A lot of riders ask us when they’re supposed to change their motorcycle brake rotors. In this episode we’re going to share a few things to look for to help determine whether your current rotors still have useful miles on them, or if it’s time to replace them. Feel free to watch the video here, or read below for detailed instructions!
When should I change my motorcycle brake rotors?
Motorcycle brake rotors should be changed when they are worn past a certain point, are damaged or warped. There’s no single time frame because it very much depends on what kind of bike you ride, what kind of rotor it is, what kind of riding you do, how quickly you put on miles, and so on. The biggest thing to pay attention to is if you notice a change in braking performance while riding, such as a mushy lever, brake chatter or squeaking/grinding while braking, then you’ll want to inspect your rotors as well as other components of your system. Below we’ll go into a few specific things to look for that might indicate it’s time to change your rotors.
1. Check Your Rotors’ Minimum Thickness
If your rotor’s thickness measures at or below the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer. Why is this a big deal? It’s about heat transfer. As the rotor material gets worn away, the heat transfer between one side and the other happens faster, which transfers more heat to the brake pads and to the brake fluid. When your brake fluid heats up, you’ll notice a mushy brake lever and reduced lever response.
2. Check Your Rotors for Scoring
Scoring is when small grooves develop in the rotor surface, typically caused by debris getting stuck between the pads and rotors. To check your rotors, first be sure to remove them from your bike and give them a thorough cleaning (how to clean your brakes). Once clean, run your fingernail over the surface of the rotor, starting at the outside edge and moving towards the center of the rotor. If you feel any bumps or grooves as your nail passes over the surface (they may also be visible to the eye), then this damaged friction surface can decrease brake performance – time to replace!
3. Check Your Rotors for Dishing or Warping
Dishing is when the rotor loses its parallel surface and warps to one side or the other. We tend to see this more in racing applications as the intense heat cycles and hard braking pressure over time begins to warp the rotor. Warped rotors don’t perform well because of the inconsistent contact with the brake pads, and need to be replaced immediately.
And that’s it! As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!