Galfer USA Oversize Wave Rotor Kit Review

For the most part, several current motocross and off-road bikes come equipped with pretty decent stoppers, especially KTM. Oversize brakes are not always on the top of the list when it comes time to start hucking aftermarket parts at a new mount, but I think you should take a look at what Galfer has to offer. No matter how fast your bike is you have to stop the sucker eventually, and that sometimes is on a dime. We mounted the standard oversize wave rotor kit on the 2011 Suzuki RM-Z250 and were pleased with what it had to offer.

The stock unit has a 250mm setup which works fairly well. But I wanted to see if the Galfer could outbrake the stock system or provide a better feel. The Galfer unit comes with a floating 270mm rotor, relocating bracket and brand spanking new pads. The install was pretty easy and it didn't take long to mount up the new unit. Yet be aware that heating up the stock bolts to break the thread-locking agent loose will help avoid stripping out a bolt.With a new stopper in the front, it was now track time. During my first 30-minute moto, I focused on getting used to the feeling of the oversize braking system, and it was not as sensitive as I thought it would be. Sometimes by mistake, I would brake hard and the front wheel wouldn't lock up like some older front brakes do, so the system actually allowed me to adapt and utilize the added power really quickly. A 250F is much lighter than a 450F, and with the Galfer oversize rotor it feels like you can stop much faster than you think, even if you're going at extremely fast speeds. This leaves you amazed at its powerful braking control and it makes a 250F feel like you're riding a bicycle.I was a little timid at first when riding on slick or dry terrain with the Galfer. But as time went on I realized the new system offers more feel and is very progressive using either one or two fingers. Then when I needed that quick stop I could bear down on the lever and I could feel the extra bite at the front wheel when the traction was there. The feedback the brake offers allows the rider to back off on the lever just a tad if you feel the front tire wants to skid or push while entering corners when the bike is slightly leaned over.At the end of the first day I realized that brakes over bling was a good choice. A company like Galfer goes through extreme testing conditions to create a product like this, and it's now on my must-have list of mods. Some of you believe you should wait to upgrade your brakes, and some of you believe that brake upgrades aren't really worth $299.95 for the rotor, bracket and pads and $72.00 for the braided steel brake line. For me, the extra feel and power were worth the investment. If you aren't hard on the brakes or stopping quickly is not a priority, maybe a new set of graphics is a better choice. If you want to go fast and have the power to stop with confidence, then you need a Galfer oversize front rotor braking system. It's really that simple.

Hard Parts 90.0
Installation 17/20
Function 49/50
Durability 8/10
Design 9/10
Price 7/10
www.galferusa.com 800.685.6633
Real Rider: Juan Diego Saffon
Age: 28
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 160 lb
Ability: Pro
Location: San Diego, CA