KR-1S.co.uk Forum

Just wondering what (if any) the performance gains were on wavy brake disks.

Anyone have any ideas or thoughts on their performance levels?

I've only ever had a wavey disc on a GPZ500, made no difference what so ever.

But I can see the benefits, less weight, heat dissipation etc.

So no initial performance gain, but better heat dissipation, equals reduced heat fade and dip in performance when hot?

you don't tend to see that many on race bikes though - but they do look good

I might be wrong but I thought the idea of wavey discs originated for dirt bikes as a means of clearing mud and dirt from the caliper

Found some guff from a test carried out bu MCN.

The test compared the performance of wavy discs against normal type discs. The test was carried out using a MotoGP-spec 2D datalogger, onboard a 2004 Suzuki GSXR-600 road bike.

Here is the data;

- Braking distance - stopping from 80mph to 0mph
OE disc = 46.76m
Galfer disc = 46.83m

After the discs had all been bedded in, all three versions produced very similar results. The distances were measured after hitting the brakes as hard as the rider could when he reached 80mph. They were close enough for the error tolerances of the datalogging system, so there was no real difference in total braking distance.

- Braking Lever Pressure -
OE disc = 12.3bar
Galfer disc = 18.6bar

This was measured to see how hard the rider had to squeeze the lever to stop in a set distance. The wavy discs required the rider to use more pressure, possibly due to a smaller average pad contact area. The Galfer discs took the most effort.

It also shows that the wavy disc will heat up and cool quicker, which can lead to inconsistent braking.

Didn't notice any difference in performance with the braking wave discs I have but that is probably more to do with my lack of skill than anything. They do look good though.

Seems that they look good and that's about it.

I won't be rushing out to buy a set, although I do already have a rear.

If you want a decent set of discs that realy make a difference try PFM's cast iron though so dont leave them out in the rain

kwackman12 wrote:If you want a decent set of discs that realy make a difference try PFM's cast iron though so dont leave them out in the rain

I agree, I had a Gpz500s (only a single disc up front) and its braking was always marginal. I warped the disc (disc lock- Doh!) and replaced it with a cast iron Pfm one- I never found the brakes wanting after that.

Mike

@ mike,
that very interesting as i have a GPz500S now and the front brake could be better, worth trying a different caliper or a new type of disk.

seeing as its my only running bike it needs to do the commute and scratch and often find myself wishing for more stopping power.

tho the idea of a rusting disk doesnt sound ideal

I have a pair of Prolites on my KR (original kawasaki discs warped). Top discs, nice and progressive but look awful when covered in rust

SHimmer45 wrote: tho the idea of a rusting disk doesnt sound ideal

they only rust when you don't use them. if you ride the bike regularly, you won't find much rust on them, and if they do, just by braking gets rid off it

.
.
I prefer the look of drilled variety over both solids and (most) waves

the dia320mm rotors on FZR and early YZF were prone to warping
I think the added circumference on the waves allows the rim of the disk (hottest) to grow without dishing

waves are said to be more aggressive on pad wear - the slots are wider hence would seem to have a knife/planing affect on pad life

Cast and ductile iron disks have a higher coefficient of friction (µ) hence for any applied force will offer increased stopping power.
The slight trade off in performance for everyday bikes is non-rusting of (405/402?) Stainless steel rotors

these (chinese ) are cheap as - seem decently made... the rotor carrier is thick but nicely anodised (black or gold)
(have yet to evaluate and confirm good fit and performance)





every week or two the Ebay price is discounted by 5-8% which makes them even cheaper... save wear your OEM's

WAKASAKI fitted BRAKING? or GALFERS to his but you get the idea of the how they look...

I like the look of the wavey discs
The forks look fantastic as well...are they off the kawasaki 400?
Regards,
Bernie