Rear brake not strong after new wheel

[kevdog]

I just replaced the stock rear wheel on my Lowrider with a chrome Harley fatboy wheel. Same size tire as stock. I also put on a brand new rear brake rotor. While on the first ride the rear brake doesn't feel as strong as it was before, almost like I have to press it down further to be effective. Has anyone experienced this before?

[SPRINGER04]

I am no expert but it could be the new disk and pads need breaking in. Is the new disk polished?

[kevdog]

If polished means chrome then no, its the standard Harley rotor. I didn't replace the pads, just the rotor since I had difficulty removing the rotor from the stock wheel.

[Clem]

Originally Posted by kevdog

If polished means chrome then no, its the standard Harley rotor. I didn't replace the pads, just the rotor since I had difficulty removing the rotor from the stock wheel.

If I had to guess, I'd say your old pads are not mated to the new rotor. The old rotor had some amount of wear that the old pads were perfectly fitted to. Now whatever pattern is worn on those pads does not match the new, flatter rotor. Ideally you would always use new pads with a new rotor, but since you seemed to want to save a few bucks, I'd just make sure the rotor is clean with brake cleaner, make sure your brake is bled of all air (enough fluid, too) and just ride and see if it gets better. Good luck.