Unusual front brake issue.

Dirt_Dad

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Issue noticable when using front brake. Most obvious when coming to a stop. Feels like inconsistent brake pressure as rolling to stop. No wobble. No pulsing in the lever. Bike feels completely stable at all times except for slow speed from braking.

All 6 fork bolts are tight. Brake calipers are secure.

No obvious play in forks when up on center stand. Although it has been about 15k miles since steering bearings were lubed and tightened. I'm most suspicious of the possible need to tighten the front. However, 1500 miles from home and don't have the correct tools with me for that job.

Anything else I may be overlooking?
 

cyclemike4

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Are you only using the front brake as you stop? I have noticed on my 2012 from the very first that i can feel the difference in brake pressure on the lever (and i can only assume) when the linked brake system activates the rear brake a bit. If i use the rear brake first then the front i never feel the lever pressure change. Just a thought to add to the mix.
 

jrusell

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Uneven brake pad material buildup on the rotors.

Pads usually deposit an even layer of material on the rotors over time. Sometimes a hard breaking event where you come to a complete stop and then don't move the bike will allow an extra patch of pad material to be deposited on the rotor. Usually only happens when the rotors are really hot, but can happen at other times as well. Sometimes you can actually see the outline of the pad on the rotor.

Also when changing brake pads to a different brand you should always clean the rotors of the old deposited material. Those foam sanding blocks work really well, but it does take some time to do a proper job. There are disk rotor hones for this job, but I always had some foam sanding blocks around so I used them. Brake clean will not take this material off. It must be sanded or honed off and then a final clean with brake clean to finish the job.


I had the same issue early this spring. Quick fix is to go and do a few hard braking events from high speed, but do not come to a complete stop. When almost stopped let off the brakes and coast. 4 or 5 times is usually enough to put things back to normal.

Good luck.
 

WJBertrand

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My bike was doing that and dealer diagnosed excess rotor warp. Had both front rotors replaced under warranty and the issue went away.
 

Dirt_Dad

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Stopped at Mesa Verde Motorsports in Cortez. CO this afternoon. Much appreciation to the mechanic who had me in and out in about 15 min.

He confirmed right rotor is warped, and steering stem is not the problem.

For the rest of the trip it will be an annoyance, but that's about it.

Thanks for the input.
 

Squibb

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Really annoying, but sounds about right. I cooked my Electraglide front discs in the Dolomites a few years back - they worked OK once they cooled down, but for that slightly strange feel, which only got worse as the ride progressed.

One easy way to check, particularly when it's an issue with floating discs, is to get the bike on a rolling road brake tester. OK, they can be a bit over-sensitive, but soon show any disc warping. Take great care to keep the bike upright & stable though.

I know it's expensive, but the discs are best replace in pairs up front.
 

Dirt_Dad

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It is an as annoyance, but manageable. Like WJB mentioned, I'll try to have Yamaha replace it under YES.

Fortunately, I probably only have 2500 more miles to go on this trip.
 

WJBertrand

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I think Yamaha got a run of bad parts. A friend of mine with a ‘16 FJR had the same problem with his front rotors.


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