Stock Rotor Lightening/Shaving

[McBiggity]

Anybody done this?
http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=181179

Seems like they have great reviews. A much cheaper alternative than new rotors.

[eboos]

I'm pretty sure the Chickenhawk/Sportbike Track Time guy (sorry I don't remember his name) has his rear done. I was checking it out on Saturday, but I never got to ask him about it. His rear was really scooped out.

[Kurlon]

Anybody done this?
http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=181179

Seems like they have great reviews. A much cheaper alternative than new rotors.

I'm taking the slow, careful approach to rotor lightening using precisely timed applications of EBC pads to the blade to slowly shave it down.

[daviid]

ive been thinking bout it

[Ericthejet]

Where does the heat go on a rotor so light?
How come we don't see this on cars?

[Wishbone]

That is some damn good pricing for the unsprung weight savings.

[eboos]

Where does the heat go on a rotor so light?
How come we don't see this on cars?

I think that the trade off is that many people don't use their rear brake much or at all, and the performance of the rear brake will gladly be sacrificed for the weight savings.

[Wishbone]

I think that the trade off is that many people don't use their rear brake much or at all, and the performance of the rear brake will gladly be sacrificed for the weight savings.

The average weight savings on a rear rotor is about 1 pound! there is no loss of braking power! however there is a measurable increase in HP. Losing 1 LB of unsprung weight is like taking 7 lbs of of the seat! The net result would be the simular to a lightened flywheel.

[a13x]

I did it on my RaceHawk back in the offseason of 2005/2006. It was great. Shaved about a pound of rotating weight off the rear wheel.

[nt650hawk]

Not the same guy. BUT
Water jet cut 1.1 lbs off one rear hawk rotor.

[DucDave]

Anybody done this?
http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=181179

Seems like they have great reviews. A much cheaper alternative than new rotors.

I hope some day I'm fast enough that I have to start thinking about stuff like this to improve my lap times...

[Wishbone]

I hope some day I'm fast enough that I have to start thinking about stuff like this to improve my lap times...

What would being fast have to do with loosing unsprung weight? Loosing a pound or 2 in unsprung weight would make turning feel you have lost several pounds. Much sharper turn in if I'm not mistaken.

[DucDave]

What would being fast have to do with loosing unsprung weight? Loosing a pound or 2 in unsprung weight would make turning feel you have lost several pounds. Much sharper turn in if I'm not mistaken.

Well, I guess I'm not willing to risk damage to my rotors from heat issues unless there is a tangible benefit. And for me, sharper turn in, etc. should translate into better lap times. Again, I have so many other things to work on that turning my rotors doesn't come anywhere near the top of the list. (...doesn't make the list at all as a matter of fact!)

Moving to race tires are my next big step...
...tire warmers and all that stuff too!

I think I am at a point that that may help.

Current Lap Time at NHMS - 126.7
Lighter wheels - DONE
Suspension upgrades - DONE
Pilot 2CTs ---> Some kind of DOT Race tire - Next
2009 Goal - 125.0

[Uncle Snake]

I lightened the rear rotor on my ZRX..... Took about a day to draw, dimension, and detail the stock rotor, come up with the design around the stock holes, program and machine it all to save a little less than a pound. Ehhhhh, it was winter......

[OreoGaborio]

Well, I guess I'm not willing to risk damage to my rotors from heat issues unless there is a tangible benefit. And for me, sharper turn in, etc. should translate into better lap times. Again, I have so many other things to work on that turning my rotors doesn't come anywhere near the top of the list. (...doesn't make the list at all as a matter of fact!)

Moving to race tires are my next big step...
...tire warmers and all that stuff too!

I think I am at a point that that may help.

Current Lap Time at NHMS - 126.7
Lighter wheels - DONE
Suspension upgrades - DONE
Pilot 2CTs ---> Some kind of DOT Race tire - Next
2009 Goal - 125.0

I get what you're saying, that it's not so much the bike that's "slowing you down", but I don't see this mod as being much different than doing suspension work or, even MORE simliar, getting lighter wheels... and you've done that

[Kurlon]

I lightened the rear rotor on my ZRX..... Took about a day to draw, dimension, and detail the stock rotor, come up with the design around the stock holes, program and machine it all to save a little less than a pound. Ehhhhh, it was winter......

You have access to CNC tools? Wanna be my friend? : )

(I need to make a new rear brake master bracket for a mini, current plan is a dremel on steroids, carbide burr, and boring afternoon sitting over a catch bucket grinding.)

[DucDave]

I get what you're saying, that it's not so much the bike that's "slowing you down", but I don't see this mod as being much different than doing suspension work or, even MORE simliar, getting lighter wheels... and you've done that

Yep...

I guess what I'm trying to say, is if you've done those things and you're looking for the next thing, shaving the rotors could be it! I am surprised to hear how much weight some folks seem to be saving!

And now I have a question...how does this fit in with folks replacing their steel rotors with cast iron for better stopping power? Or is that 'old school' these days?

[Paul_E_D]

Cast Iron and steel weigh about the same. Iron rotors give great feedback and make stainless steel feel wooden. Especially in the rain!

Will they make you faster...no. And they rust.

But they feel incredible. Depends how sensitive a rider you are wether it's worth it our not.

[DucDave]

Cast Iron and steel weigh about the same. Iron rotors give great feedback and make stainless steel feel wooden. Especially in the rain!

Will they make you faster...no. And they rust.

But they feel incredible. Depends how sensitive a rider you are wether it's worth it our not.

I'm very sensitive....please stop picking on me.....

[Uncle Snake]

You have access to CNC tools? Wanna be my friend? : )

(I need to make a new rear brake master bracket for a mini, current plan is a dremel on steroids, carbide burr, and boring afternoon sitting over a catch bucket grinding.)

Gotta sketch you can send me? Our machines are booked solid for the next couple months but if a machine was between jobs over a weekend I might be able to hook you up. Regards, Jake