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For your motorcycle to work properly, all its parts have to be in top shape. This is especially important for your braking system as your safety and that of others depends on it.
For this reason, it’s crucial to maintain your bike regularly and replace all parts on time. Motorcycle brake rotors are probably the most important to replace and keep in good shape.
For this reason, we reviewed some of the best discs for several types of motorcycles. Take a few minutes to read the reviews and the buyer’s guide we included. This can help you choose the right discs so that you can enjoy safe and smooth rides.
6 Top Rated Motorcycle Brake Rotor Reviews
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
EBC Brakes  | EBC Brakes Features: Smooth braking, easy to install Diameter: 11.5 inches | Check Price |
GOOFIT  | GOOFIT Features: Reliable and quality-made, for different bike types Diameter: 120mm | Check Price |
Power Strop  | Power Strop Features: Mounting hardware included, dustproof and rustproof Diameter: N/A | Check Price |
TARAZON  | TARAZON Features: Reliable braking power, great heat dissipation Diameter: 11.8 inches | Check Price |
Arashi  | Arashi Features: Good water dispersion, stainless steel construction Diameter: N/A | Check Price |
Litetop  | Litetop Features: Easy to install, mounting hardware included Diameter: 160mm | Check Price |
EBC Brakes – Available in Wide Band
EBC Brakes is one of the most popular and well-known brands in the industry. It’s a reliable choice that’s available in a wide band.
This disc fits standard five-bolt flanges, so make sure to check if it’s compatible with your bike. It measures 11.5 inches in diameter, which is another factor you should consider.
Another thing we should mention is that the wideband style is meant for OEM-style calipers. This is something you should keep in mind if you’re interested in this type of discs.
Rear rotors are 0.24 inches while the front ones are 0.2 inches in total. Make sure to check your previous models to ensure fitment.
These allow powerful and reliable braking. Plus, they’re easy to install for which you probably won’t need any help if you have some experience.
PROS
- Smooth braking
- Wide Band style available
- Easy to install
CONS
- Some people received only one piece
GOOFIT – Ideal for Sportsbike
Goofit is a good choice if you’re looking for smooth operation and quality. These have an outer diameter of 120 mm and an inner diameter of 45 mm.
Both discs are made to last a long time, offering smooth braking at all times. They’re equally as good in wet conditions.
One thing to keep in mind is that these aren’t as compatible, so make sure to check if they’ll fit your motorcycle. The best way to do this is by comparing them with your old brake rotors. If not, you can always contact the manufacturer to ask for some help with figuring this out.
The product is designed to fit EBikes and sport and mountain bikes. It has 6-bolt mounting and is relatively easy to install, depending on your skill level.
PROS
- Reliable and quality-made
- For different bike types
- Good braking in wet conditions
CONS
- Not the most compatible product
Power Strop – With Ceramic Pads
Power Stop might be one of your best choices as it comes with ceramic pads included. Ceramic is known to keep your wheels clean and free of dust. Plus, the genuine Geomet coating is durable and maintains that new look for a long time.
Both pieces are fully coated and have inside vanes to extend the life of your rotor. Plus, it helps to achieve and maintain that great look that new discs have.
The package also includes ceramic brake pads along with stainless steel hardware. The entire kit is designed to provide smooth braking as well as resistance to dust and rust.
Another thing worth noting is the dual layer of high-temperature rubberized shims. It helps to insulate noise, providing silent braking, which is often an issue for many people.
PROS
- Mounting hardware included
- It comes with ceramic pads
- Dustproof and rustproof
CONS
- A bit tricky to install
TARAZON – Ideal for Harley
This pair is among the best options for Harley Davidson bikes. It fits different Harley models, but make sure to check if your Harley is on the list.
The package includes two discs with an outer diameter of 11.8 inches. Each piece is 5mm thick and has a hardness of HRC 36+-2 to ensure maximum braking quality.
These are made of stainless steel to ensure durability, perfect heat dissipation, and reliable braking power. They’re suitable for variable weather, which makes them a good choice all throughout the raining season.
Another thing worth mentioning is that these have counterbore holes, which means they only fit counterbore screws. Make sure to check if your motorcycle supports this type of installation.
The installation process itself shouldn’t be too complicated if you have some basic knowledge.
PROS
- Reliable braking power
- Great heat dissipation
- Stainless steel construction
CONS
- Doesn’t fit all Harleys
Arashi – Stainless Steel
Arashi is worth your attention if you ride a Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R 2004-2007. It fits a few other motorcycles, although we suggest you check this with the manufacturer.
The package includes three discs, including front and rear brake rotors. Each piece is constructed from 420 stainless steel and aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy.
The combination of materials provides durability as well as resistance to rust while helping to prolong the life of your rotor.
These are designed to reduce brake fade and minimize warping. They ensure the rotor’s longevity by offering smooth braking regardless of the weather and road conditions.
One thing to keep in mind is that these don’t come with any installation hardware. You’d have to purchase that separately. Also, no instructions are included, either.
PROS
- Good water dispersion
- Stainless steel construction
- Good heat dissipation
CONS
- No instructions or installation hardware
Litetop – Easy to Mount
Litetop is suitable for people who don’t have as much experience with installing brake rotors. These are easy to mount, although you should keep in mind they don’t come with instructions.
The outside diameter measures 160mm while the center distance is 44mm. These are 1.9mm thick and have a standard, 6-bolt pattern.
One of the most important things to mention is that they’re made of stainless steel. As you know, it’s the best material to ensure longevity and durability.
In most cases, these are the best for Shimano Alivio/Deore disc brake systems. Still, you can use them with other systems if they’re compatible.
Each piece is easy to install on your frame and fork. The package includes two 160 mm brake rotors along with 12 screws so that you don’t have to buy them separately.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Stainless steel construction
- Mounting hardware included
CONS
- Might be noisy under heavy braking
What to Consider in Buying a Motorcycle Brake Rotor
Type
Sadly, not every brake rotor can fit every motorcycle. The market offers several different types that are suitable for specific bikes.
And while some types can work on all motorcycles, many are made to fit only certain models. For this reason, you should always check the type of your previous discs so that you can find exactly the same to replace them with.
We suggest you consult with a mechanic to check if a certain type will fit your motorbike.
Performance
Performance is definitely one of the first things you should consider. Braking is a big part of your safety when riding, which is exactly why you should look for maximum performance quality.
Still, this is sometimes tricky to figure out. In most cases, performance depends on the type of materials.
Another thing you can do to check performance is to read customer reviews. Most people will mention how the discs performed under heavy braking and in different weather conditions.
Weight
Weight is something people don’t talk about as much, although it’s a rather important specification. The reason why weight is important is that rotors cope with some heavy load when you brake. And you want them to be able to handle the load.
Energy is transferred through your braking system in a few seconds. This generates a lot of heat, which is where the weight and mass of your rotors play a huge part. They have to be strong enough to handle the load produced.
More Reading: How Much Does a Motorcycle Weigh? How Heavy Is It?
Material
As you may have noticed, most of the products we reviewed are made of stainless steel. Although other options exist, stainless steel is by far the best to ensure quality, durability, and resistance.
Not only it’s resistant to rust and corrosion, but stainless steel is reliable and sturdy enough to handle heavy loads.
It’s probably the best choice if you’re looking for a reliable product that’s going to last a long time before you need to replace it.
Coating
Although stainless steel is durable and resistant enough on its own, some rotors have a coating to provide some added protection against elements.
Geomet coating is probably the most commonly found in motorcycle discs. It’s a durable coating meant to preserve the new look of your discs for as long as possible.
Still, a coating isn’t necessary as many of the best products don’t have it. It’s a nice touch that can enhance looks and resistance, but you can definitely do without it as well.
Fitting
As we previously mentioned, it’s always important to check fitment and compatibility before you purchase any of the products above.
The last thing you want is to end up with a product that doesn’t fit your motorcycle, and you cannot use it. It would be a waste of both your time and money.
For this reason, check that the piece you’re interested in is the same as the one you already have. If not, consult with the manufacturer to ensure it will fit your motorbike.
Pricing
While you should always have a budget in mind, it’s important to consider the other buying factors as well. Try not to focus on the price as much. Instead, focus on finding the right motorcycle brake rotors by considering the quality of performance.
Prices usually range depending on the brand, material type, coating, and a few other things. Keep in mind that expensive products aren’t necessarily better than those that are more affordable.
Durability
Durability depends on many things such as the quality of materials, type of coating as well as the overall quality of manufacturing.
It’s something you should pay attention to before you purchase any brake rotor for your motorbike. In most cases, you can figure out how durable a product is by checking customer reviews.
Read the comments from people who have already used the discs you’re interested in. That’s where you can find the most information on how durable the product is.
What is a Brake Rotor?
A brake rotor is a critical piece of your braking system. It’s what your motorbike’s brake pads clamp on to stop the wheels from spinning within seconds.
Most people usually think that brake pads are the most critical components of the braking system. However, discs are just as important for stopping the vehicle.
As we mentioned, there are several different types of rotors in the market. It’s up to you to choose between as many types, keeping in mind all their pros and cons and the particular motorbike you have.
How it Works?
Motorcycle brake rotors work the same as those meant for cars. The rotors spin with the wheel until you apply the brake. Once you apply the brake, its pads grab the rotor to stop the wheel.
However, bikes have front and rear brakes that work independently of each other, whereas car brakes stop all four wheels at once.
Your bike has independent brakes in the back and front. The front one is usually more effective at stopping while the rear brake is designed to assist the front one in slowing or stopping.
Types of Motorcycle Brake Rotors
One-piece
These are made of a single piece of metal. In most cases, they’re made of billet steel, although other options exist as well.
These are usually drilled or slotted to provide some added ventilation. Plus, they’re pretty cheap but are somewhat heavy and prone to warping.
Two-piece
Two-piece discs are somewhat better when it comes to performance. These are constructed in different ways and are lighter than the one-piece type.
The outer part is typically made of billet steel, while the interior is made of aluminum. The interior is connected to the outer part with rivets.
How to Install
Secure Your Motorcycle
The first thing you should do is prepare your motorcycle. Secure it so that it doesn’t wobble or fall while you’re working on it.
Use a bike stand for this. It’s probably the safest way of securing the motorcycle in place. Also, take the time to prepare all tools and pieces you’ll need.
Disassemble the Tires
Use a ratchet wrench to loosen the mounting bolts that are on both sides of the frame. Loosen them just a bit, but don’t take them out yet.
Remove the axle nut and the axle for about three inches. Now you can go on to remove the bolts and the caliper before removing the wheels.
Remove Brake Pads
Remove your old brake pads and consider replacing them with new ones. This isn’t necessary, but it’s recommended to achieve the best performance and quality.
You should remove the brake pads only if you have new ones to replace them with.
Replace Rotors and Pads
Place your wheel on a work table. Loosen and remove all the bolts that hold the rotor before removing it.
Take a moment to inspect all the parts and components. Place a new rotor on the wheel and reinstall the bolts back in place. Do the same on the other side.
Reassemble
Reinstall your wheels, lining them up with the axle hole. Slide in the axle and tighten the nut that you have previously removed.
Install the mounting bolts and the calipers, ensuring that everything fits well with the new rotor you’ve mounted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you change your motorcycle brake rotor?
Many people rely on their experience and feel to know when rotors require replacement. For this reason, it’s up to you to replace them when you notice the slightest change in braking power.
The reason why there’s no one answer to this question is that there are different riding styles and motorcycles.
Can you customize them?
Customizing a brake rotor isn’t recommended unless you know exactly what you’re doing. This is something that only experienced people should do.
Nonetheless, there’s not much you can do to customize your rotor. Instead, you should buy a specific product that’s suitable for your motorbike.
Should I replace my rotors when I change my brake pads?
Many people recommend replacing the rotors when replacing the brake pads and vice versa. The two components touch one another hundreds of times during a single day, which is why they usually require replacement at the same time.
Doing this will save you both money and time.
Are cheap rotors worth it?
As we said, the price doesn’t always have to do with quality. For this reason, cheap rotors can still be a good choice the same way an expensive product can fail you.
You should always focus on other buying factors we discussed.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have helped you find the best brake rotors for your motorcycle. We reviewed the best that the market has to offer in terms of quality, durability, and performance, so we’re sure that there’s something for everyone.
As we’ve mentioned, you should carefully consider compatibility, durability, and other buying factors we talked about.
If you’re struggling to choose, we suggest you go back to our buyer’s guide. Use the information to pick one of the products we reviewed, keeping in mind your needs and preferences.
Also, don’t hesitate to take your bike to a mechanic if you don’t have as much experience. You want to ensure safety above everything else.
