I'm an idiot... in need of rear brake rotor

[VanCityValkyrie]

Hi guys,

on my last ride I felt a little scratch from the rear brake. It was wet the last hours of the ride and I thought I had just picked up some dirt and since I changed the rear brake pads 3 months ago it should all be good.

Man, was I wrong! I checked my maintenance notes and the rear brake pads were changed last season, 20.000km ago! And since I switched to the Darkside I use my rear brake all the time...

I took a better look last night and saw that my rear rotor now has a big lip and I effed it up. I feel so stupid and am angry at myself!!!

Any hints to where to find a used one in good shape would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone and have a great week!

Christian

[gordonv]

Well, first there is a min size listed, 6mm?, if it isn't there yet, I would just slap on a new pad and let it wear in. You only loose a small % but you still get grip.

A GW GL1500 works too, I have mine on my spare rear wheel with mounted car tire.

A little hard to get parts from the US right now, so you'll need to get a new one at the dealer, and they clued in that the GW and Valk are the same, and raised the prices on the GW closer to the Valkyrie. But there is a used GW parts dealer in Langley.

https://www.straightwings.com/

Check him out, might have a Valk too.

[VanCityValkyrie]

Thanks for the info, Gordon! 

I have to check tonight what I have on my bike first. It's a 1999 IS that has been rebuilt to a Tourer. And apparently the rotors are different for each bike. I will give that shop a call tomorrow when I know more and ask.

Thanks

[gordonv]

There are 2 types of rear rotors. Just match what ever one you have to the replacement. I don't think the pictures work, and I'm trying to remember, but either the bolts are flush or recessed.

I also don't suspect I'll get around to mounting my rear tire, I could always loan you my rear rotor if it will work.

Most aren't too likely to know the difference, because if you bring everything over, there is no problem. I also think it was the pre 99 that had this issue with the post 98.

[SteveH]

If your rotor is still within the service limit but a little chewed up, then you can sand your rotor before installing new pads. Just take some 320 grit wet paper ( or courser if needed and work back to 320 grit) and using a flat backing like a sanding block , rest it against the rotor while spinning the wheel by hand. This will remove or flatten out any "rags" that will attack your new pads. I give my rotors a light touch up every now and again as a routine maintenance thing. If you want to get fussy you can remove the ridge at the OD of the rotor. To test , place your hand against the rotor and spin the wheel  . If your hand is not shredded and covered in blood  , then the rotor is smooth enough, and you are good to go.....Also it wouldn't hurt to check your rotor for runout . If you overheated it and quenched it in the rain, then it may be warped.

[gordonv]

Great idea Steve, I had never thought about that. Something like a piece of square tubing, lay it flat across the surface with sandpaper. Inexpensive and easy to do.

[VanCityValkyrie]

Thanks for all the info, guys! 

Apparently the rotors are the same for all Valkyrie models, they just differ by the year.

97/98 models have a J1 rotor which has the screws sticking out a bit.

99 and newer models have a J2 rotor and the screws are recessed.

I will have a used one sent to me tomorrow. It still has a thickness of 7.3mm (brand new is 7.5mm).

I will put this one on and then take care of the one I messed up and see how bad it is.

Thanks for all the info and help, very much appreciated!!!!