Floating vs non floating front disc

Dogfeathers

Dogfeathers

Well-known member
I got a 97 BMW Funduro about two months ago and have solved a couple electrical problems. Just by chance I ran into a guy who had a 97 ST (Strada) he got as a parts bike and he said I could exchange any parts I wanted from the ST to my Funduro, they are both the same year. Except for wear items, the only thing that caught my eye that may be an upgrade is the front brake setup. The ST has a floating front disc and a slightly larger diameter disc. My Funduro has a non floating disc and a slightly smaller diameter disc. I am perfectly happy with my existing Funduro front brake and wonder if swapping would be worth the hassle. Because of the different diameter discs there may be a problem swapping the systems as the caliper must mount differently to accommodate the larger diameter so it might turn into a headache for little gain. I do ride in the dirt so maybe having a stronger front brake might be asking for “too much “ brake than what I need. Is there any big advantage to having a floating disc over a non floater? Any input out there? TIA
 
M

motomania2007

TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
A floating disk has more braking power than a non floating disk because it can maintain a better contact with the brake pads as the disc heats up and is supposed to also be less prone to warping while being lighter weight.
The larger diameter floating disk probably uses an adapter to offset the caliper or a different caliper.
A better master cylinder can also add braking power.
 
Hooli

Hooli

Big Ugly
Not always lighter. Some rotors that BrakeTech make are actually slightly heavier. The greater mass does help serve as a heatsink at the expense of a weight penalty.

Full floaters also make cool af chinging noises. :teeth
 
stangmx13

stangmx13

not Stan
How much a rotor floats is pretty far down the list of things that noticeably affect braking performance. Rotor size is more important than float. The most effective and often cheapest thing u can do is buy better pads.
 
Wrycque

Wrycque

Wrycque = Rick
The floaters are easier to manufacture too. The rotor can be used on any model. The carrier is changed to accommodate any number of models.
 
M

motomania2007

TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
stangmx13 said:
How much a rotor floats is pretty far down the list of things that noticeably affect braking performance. Rotor size is more important than float. The most effective and often cheapest thing u can do is buy better pads.
Click to expand...

Yup, I agree on all those points.
 
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