Two reasons your dirt bike brake discs need replacing

Dirt bike brakes are an incredibly crucial component of your motocross or enduro machine, although one part that is often overlooked for replacement is the brake rotor. 

​In this guide, we cover the reasons why and when a rider needs to replace their front or rear brake discs.

Wear & tear:
One of the main reasons to replace your brake rotors is due to wear and tear. Just like your brake pads, your brake discs wear down over time, and the more they do, the less braking power you'll have. Not only will your braking performance decrease, but you'll also use more brake fluid as the callipers will need to work harder to reach the brake rotors. The first step to checking if they've reached their time for replacement is by measuring the thickness - you can reference your dirt bike owner's manual for the exact measurements, or if you have aftermarket rotors, the brand will generally also state the minimum thickness. You can use a micrometer the get precise measurements.

More stopping power: 
The second reason a motocross or enduro rider would replace their brake rotor is for greater stopping power over the OEM unit. Now you can look at this two ways - you're either replacing a worn-out rotor, which will give you more stopping power, or you're looking for even more braking power through an oversize rotor. Oversize rotors are only available for the front brake disc (where most of your stopping power is), and you'll most likely need a mounting kit to accommodate the larger disc.

What are the benefits of an oversize brake rotor?
An oversized front brake rotor offers benefits through more efficient heat distribution, increased rotor and brake pad life, and most importantly, greater braking response. Oversized rotors do generally come at a higher price tag, and as previously mentioned, you'll need a mounting kit to suit additional size.

What's the difference between a fixed brake rotor and floating brake rotor?
When it comes to brake rotors, there are two different types - fixed brake rotors, and floating brake disc rotors. A floating disc utilises bushings which are connected to the mounting area where the brake pads grab the rotor, allowing for an even grab by the calliper. A traditional-style rotor is one complete piece. Some riders can feel a difference between the two, while others can't - it simply comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.

What's difference between standard brake discs, wave brake discs and solid brake discs?
Standard brake discs are what you'll find fitted to some dirt bikes from the dealership floor, and they typically work well across the board in terms of braking power, but they do lack when it comes to brake fade.

Wave brake discs are the most popular option for dirt bikes, as they work better in dispersing heat, which prevents brake fade, and they have greater self-cleaning characteristics.

A solid brake rotor offers the maximum amount of braking power, although it comes with downfall of poor heat dispersion (leading quick brake fade) and self-cleaning characteristics. You'll mainly see solid brake discs fitted to some bikes during muddy conditions, although outside of that, they're not typically used in motocross and enduro.

Best dirt bike brake rotor brands: 
Braking 
Brembo
Ferodo
Galfer
Moto-Master
Zeta
Ballards