Product Review: Galfer Rotors and Brake Pads

I was looking for a rotor upgrade for my 2000 Buell Lightning super lightweight. Always wanted to upgrade the OEM rotors with and new set. The Galfer Wave Rotors looked like a nice option. I thought that they would look good as I had seen them on other bikes.



I received a front and rear set along with the brake pads. Since the bike was ready for a new set of tires I thought that I would do the rotor upgrade at the same time.

I proceeded to remove the wheels from the bike and the rotors from the wheels. This would be a simple replacement with the new Galfer Wave Rotors. While I had everything removed I took the opportunity to polish the wheels.




Both the front and rear Galfer Wave Rotors installed flawlessly. After torquing the rotor bolts down I had the new tires installed. After reinstalling the wheels I was ready to take the bike out for a test ride. Pumped up the brakes and away I went. Whenever you install new brakes you need to take it slow at first. When I applied the brakes for the first time it didn’t feel like I had any brakes at all as the new pads needed to mate to the new rotors. As the Galfer instructions state to take it easy for the first 100 miles. After a few stop and go’s the brakes had seated and were working perfectly.

The new brakes feel noticeably different. I was impressed by the added stopping power the new wave rotors and pads had over the OEM setup. They dug in faster and harder with less applied pressure. The stainless steel wave rotors with laser cut cutouts give a little weight reduction to the rotating mass and unsprung weight of the wheels. The weight savings on the rotors helps the bike in generating less centrifugal force, resulting in noticeably easier turn-in and direction change while at speed.



Conclusion: The new wave rotors and pads are a definite improvement in braking performance over the OEM brakes and installation was very easy to complete. The modulation and feedback from the brakes are good. Not only did they work and feel better then the OEM they look better too. As Galfer states the wave design and cutouts help reduce heat buildup which prevents brake fade. After running the local canyon a few times and working the brakes hard, the brakes were cool and experienced no fade. I have now ridden this new setup for over 750 miles and can conclude that I am very happy with the performance of the Galfer Wave Rotors and Pads. Anyone interested in upgrading rotors should seriously consider and I recommend Galfer Wave Rotors and Pads as an option.