ASK THE MXPERTS: What Are The Benefits Of Solid Brake Rotors (As Opposed To Holey Ones)?

ASK THE MXPERTS:
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SOLID BRAKE ROTORS (AS OPPOSED TO HOLEY ONES)?

Dear MXA,ÿÿÿÿ
ÿÿÿÿ If I wanted to improve the brakes on my CRF450 couldn’t I do it by replacing my slotted brake rotors with solid rotors? That way the brake pads would have more surface area.
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ÿÿ In a theoretical world, dominated only by hydraulic force, you would be correct. But, you have forgotten about the major byproduct of braking force–heat. Slotted rotors decrease the amount of surface area for the brake pad to scrub against, but they increase the surface area exposed to cooling air. The cool air keeps the rotor, pads and fluid cooler so that they will last longer and fade less. It should be noted that slotted rotors increase pad wear compared with solid rotors because the edges of the slots act like a cheese grater on the pads. The only time to run a solid rotor is at a mud race, when you don’t need the extra cooling (because of the mud and water) and the pads can easily clean the rotor without trapping dirt in the slots.

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