Cost effective braking power for your Harley

In this blog we'll cover some cost effective braking upgrades for 2005 and earlier Harley Davidson models!

When it comes to your motorcycle, your brakes play a crucial role. They may slow you down, but as it turns out that's pretty important! So whether you're cruising to a stoplight or hitting the canyon corners hard, you'll want confidence in your brakes that they'll do their job.

 Let's face it, your OEM brakes are designed with the intent of slowing down the average rider, and that's where it ends. Though if you find that you push your motorcycle harder than most, your stock braking can easily be overworked and this can be a serious problem, even dangerous.

Braking upgrades using OEM parts

Performance braking parts can be one of the most expensive modifications you can do to your motorcycle. Not to mention if you've already got some investment into a performance engine. Needless to say, we've got one of the best solutions which will give you a massive increase in stopping power, for the best price all together. 

If you weren't already aware, the stock brakes on 2007+ VROD and 2008+ Harley-Davidson Touring models are in fact, Brembo calipers! With a 4 piston design, these calipers massively increase braking performance as well as better product availability. Not only are these calipers easy to find new or used, replacement parts are available at nearly every dealership as well. 

HD OEM #43027-08 & #44023-08

For those of you with 2000-2007 models (Excluding 06-07 Dyna), these are a bolt on upgrade! You will need to size up your front rotors from 11.5" to 11.8" for proper pad to rotor contact. Be sure the rotors have countersunk mounting hole as this will help prevent the rotor bolts from hitting the fork legs. If the calipers did not include mounting hardware, new M10-1.5x35mm mounting bolts will also be required. Brake lines may also be needed depending on your model. Upgrading to braided lines will further improve your braking anyways. Even if all above is needed for your model, it is still a cost effective upgrade!

For those of you with 1999 and earlier models, 2000 and newer calipers will NOT fit your fork legs as the bolt spread is different. Luckily we offer a bolt on solution! Check out the Ramjet Racing Brembo front caliper brackets. These will allow you to bolt on 08+ Touring Brembo calipers to your fork legs. They even include mounting hardware and alignment shims! A major braking upgrade over the factory single piston caliper for a fraction of the cost of other calipers or kits. These will also save you some money by allowing you to use the factory size 11.5" rotor. Note longer brake lines may be needed.

We also offer Brembo rear adapter brackets for Dyna and FXR models!

Safety note: If your motorcycle uses DOT 5 brake fluid, we recommend to rebuild the Brembo calipers (if previously used) as they use DOT 4 brake fluid. Brake fluids are NOT mixable and will cause the caliper seals, lines and/or master cylinder seals to swell and lock up. As you could imagine this is not safe. Caliper rebuild kits can be found on our store.

Master cylinder requirements and brake line upgrades

If your model is currently single disc and you are converting to dual disc (2 calipers), your master cylinder may need replacement. Single disc models typically use a 9/16" or 5/8" bore master cylinder. While these may work fine operation a single caliper, they would yield very poor performance and very firm/touchy feeling lever if used with two 4 piston calipers. For proper operation you will need a 11/16" or '08+ Touring 15mm master cylinder. Note the banjo and bolt fitting size for most 11/16" or 15mm master cylinders are 3/8"/10mm, where as the 9/16" or 5/8" are typically 7/16"/12mm. Keep this in mind when purchasing new brake lines and fittings.

Speaking of brake lines, you can further upgrade your braking by replacing the factory rubber brake lines. By upgrading to braided lines you prevent any flex or swelling of the rubber lines when braking. This is due to the pressure built by the master cylinder. This will help increase braking pressure and promote a more positive feel in the lever. Anyways would you trust the 20+ year old brake lines when pushing it in the corners? If you need help sourcing quality lines, fittings or lengths, contact our parts specialties!

End of the road

And with that, you now know how you can massively improve your stopping power without breaking the bank. As we've mentioned before, your brakes play a crucial role with your motorcycle. We've talked about a few options for upgrades, and how you can do it yourself. At any point, feel free to contact the experts at Ramjet Racing for some prompt advice or help sourcing parts! Even if its not on our site, we stock tons of braking components, fittings and hardware.