Put holes in the front rotor?

Bucko · June 28, 2016, 22:22:52 PM

If you look in the cable/harness/hose routing drawings of the 1500 Drifter in the front section of the Service Manual (2001 - I think that's the version I have), the front wheel is drawn with a drilled rotor. So it's possible that Kawasaki did consider a drilled rotor at some point - at least on the 1500.

jmbo · June 26, 2016, 11:10:48 AM

Quote from: Tfrank59 on June 23, 2016, 19:53:59 PM
I guess it was too achieve some sort of retro look.

Actually that's exactly why they went to a sold front rotor. In articles regarding the original Super Chief prototype (which inspired the Dirfter design" it was mentioned that the solid disc would enhance the retro look. Kawasaki could have easily dipped into the part bin for 1500 Classic front disc. But it was a conscience decision install a solid one.

CDNRatMan · June 23, 2016, 20:18:16 PM

if you want a retro look try finding a front disc cover and see how that looks.....

Tfrank59 · June 23, 2016, 19:53:59 PM

Quote from: Bucko on June 23, 2016, 13:45:11 PM
I think it depends on what you mean by 'cool it better'. If the hole(s) diameter is larger than twice the thickness of the disk, there's a net loss of surface area for cooling. Not sure though, maybe having holes near the centre of the braking 'ring' of the disk - presumably where it's hottest - may remove heat quicker even with less surface area?

Well I was thinking I would just match the pattern and hole size that's on the rear rotor. If I buy another rotor (and I don't think I will until the one I have is worn out) I'll get one that's vented. It's no big deal to drill those holes, and again I'd only do it when I have the wheel off anyways to change the tire. But what I don't really understand is why Kawasaki didn't vent the front rotor – I guess it was too achieve some sort of retro look.

jmbo · June 23, 2016, 17:03:32 PM

This should do it....1500 Classic rotor. Looks dern cool ta me!

Bucko · June 23, 2016, 13:45:11 PM

Quote from: Tfrank59 on June 22, 2016, 17:09:08 PM
Course the other reason for holes in a brake rotor is to cool it better.

I think it depends on what you mean by 'cool it better'. If the hole(s) diameter is larger than twice the thickness of the disk, there's a net loss of surface area for cooling. Not sure though, maybe having holes near the centre of the braking 'ring' of the disk - presumably where it's hottest - may remove heat quicker even with less surface area?

jmbo · June 23, 2016, 07:55:25 AM

Why not go for a 1500 Classic rotor instead?

CDNRatMan · June 22, 2016, 20:09:31 PM

I bought a VN 800 Classic rotor and put it on and it looks good and was not expensive, and married right on. Check for a used on ebay and as a machinist you will be able to ensure it is flat.

Tfrank59 · June 22, 2016, 17:50:24 PM

yep, I saw that. so with the front one what were they going for some retro look or something?

Troll · June 22, 2016, 17:39:28 PM

Your rear one is vented...

Tfrank59 · June 22, 2016, 17:09:08 PM

I'm considering putting some holes in the front rotor of my drifter whenever I get that wheel off to change the tire. I noticed that it has one deep score in it, I guess were a rock or something got caught in there, and that's going to happen when there aren't any holes in the rotor. Course the other reason for holes in a brake rotor is to cool it better. So I'm a machinist and I can put the holes in it, but I'm not a mechanic or engineer to know if that's going to adversely affect braking. I imagine the only issue would be if the brake pads aren't compatible with the rotor that has holes – can't imagine that being a problem but who knows. Any comments?