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Message started by teabowl13 on 12/02/11 at 07:13:08

Title: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 12/02/11 at 07:13:08

JUST CURIOUS...
Have any of you used this guy's service? How was it? Did you like the results? Was he good to deal with? Let me know if you have any info...
Cheers!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160398276654?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2907wt_996

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by Oldfeller on 12/02/11 at 08:23:15

The stock rotor isn't very thick and if you sweat the rapidly approaching "service minimum thickness" you aren't going to get the $50 plus shipping worth of use out of drilling it.

You can buy an after market pre-drilled disk from EBC that is thicker than the stock disk for $168

Or you can do like many on here -- just keep on using the stock rotor after "service minimum thickness" has gone on by ....

;)

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/02/11 at 08:58:36

As long as its thick enough to dissipate the heat & not fade, or warp because it was hot when you hit that puddle, its a usable brake disk.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by MotoBuddha on 12/02/11 at 09:02:53

Is that the same as this guy?

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67540.0

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by MotoBuddha on 12/02/11 at 09:26:28

0B2820222128282136440 wrote:

...you aren't going to get the $50 plus shipping worth of use out of drilling it.

Cost-benefit ratios and maximum usage aren't always at the top of other people's priority lists. Sometimes people want to do things just because they think it's cool.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 12/02/11 at 09:38:12

Thanks Guys!
My stock rotor appears fine, with lots of life left in it. I'm not looking to shed massive pounds or anything, just like the look of it; something to make my custom project a little more custom.

I'm always cautious about these guys and their services on Fleabay. I figured if he was serious and worth it, you guys would know about him here, so I wanted to check in.

NO, Buddah, it's not the same as the guy you posted. This one is in Kentucky somewhere; the one you posted from the SOHC forum is in Georgia, and from what I can see does some really nice work. He might be worth contacting if I decide to go forward with the idea.
I'm still not sure it's even worth it; I actually like the look of the stock rotor quite well...

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by spacepirates on 12/02/11 at 09:40:02

can someone please explain to me why motorcycle brake rotors are ten times more expensive than car rotors?

I understand that fewer rotors need to be made and that drives the cost up, but really? $300 for a circular piece of metal with holes in it? (not on the savage, but on some other bikes it is expensive. try finding one for a '85 honda vf700s sabre).

EBC's $160 rotor:
http://www.jcmotors.com/p-27990-ebc-pro-lite-replacement-front-left-brake-rotor-suzuki-savage-ls-650-87-99.aspx

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 12/02/11 at 10:14:27

4546575553465F4457425345360 wrote:

... try finding one for a '85 honda vf700s sabre)...

I had an '82 750 Sabre myself for two years. Loved the bike, but Hated trying to find stuff for it, or get it repaired. WAY too rare... everything is Unobtainium. If you don't know already, go to www.sabmag.org. those guys are every bit as cool as the guys on this site and they can help you out a lot.

I sold that Sabre and got a '92 nighthawk 750. Not the sexiest beast on the road, but like the Savage; it was on the market for about 12 years unchanged, so there's parts a-plenty and the bike is bone-simple. What a great combo?

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by Serowbot on 12/02/11 at 11:33:12

7243474449514A1715260 wrote:

Strange,... but the holes in the disc mounted on the bike, looks a lot more random than the one pictured off the bike..
I could do a better job myself, with a hand drill... :-?

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 12/02/11 at 12:45:27

4650475A42575A41350 wrote:

I could do a better job myself, with a hand drill... :-?

I thought the very same thing when I saw this listing,
And the fact that none of you regulars who has chimed in so far seems to have ever heard of this guy so far, makes me think I'll be avoiding him...

If anyone knows anything about this guy and his rotor service, please come forth!

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by EJID on 12/02/11 at 12:57:10

I can't knock this guy's service or parts, I think he is a decent businessman. My bike had his spiked hardtail struts installed on it when I bought the bike from the PO and they were good, heavy, quality pieces. I believe he sells to the Savage/S40 market trying to be the aftermarket parts supplier that some riders are looking for since the other channels of aftermarket parts have pretty much ignored our Savage/S40. Many of us on this board tend to find things that work, or make them work (he just sells the same types of things we do to our own bikes).

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 12/02/11 at 13:29:34

Haven't bought anything from him myself.
You might find similar posts to yours over the years.
But I don't think many have bought from him simply cause much of the stuff he sells is an "added value" to an existing product.
"added value" meaning he's made the mod to fit our bike.
And the upgraded price to go with it.

I personally don't remember any bad comments about DZcustoms.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by splash07 on 12/13/11 at 11:45:07

[/quote]
I could do a better job myself, with a hand drill... :-?

[/quote]

Could it be done? Can one drill their own rotor?

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by 12Bravo on 12/13/11 at 13:51:46

You could drill your own rotor but remember that everything should remain balanced or you could get a wobble in your front tire. I would want to use a milling machine with an indexing table to get everything even and balanced

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 12/13/11 at 13:59:29

5B5844495B40181F280 wrote:

Quote:

I could do a better job myself, with a hand drill... :-?

Could it be done? Can one drill their own rotor?

I don't see why not. I would get a template made so it doesn't end up looking like the sample on the bike. I'd use a smaller hole, 3/16" or 1/4". chamfer the holes good.

The pattern has to be ballanced and designed to sweep all of the pad. I don't know if it's a good idea to over lap the edges of the pad with the holes.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 12/13/11 at 19:24:13

Yeah, this isn't something I'd try in my garage, or even hand over to my "buddy"
My understanding, and believe me I don't really know any of this for sure, but I had some rotors drilled many years ago, and this is what I remember being told:
1. The holes need to be perfectly spaced and centered. The rotor needs to be balanced, just like the wheel and tire. If it's off, it'll get funky on you.
I also remember hearing something about if the hole pattern is wonky, it might create some kind of harmonics when braking at speed. I don't know if that's total BS or not, it's just something I remember...
2. The other thing is that these discs are made from really hard metal; so be prepared to pay big money for the right drill bits, or go through just as much money burning up the wrong ones...

I really DON'T want to fool around with my brakes willy-nilly; that's why I started this post. I want to be sure this guy really knows what he's doing, and that's if I do this at all....

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/15/11 at 06:58:57

As for the disk being hard, I would expect so, but have no way to prove it. Considering its job & how well they hold up, tho, I expect them to be plenty hard,
Drilled disks are probably drilled, then treated.

Re: Harmonics, Im gonna say Naaah.. Every spacing has a speed that would create a "harmonic" if it was a possible problem,

If I was wanting to do it, Id get a good 1/8th bit & just go to a spot as close to the axle as possible & just see how hard it is, dont go thru, just see if it will drill at all. It wont unbalance it. I have a steel ruler from a machine shop supply house I was gonna hang on the wall. I grabbed a decent bit & proceeded to put a tiny dot on the ruler. No way was it gonna drill thru. Ive had that ruler 30 years, looks like the day I got it, well,, it does have a little dent,,

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 12/15/11 at 07:11:11

I was pretty sure the "Harmonics" thing was Phooey, but like I said, that was something I was told. I've never really seriously researched the pro's and con's of drilling a disc, or the possible safety issues. Call me shallow, but I've always just thought it looked cool.

I've been tossing around this idea, and the idea of replacing/upgrading the whole front brake on my Vintage Roadster project, but the truth is, I really like the look of the stock rotor; it's sleek and slim. Anything I would upgrade too would be a big PITA, and would look heavy and clumsy on the bike, and truthfully, I think keeping the rotor solid, and un-drilled will look more true to my projects 1960's-ish flavor, so I think I 'm just gonna leave alone!

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/15/11 at 07:16:56

Sounds smart.. I dont have a complaint with the front brake as is. I can make the front tire start to screech at 40 MPH,,

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 12/15/11 at 09:15:31

Good to know...
I've heard more than a few here complain about it not being strong enough, but my bike will be significantly lighter than stock by day's end, so I think I'll be alright. I've got a stainless steel line and brand new EBC pads for it. If I really hate it after I've gotten it on the road for a while, then I can look down that road.
In either case; I'm not sure that the drilling alone really improves the performance all that much. I'm guessing it might keep the rotor just a wee smidge cooler; it would help shed water in the rain, but it also reduces the surface area....

If anyone knows anything about the performance advantages of having drilled discs, please chime in! Surely there's a reason that race guys started doing it...

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by bill67 on 12/15/11 at 09:23:41

Cooling is the only advantage I've ever heard.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 12/15/11 at 09:59:05

7342464548504B1614270 wrote:

If anyone knows anything about the performance advantages of having drilled discs, please chime in! Surely there's a reason that race guys started doing it...

I've heard them say it improves braking... but like you said... too many holes will reduce effectiveness.

My take on it, the holes keep the pad surface clean. And will slightly increase brake pad force (smaller contact area, same force)

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by Serowbot on 12/15/11 at 11:15:06

Our rotors are already pretty thin,...
I wouldn't drill them... :-?...

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by built2last66 on 12/15/11 at 11:43:59

But it looks cool...

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 12/15/11 at 21:59:49

ok, I'm gonna make a drill pattern

I'm thinking a 3 to 5 hole swoop centered over the mounting bolt.
So 4 groups, can be increased though.

EBC does it, so can we.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 12/16/11 at 07:02:38

Alright-y Mister! I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Maybe I'll send you my disc along with my cam chain tensioner...

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 12/23/11 at 12:01:08

Looking at some patterns...
http://www.savageriders.com/verslagen/Disk/disk.jpg
I like the top one, either 4 or 8 patterns

The right one seems to dense and would have to be repeated alot.
The left one is ok, but I think to look right would need a pattern of 8.

Now having laid this out, the disk with the crazy hole pattern make sense... it was a trial disk.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/23/11 at 12:23:47

I like a curved pattern, one the drops the 2nd ( & each next) hole toward center enough that it doesnt sweep any of the area the first one did as it passes thru the pads, narrow as the swept surface is, that mite make for a 3 hole pattern. Thats just my eye, I doubt that it matters,,

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by EJID on 12/23/11 at 12:25:42

170413120D0006040F50610 wrote:

I like the look of the top pattern ;D

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 12/23/11 at 13:08:43

None of the holes will sweep the same area.

I measured the disk, but forgot to measure the pad.

So... jog... more arc in the pattern?

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 12/23/11 at 13:30:09

http://www.savageriders.com/verslagen/Disk/disk2.jpg

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 12/23/11 at 15:13:21

I like what you're coming up with there...
I like that you are using what looks like a smaller hole; seems right for how slight the stock disc is.

The guy who does the drilling service does 3 bigger holes in a pattern of 8, but I like yours much better. More work though...

You thinking about doing it?
Offering it as a service?
I'll be ready to send you my chain tensioner in a couple of weeks, I could send you my disc at the same time... ;D

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 12/23/11 at 15:23:01

Yes, but I need to get a pattern made... might not be available till end of january. That'll give me time to try it out 1st and see how many drills it'll consume.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 12/23/11 at 15:27:13

I'm in MAINE, Sweetheart...
I won't be able to ride this jalopy until at least late April.
Take your time! I'll wait!

Happy Whatever-You-Do-This-Time-Of-Year!!
Cheers!

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/23/11 at 16:05:56

You got an indexing table Vers?

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 12/23/11 at 16:24:03

no, that's why I need a pattern or drill jig made.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 01/19/12 at 12:12:38

Updated
Would you prefer this orientation?
or mirror image?
http://www.savageriders.com/verslagen/Disk/disk2.jpg

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by Savage_Rob on 01/19/12 at 12:32:32

4A49585A5C49504B584D5C4A390 wrote:

Wow! That one has a lot of holes in it! I have an EBC on mine and it looks like these:

http://www.allbikebrakes.com/product_images/store_images/ebc_round_zoom.jpg.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 01/19/12 at 12:40:48

1D2F382F292B111C212C4E0 wrote:

Wow! That one has a lot of holes in it! I have an EBC on mine and it looks like these (http://www.allbikebrakes.com/product_images/store_images/ebc_round_zoom.jpg).

I can easily do a pattern of 4 since I can use the mounting hole for alignment. And I think this would be enough. A pattern of 8 is more difficult but doable.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 01/26/12 at 21:54:13

1st one...

http://www.savageriders.com/verslagen/Disk/diskx4.jpg

I'll see how it runs this weekend.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by splash07 on 01/27/12 at 05:47:06

Im ready for mine now! ;)

When are can we start shipping you our rotors?

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 01/28/12 at 15:21:16

1st one... mounted, short test run completed. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

I'll have to find an old set of stock pads and see if it cures the squeak.

Whatta ya guys think?
http://www.savageriders.com/verslagen/Disk/diskx4.jpg

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/28/12 at 16:42:11

Aye LIke it,, Is there a little Ooopsie up under the caliper?

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 01/28/12 at 16:49:20

76696F6875724373437B69652E1C0 wrote:

Aye LIke it,, Is there a little Ooopsie up under the caliper?

must be an optical illusion ;D

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/28/12 at 21:18:15

Hmmm,, it seems to look just a "shade" diffrunt now..

I like the overall look, now, its time for a report on How good do it work?

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 01/28/12 at 23:38:42

You squeeze the lever it stops

I also put on the iso grips, had to readjust the lever.
Now I know how piglet feels.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 01/29/12 at 06:39:56

HEY VERSLAGEN!
Sorry I have been out of touch... I've been buried at work.
I love what you have gong on here! It looks great...

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/29/12 at 07:43:24

You squeeze the lever it stops.

Yea, he's gong to be famous as a motorcycle writer. I can just see his write ups featured in every mag..

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 01/29/12 at 09:20:33

797A666B79623A3D0A0 wrote:

Im ready for mine now! ;)

When are can we start shipping you our rotors?

Now available...
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1327803868

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/29/12 at 09:55:35

So, Versy, how hard is that disk compared to just regular ol steel Id find layin around? Does it cook bits pretty fast? You getting good at sharpening them? I worked in a machine shop & learned how to do it by hand on a grinder,, handy stuff to know. Small bits are hard to get right, tho, Under 1/4 is hard,,1/4 aint exactly easy,

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 01/29/12 at 10:52:11

cuts like butter... but I use carbide drills.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by ralfyguy on 01/29/12 at 14:43:24

So is the brake feel any different compared to stock?

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by ralfyguy on 02/01/12 at 08:42:15

bump

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 02/01/12 at 11:19:28

41525F554A54464A330 wrote:

So is the brake feel any different compared to stock?

None that I can discern.
amazed how little I actually use the brakes

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 02/01/12 at 11:48:44

392A3D3C232E282A217E4F0 wrote:

[quote author=41525F554A54464A330 link=1322838789/45#51 date=1327877004]So is the brake feel any different compared to stock?

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 02/01/12 at 13:10:49

2C3335322F2819291921333F74460 wrote:

Yea, Ive seen people who didnt use theirs much either.. I guess that makes sense if yer already goin REal SLOW!!!!

he he he

nah, I just don't do stoppies
and lot more go then slow

an a--hole cut me off yesterday, you know the kind... yeah he's itchin, yeah he's itchin, ok too late you gotta wait... focker!
front brake put space between me and him real quick.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by ralfyguy on 02/02/12 at 18:36:03

617E787F62655464546C7E72390B0 wrote:

[quote author=392A3D3C232E282A217E4F0 link=1322838789/45#53 date=1328123968][quote author=41525F554A54464A330 link=1322838789/45#51 date=1327877004]So is the brake feel any different compared to stock?

None that I can discern.
amazed how little I actually use the brakes[/quote]

Yea, Ive seen people who didnt use theirs much either.. I guess that makes sense if yer already goin REal SLOW!!!!

he he he[/quote]
OEM pads used to only last about 2k tops. And they're no bargain either. About 3k ago I put $16 kevlar pads in there and they look like OEM pads after 100 miles, and without the squeal and without the ON/OFF brake feel. I don't ride any softer than before. I like the fact that they need a bit more squeeze, makes riding and stopping on loose ground safer. Makes we wonder how long they will last...

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by prsavage on 02/04/12 at 18:27:01

All the questions asked (and much more) in this thread are answered here:
http://www.scribd.com/baris_sarikaya/d/38553557-Brakes

It really is a fascinating read, particularly the first half of the article.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/21/12 at 15:45:39

I found a couple of pics I took right after I installed the EBC rotor on Nadine. This one should give you a better idea of the actual rotor versus the marketing images you see from merchants.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6772825498_8d076c294a_b.jpg

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by teabowl13 on 02/21/12 at 18:24:41

Thanks for posting that photo. It is really frustrating that almost all of the images posted by sellers of these rotors are just photos of different EBC rotors. I know MotoBudddah posted photos of his EBC rotor in his build thread a while ago, but this close-up looks great.

For the record, I am still sending my stock disc to Verslaggy for his service, but my Dipsh*t friend who has my parts keeps forgetting to ship them out there...

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by splash07 on 02/21/12 at 20:17:29

For the record, I just got my stock disc back from versy and it looks great, cant wait to get it on the bike and upload some pics for everyone.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by Digger on 07/11/12 at 21:59:56

0D3C383B362E35686A590 wrote:

FYI....

Just sent this guy a note with a question about chamfering. He answered quickly and, no, he does not chamfer the holes.

Don't know if this matters one way or another.....just addin' to the data base!

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by verslagen1 on 07/11/12 at 22:08:31

That's right, but you must deburr
So I do a light deburr with a chamfer bit, a little buffing and I'm done.
Still looking for the right tool to do a quick scuff of the surface, then no deburring would be necessary.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by rfw2003 on 07/11/12 at 22:15:01

Have you tried the 3m surface conditioning discs? The course ones should leave a pretty good finish for a Rotor I would think.

R.F.

Title: Re: DRILLED BRAKE ROTOR SERVICE?
Post by Cavi Mike on 07/12/12 at 02:27:40

6F7C6B6A75787E7C7728190 wrote:

Use a stone. Fine to extra-fine. MSC has a million and one options but you'd be better off finding a local abrasive supply company and seeing what they have in stock. I'm a machinist by trade and I even look at MSC's catalog and just say WTF. There's a little shop right by me called Abrasive Tool Company that I always go to, I'm sure there's one(or 5) real close to you as well.