front rotors toast?

[v65]

After riding some serious twisties in the West Virginia area I noticed that my front rotors are discolored(blackened). I don't know if you can tell from the pics or not, but here they are:

We were riding two up, at least four hundred pounds of extra weight on the bike, down some 8-10% grades and doing some heavy braking into the corners. Spent the good part of Monday riding up and down the mountains pretty aggressively, never noticed any fade nor the typical hot brake smell (at least nothing I attributed to us). Just for the record, I did NOT ride the brakes on the downhill sections. Haven't had a chance to see if they are warped or not, but I guess they are toast.

Was just looking at some replacement Galfer wave rotors. :blink: Warchild, we doing another group buy this spring?

 

[Fred W]

I don't get why you think they are toast. If they aren't warped, and if you measure them and they are still thick enough, what's wrong with them? Maybe they discolored for some other (unknown) reason. I've never heard of discoloration being a reson for rotor replacement.

 

[jwilly]

:dntknw: Huh?

 

[v65]

I don't get why you think they are toast. If they aren't warped, and if you measure them and they are still thick enough, what's wrong with them? Maybe they discolored for some other (unknown) reason. I've never heard of discoloration being a reson for rotor replacement.

In a way I'm asking the same question. Never done it personally, but have heard of people "burning" rotors. I assume (there's that word) this is different from warping, google was no help on the subject.

That and some part of me wanted a good excuse to put the Galfers on. Then I priced 'em. Ouch.

 

[v65]

:dntknw: Huh?

Is that the your a ******* reply?

 

[Shane]

If they were warped, you'd probably feel it.

If they were heated past the limit of design, I'm sure you would have experienced fading.

Unless you notice some performance change, I wouldn't assume that anything is wrong just from this appearance.

Looks to me like they're just broken in good. JMHO.

Shane

 

[2WheelTiger]

Dark rotors are common. My R1 used to get them every trackday. Check the specs. If they're in spec, the darkness will go away if you start riding like a sissy again.

 

[Barabus]

Mine are dark and have been for several thousand. I have not noticed any performance deterioration.

 

[Auburn]

if they are not warped craked or too thin, then they are fine. Keep an eye on your pads if you are using the brakes that agressively.

 

[r1byker]

I'm with everyone else; there's probably nothing wrong with those rotors. If you feel pulsing in the front brake lever, then they're warped. Ride on.

 

[dcarver]

They are toast, gone, by-bye.

Buy the Galfers, then send them to me.

Keep your stock rotors on your bike.

I'll send you the magic cure to make them silver again, (spray paint!)

LOL - they are fine.

 

[v65]

Thanks guys, not a lot of opportunity to ride aggressively in these parts, so this is new territory for me. I guess I can add another reason for doing a track day to my list!

Dcarver, I have been trying to come up with something witty in response, but can't, so .

 

[jwilly]

:dntknw: Huh?

Is that the your a ******* reply?

Not at all, That's my confused by this thread look...

You'll know the "your a *******" when you see it. :lol:

JW

 

[Yort]

You gave them a good work out but I doubt you ruined them. The rotors are large and vented; I would think it would be very hard to burn them up.

Hope the ride was a blast.

 

[Duezzer]

If in spec otherwise they are fine

Later

 

[radman]

Just loaded with pad dust and adhesive/binder. If it bothers you, brake clean and a ScotchBrite pad will get 'em to look like new. Might want to check pad thickness though after a trip like that.

 

[v65]

Just loaded with pad dust and adhesive/binder. If it bothers you, brake clean and a ScotchBrite pad will get 'em to look like new. Might want to check pad thickness though after a trip like that.

The pads are certainly thinner than when I started the trip; some quality replacement pads for the next season will be in order.

 

[Duezzer]

What is a good pad upgrade?

 

[mophead]

Hit the dark surface with some Scotchbrite and I bet they clean right up.