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Chrome Brake Rotors?

  • 79MKII
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05 May 2006 09:15 #45275 by 79MKII
Chrome Brake Rotors? was created by 79MKII
I am thinking about having my brake rotors chrome plated and was wondering if anyone has any experience with this? Do the brakes work as well and does the chrome hold up ok? They sure look awesome but I'm wondering if they are more for show than go.

Also, how do the KZ rotors come apart? It looks like rivets that hold them together. Do they have to be drilled and replaced with bolts? I'm sure they can't be plated while assembled, could they?
Thanks!

The Kaw List:
Current: 79 KZ1000 A3 MKII, 78 KZ1000 A2, 78 KZ1000 Z1-R, 78 KZ650 SR, 80 KE175
Former: 03 KLX400SR, 99 ZRX1000, 82 KZ750 LTD, 80 KZ1000 A4 MKII, 80 KZ1000 LTD, 78 KZ1000 A2, 74 H-2 750 Triple, 78 KL250

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  • wireman
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05 May 2006 11:58 #45297 by wireman
Replied by wireman on topic Chrome Brake Rotors?
how about just polishing them?if you plate them the rotors are going to have a hard time getting rid of heat through the plating. ;)

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  • Pterosaur
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05 May 2006 12:12 #45300 by Pterosaur
Replied by Pterosaur on topic Chrome Brake Rotors?
Ditto - I'd be wary of plating. Not just for heat retention, but pitting and peeling. Decent chrome requires copper and nickle plating before chrome - which is essentially clear. Might do nasty things to brake pads.

I polished mine (78 KZ1000 C1A Police in the gallery) and have had zero problems - including having had to toss the anchor out in a hurry at times.

I could take a better shot or two if you'd like...

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  • KZ_Rage
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05 May 2006 13:37 #45318 by KZ_Rage
Replied by KZ_Rage on topic Chrome Brake Rotors?


Post edited by: KZ_Rage, at: 2006/05/16 11:50

1979 KZ1000E1 SOLD!
1984 KZ550F2 SOLD!
2006 ZG1000A6F (Totaled)
2001 ZRX1200R (Sold)
2001 Sprint 955i ST (daily rider)

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  • 79MKII
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05 May 2006 13:51 #45321 by 79MKII
Replied by 79MKII on topic Chrome Brake Rotors?
I like having the middle part black, but I'm having the wheels chromed, so I'm afraid the rotors will look out of place. The polished rotors look pretty good though, I just don't know how they'll look right next to chrome. Here's a pic of what I'm talking about:




The Kaw List:
Current: 79 KZ1000 A3 MKII, 78 KZ1000 A2, 78 KZ1000 Z1-R, 78 KZ650 SR, 80 KE175
Former: 03 KLX400SR, 99 ZRX1000, 82 KZ750 LTD, 80 KZ1000 A4 MKII, 80 KZ1000 LTD, 78 KZ1000 A2, 74 H-2 750 Triple, 78 KL250
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05 May 2006 15:00 #45342 by Mark Wing
Replied by Mark Wing on topic Chrome Brake Rotors?
Do NOT chrome the rotors. They won't grab and they'll turn blue. A friend of mine tryed it on his chopper.
Mark

Jesus loves you Everyone else thinks your an ***

77 KZ650 C1 with ZX7 forks, GPZ mono rear, wider 18 police wheels and Yoshimura motor.

Yorba Linda Cal.

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  • 79MKII
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07 May 2006 20:26 #45799 by 79MKII
Replied by 79MKII on topic Chrome Brake Rotors?
The chrome turning blue was something I had considered. It doesn't make sense to me that chrome could hold up to the heat and friction of braking. I have seen so many bikes with chrome rotors lately that I wanted to ask. I have inquired with a chrome plater about their "chrome polish" process for brake rotors. Maybe it's just a super high polish and not actually chrome plated?? I'll let you know when I hear back from them. Thanks to all for the advice!

The Kaw List:
Current: 79 KZ1000 A3 MKII, 78 KZ1000 A2, 78 KZ1000 Z1-R, 78 KZ650 SR, 80 KE175
Former: 03 KLX400SR, 99 ZRX1000, 82 KZ750 LTD, 80 KZ1000 A4 MKII, 80 KZ1000 LTD, 78 KZ1000 A2, 74 H-2 750 Triple, 78 KL250

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07 May 2006 22:19 #45828 by Mark Wing
Replied by Mark Wing on topic Chrome Brake Rotors?
I'm sure they were just highly polished.
Mark

Jesus loves you Everyone else thinks your an ***

77 KZ650 C1 with ZX7 forks, GPZ mono rear, wider 18 police wheels and Yoshimura motor.

Yorba Linda Cal.

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  • 79MKII
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08 May 2006 09:23 #45885 by 79MKII
Replied by 79MKII on topic Chrome Brake Rotors?
It looks like you guys were right, as usual! The chrome plater says the chrome rotors are for show only. If you plan on riding the bike then polish the rotors. He even said that chromed rotors will cause the bike to shake badly when the brakes are applied. Not something I would want! I guess I'll paint the centers and polish the rotors.

Does anyone know if there's a link about polishing rotors specifically?

Thanks!

The Kaw List:
Current: 79 KZ1000 A3 MKII, 78 KZ1000 A2, 78 KZ1000 Z1-R, 78 KZ650 SR, 80 KE175
Former: 03 KLX400SR, 99 ZRX1000, 82 KZ750 LTD, 80 KZ1000 A4 MKII, 80 KZ1000 LTD, 78 KZ1000 A2, 74 H-2 750 Triple, 78 KL250

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21 May 2006 10:03 #48865 by beaterbike
Replied by beaterbike on topic Chrome Brake Rotors?
Not too sure about polishing the rotors.. Mine have been polished by the years and brake pads.they might even be glazed.

But one think is sure..when braking hard there is some unwanted shaking going on. :ohmy: :woohoo:

Frankly I'm look'n for a Flex Hone Rotor "un-plolisher"

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