Front Brake Rotor Replacement

[MrOzz]

My front right brake rotor is warped and needs to be replaced. Can I just replace it or do I have to replace both rotors (left and right) at the same time?

I have also been looking for after-market replacement rotors. I know I can buy EBC rotors but they are very pricey. I have done a little cross reference and noticed that the xs650 uses the same rotor. Mikesxs sells rotors, not to bad at $130 each. Has anyones used them? It looks like with the xs650 you have to use a caliper spacer with the rotors? I am guessing they are thicker. Do you think it would have to be used with the calipers on the xs1100?


Thanks all

Ozz

[trbig]

Personally, I'd look around and see if someone could just turn what you have on a lathe. It would be thinner by a little and maybe heat up and warp again under HEAVY use, but then you're no worse off than you are now. That'll give you time to save up for the EBC rotors or find a good used stock one.

As for the other question, no, you don't need to replace both.


Tod

[crazy steve]

...I have done a little cross reference and noticed that the xs650 uses the same rotor. Mikesxs sells rotors, not to bad at $130 each. Has anyones used them? It looks like with the xs650 you have to use a caliper spacer with the rotors? I am guessing they are thicker. Do you think it would have to be used with the calipers on the xs1100?

The spacers are to set the caliper in towards the wheel more as Mikes rotors aren't 'dished' like the stockers. The thickness should be the same or thinner. I would check to make sure the calipers won't hit the wheels if you do this. These won't fit on the rear of the bike by the way unless you remachine the caliper bracket.

But good used rotors are readily available for a lot less money and you can make even fairly rusty ones look good with nothing more than a scotchbright pad.

'78E original owner

[TopCatGr58]

The Turning AWAY!

Ozz, don't bother trying to find someone to turn them! These things are very strong stainless steel(possibly tempered), not cast iron like regular car disc rotors, and can't be turned by a brake lathe! I've talked with several machinists about this. About the only way they say they could be smoothed out would be on a big flat orbital grinder type machine, but then you would have a hard time doing the side where the recess protrudes!

Plus the wear limit is so small, there's usually not enough disc to be able to actually remove a WARP and have enough rotor thickness left!

As for shimming the calipers, not experienced with the MikesXS rotors, but the special's calipers swivel, so they would be difficult to shim to try to move then closer to the wheel!
T.C.

[MrOzz]

Ozz, don't bother trying to find someone to turn them! These things are very strong stainless steel(possibly tempered), not cast iron like regular car disc rotors, and can't be turned by a brake lathe! I've talked with several machinists about this. About the only way they say they could be smoothed out would be on a big flat orbital grinder type machine, but then you would have a hard time doing the side where the recess protrudes!

Plus the wear limit is so small, there's usually not enough disc to be able to actually remove a WARP and have enough rotor thickness left!

As for shimming the calipers, not experienced with the MikesXS rotors, but the special's calipers swivel, so they would be difficult to shim to try to move then closer to the wheel!
T.C.

I think they space the calipers due to some of the xs650s rotors are a smaller diameter. I believe that they should fit with out a issue. When I get my pennies saved up I might take the plunge and get the mikes xs ones. When and if I do, I will post what I find.

I spoke with my cousin. He said don't bother turning them. They are stainless and a regular brake lathe will not work.

I might have a used one coming.

Thanks All