W8less Brake Rotors

W8less Brake Rotors

CW EVALUATIONS

Won’t rust, bust or collect dust

DO YOU FIND IT ODD THAT A COMPANY selling high-tech brake rotors makes no claims about improved stopping power? So do we. But that's the 411 on the

W81ess metal-matrix composite rotors for 1984 and later Harley-Davidsons. Their manufacturer, FTF, does state, however, hat because its rotors weigh just 1.9 lounds each, which is way less than stock H-D units (4.0 pounds front, 4.9 rear), they drastically reduce unsprung weight and rotational inertia. FTF also claims other benefits, including no brake squeal, no rusting, longer pad life, less fade and virtually no significant rotor wear or brake dust.

We used a pair of W81ess front rotors on a 2000 FLH Electra Glide-along with the required W81ess carbon-kevlar brake pads in the stock calipers-and determined that they live up to most of those claims. We never detected the slightest trace of squealing or brake dust, the brakes didn’t fade after repeated hard stops, and the wear to rotors and pads was barely noticeable. The actual braking power was no better than stock, though; and with the FLH’s heavy front wheel assembly, we sensed no improvement in steering ease or ride quality.

So if more-powerful brakes are on your gotta-have list, look elsewhere. But if you’re Jonesing for quieter, cleaner, cooler-looking, longer-lasting braking, W81ess may be the solution. □

DETAILS

FTF LLC 57640 North 11th St. Calumet, Ml 49913 888/500-5567 www.w8lessbrakes.com Price...$375 ea. (incl. brake pads)

^jps A Clean, quiet, long-wearing A Optional rotor, carrier and button colors A Chromed and custom carriers, buttons available Downs ▼ More expensive than most ▼ Zero braking improvement