'91 FLHS brakes - Harley Forum

earthbound misfit · #1 06-19-2009, 02:40 AM

I'd like to improve the brakes on my '91 FLHS, are there any newer stock calipers w/ better bite that would fit the legs of my '91 fork?

frisco-rigid · #2 06-19-2009, 03:10 AM

frisco to Earth

I've used many diff makes & styles of calipers over the years,, dual action, single action, single-piston and multi-piston..

Calipers are just simply calipers, they have No features that make or allow them to "bite" better than any other calipers..

What I have gotten more efficient braking outa is rotor material, pad material and Master Cylinder size..

The smaller the MC is,, the more pressure that is exerted to the caliper piston, just the simple law of Hydraulics, giving you a feeling of more control over the braking..
That is my first choice in improving brakes..

As you research more you'll read that SS is Not a very good material for brake rotors and that is certainly my experience too,, But, Mild steel or better yet Ductile Iron is considered best,, and that's also been my experience..
Rotor material is my second choice in brake improvement..

Pad material is third on my list,, usually I find HH pad material is better for my sickles..

The cheapest & fastest is changing pads..
The next is changing rotors..
Changing MC size is about the same cost but less effort as changing rotors..

Take your pick & have a ball..

earthbound misfit · #3 06-19-2009, 03:26 AM

Thanks for the tips, pads & rotors sound easier & cheaper than doing calipers and master cylinders.

tommyglide · #4 06-19-2009, 03:52 AM

And while working on brakes a little Pink Floyd helps.

street bob · #5 06-19-2009, 02:00 PM

"Waiting for someone or something to show you the way"............

Highmiles · #6 06-23-2009, 12:19 AM

I believe H-D has a kit to retro fit the new Brembo brakes. Unbelievably better.

earthbound misfit · #7 06-23-2009, 10:08 PM

Well, a new bike's not in the cards & new Brembo stuff would equate to a sizable portion of the value of the bike, so I'll try new pads first.
....tongue tied and twistested..........

earthbound misfit · #8 07-24-2009, 11:07 PM

Swaped pads for new Kevlars, not quite 2 finger brakes but a definite improvement. I'll try these for a while before going farhter.