotor

My front brake rotor is slightly warped (2009 xb12ss). A mechanic confirmed it a while back during an evaluation. It's only noticeable when braking - of course. Finally decided it's time to get it done.

Is it even possible to repair a warped brake rotor?

Otherwise, I'm planning to find a used one in good condition, or go new. And replace the brake pads as well.

PS: Will a 2007 xb12s front brake rotor fit a 2009 xb12ss

Some people say they’ve had luck fixing the “warped” rotor with new rotor mounting hardware and fresh brake pads. I had the same problem with mine. I decided to just replace everything. Guaranteed problem solver. Diesel moto has the EBR 5mm front rotor for $249 and the upgraded hardware for $80. Add ebc HH pads And fresh fluid and your set.

1776Brigade said:

My front brake rotor is slightly warped (2009 xb12ss). A mechanic confirmed it a while back during an evaluation. It's only noticeable when braking - of course. Finally decided it's time to get it done.

Is it even possible to repair a warped brake rotor?

Otherwise, I'm planning to find a used one in good condition, or go new. And replace the brake pads as well.

PS: Will a 2007 xb12s front brake rotor fit a 2009 xb12ss

Click to expand...

Is it even possible to repair a warped brake rotor?

no

Will a 2007 xb12s front brake rotor fit a 2009 xb12ss

yes

I'm planning to find a used one in good condition, or go new. And replace the brake pads as well.

go new. used are typically garbage. and check the rotor bushings....those oblong things....that attach and properly fit the rotor to the rim. i sell new EBC front rotors and matching pads to board members at dealer cost. if needed PM me.

I’ll take that challenge lunatic. Send me a “warped” rotor. I’ll get it flat

Wondering what you folks are doing to warp a rotor in the first place. Mines blue and still flat.

IMO 90% of the time it's missed diagnosis, even by 'mechanics'. If new pads fix it, it was un-even brake deposits. Proper pad bedding is crucial and I am a firm believer in the EBR race rotor mounting system that gets rid of the whole floating spring washer assembly. You can have your opinion about that, but all EBR bikes come with it stock.

Lunatics right, most used rotor for sale were taken off for a reason. Take advantage of his generous offer:eagerness:

https://www.buellxb.com/forum/showthread.php?48151-EBR-Racing-front-rotor-install-instructions

I've fixed a "warped" rotor brake feel condition on two xb's now with thoroughly sanding the rotor, cleaning inspecting and greasing all the hardware, and then installing new pads (bedding them in properly). Now I am NOT saying i fixed a warped rotor, but did fix uneven brake feel caused by either improperly bedded pads or some other poor brake maintenance. This method might be worth a shot if you want to spend some time and elbow grease on sanding your rotor, but for the BEST and quickest fix PM Lunatic for some new parts.

I'm using that EBR mounting system with the Wave rotor. First use it grinds away metal that's in the way on the caliper. Thought about taking a dremel to the rotor but it finished after a few sessions. Using Ferodo pads with that set-up. Very good brake feel fron beginning to end different from Vesrah's where initial bike is very strong with good feel also. The Ferodos are more forgiving.

Cooter said:

I am a firm believer in the EBR race rotor mounting system that gets rid of the whole floating spring washer assembly. You can have your opinion about that, but all EBR bikes come with it stock.

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I disagree with this. I think the stock floating system works fine for street everyday usage. However, I will admit it is not without its own issues. If the springs/bushing assembly gets gummed up with crud and road contaminants, it can stick and cause problems. Especially with riders who don't know, don't understand it or just don't care. Every XB I've ever owned has had issues with sticking (front) brake components, whether its brake pistons, or rotor bushings/springs. Once they are maintained, it works great. Plus, I just like to disagree with Cooter. :black_eyed:

I'm not saying the EBR setup is bad, no good, etc. And it does have the advantage of not needing the above maintenance, and better heat dissipation (from what I've heard). However, there are perks to having a big rotor like that be able to float on its mounting. But, if I bought a bike with the EBR system installed, I probably wouldn't take it back to the floating setup.

Then again, the hot rods around here like Cooter, njloco, WC, and SR probably benefit from the EBR mounting method. Guys like me who don't take their bike past 3419 RPM and complain because the loud muffler hurts my delicate little ears, probably not so much. :angel:

3419, just thinking out loud here. If there were perks of having a floating rotor, I wonder why Erik Buell didn’t just improve on that design instead of doing away with it all together on the ebr bikes. I agree the stock hardware kit does work well on the street when in proper form. However, there is still the issue of the dirt and grime getting in there. Maybe the issue with that outweighed the perks of the floating rotor. Who knows. If the op is getting a new rotor and hardware then I’d get the ebr hardware kit just so there won’t be a problem down the road. Just a thought

mike lowary said:

3419, just thinking out loud here. If there were perks of having a floating rotor, I wonder why Erik Buell didn’t just improve on that design instead of doing away with it all together on the ebr bikes. I agree the stock hardware kit does work well on the street when in proper form. However, there is still the issue of the dirt and grime getting in there. Maybe the issue with that outweighed the perks of the floating rotor. Who knows. If the op is getting a new rotor and hardware then I’d get the ebr hardware kit just so there won’t be a problem down the road. Just a thought

Click to expand...

Mike,

So just spitballing this and agreeing to disagree... but mostly agree :up:

Erik could have said "that whole floating rotor dealio is more hassle than what its worth" or realized what looked great on paper didn't work out in real life. Most people tend to just "put gas in and ride it" and don't even think of maintenance until something doesnt work... then they are at the dealer demanding that something be done to fix it for free.

As I understand it, the EBR setup also helped with heat dissipation as well. Its possible that with the performance advancements of the later bikes merited a higher performing brake setup... and/or maybe the EBR setup cost less to procure than the floating setup. Could be a lot of things.

I think the OP would do fine with either kit depending on their expectations. I'd just recommend getting a whole new hardware kit, regardless of which version was chosen. I think buying all the floating parts is now the same price or a little more than the EBR kit. I bought a complete kit of bolts, bushings and springs a few years back, and I remember it being not much less than the EBR kit. I think the EBR kit was unavailable at that point in time, which also swayed the decision.

Plus, like I said previously... disagreeing with Cooter is fun.

3419, we are definitely on the same page. When I first got my lightning my front brake pulsated so bad I didn’t wanna ride it. I replaced with a new factory buell rotor, xb hardware, and ebc pads. Worked flawlessly. Had that setup for 2 years with zero problems. I upgraded to the Ztl2 caliper, ebr 5mm rotor, ebr hardware, ebc pads, and ebr front master. Only because I wanted to. Obviously this setup works flawlessly also. Definitely agree either hardware kit would be good for op. I can vouch for both. But buy new!!

I think we all agree here (sorry 34:19:upset:haha). The stock mounting set-up is fine except for the faults listed, but I do prefer the EBR set up for the reasons listed.

I think you're right. The engineering in the stock XB system was meant to solve a problem they never had (caliper knock-back). So either clean and lube it well, or replace it but ya... new:up:

Hey 34:19, I'm in PHX for the rest of the week... :very_drunk:??

If “free beer Cooter” is in town, i’m in!

Let me know when you’re available.

Did some one say free beer ?

I like beer. Especially free beer. I’m down

ordered new EBC rotor and pads from lunatic fringe.

Perfect. What about a hardware kit? You’ve went this far getting fresh components. Don’t cheap out on hardware. Get a NEW hardware kit. Factory xb or EBR. Also get some fresh brake fluid. This would be a complete over haul. Do it.

You may want to disassemble the caliper and clean the pistons. All of my ZTL calipers have had buildup on the pistons causing them to be sticky. I normally do it without splitting the caliper, just be careful.

"engineers" are typically very odd people. they tend to be argumentative....hyper critical of everything that wasn't graced with their expertise and "golden touch"....and know-it-alls in every conceivable arena one could imagine. they're difficult and stubborn

simply google "buell ZTL brake" and read for yourself what Buell and Hurda et al. were thinking and why they perceived the giant front rotor and perimeter mounting system as a great idea and grand engineering feat.

there is no such thing as "caliper knock-back". there is a very rare track phenomenon known as "pad knock-back". doubt it was a ZTL consideration during development.

the inherent problem and design-parameter flaw that was over-loooked by these guys during development was what i call "wobble"....or "lateral rotor run-out". a basic tenet of a component in rotation is that the further-from-center you go....the greater the chance of wobble or deflection in lateral run-out. when this principle is applied to the giant ZTL rotor, the end result is an eventual pulsing brake lever which annoys the hell out of every motorcyclist i've ever known including myself. approximately 65% of all XB models while under warranty, came back to franchised dealers to address a "pulsing front brake lever"....which cost buell a small fortune. IMO the unique look and perceived benefits were far out-weighed by the real world problems the entire system presented to dealers and privateers doing their own maintenance and repairs. i hate it!