Disc brake calipers factory equipment

Disc brakes are actually an invention of the late 19th century, but on motorcycles, apart from an attempt by Douglas in 1923, they did not gradually come into use before the mid-1960s. A lack of material selection for the linings was an obstacle for a long time. Thus, Harley-Davidson was not the first motorcycle manufacturer to use a disc brake on a motorcycle, but it was one of the first to rely on disc brakes at the front and rear on large and heavy machines: since 1973, the FL model series has had disc brakes on both wheels, and the FX a year later. Only the Sportster had front disc from 1973 and rear drum until 1978.

Drum? Or better still disc?

Disc brakes have the advantage that the brake pads are cooled better. While drum brake manufacturers try to direct cooling air to the pads via large air scoops, the disc brake manufacturer has it easier: the pads sit virtually in the air and get enough of it, even if they sit behind the fork tube. The often heard concerns that disc brakes do not respond well in wet conditions, may not be the case. With suitable pad and disc material combination, a disc brake responds almost without delay even in the rain. Hydraulic disc brakes are also self-adjusting and maintenance-free, so to speak - except for the occasional check of the pad thickness, of course. If the pads need to be renewed, this is of course possible without removing the wheel.

The selection of original replacement calipers at W&W...

... contains reproductions of original brake calipers for rear wheel and front wheel of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which are no longer or hardly available. The offer includes not only the calipers themselves, but also various accessories and spare parts such as caliper holders, armature rods, bleeder screws and brake caliper dampers.