I think the waves provide additional surface area for cooling. Where the pads make contact is the same. If you kept everything the same and just got new wavey rotors I don't think you would really be able to tell. It's usually recommend to get new brake pads when getting new rotors. Are you going for a certain level of performance and/or a certain look?

 

Hi folks, can anyone please comment on the wave rotors on our bikes?
Is it a good idea to install them instead of the standard drilled ones?

I'm running Galfer S1000RR rotors along with their sintered ceramic HH pads. The S1000RR discs are a different floating design and bolt right on. At least they do on the 2014-16 R9T. They're directional. There's a right and left disc.

https://galferusa.com/product-category/bmw/2014/street/s-1000-rr-abs
https://galferusa.com/product-category/bmw/2015/street/r-nine-t

I replaced only the front discs but installed pads front and rear.
I replaced the pads first and the discs when I found a really good deal on them.
They do work. The discs float more than the OE discs which seem to barely be floating discs. Lotsa brake and much more consistent than the OE pieces. Much more consistent initial apply. There was a little noise under light braking with the discs but it's pretty much gone away and was never a big deal. I was going to install a Brembo radial master cylinder but the pads and disc were enough of an improvement I've been putting that off.

Good idea? Depends what you want. The S1000RR discs will lighten your wallet but they fixed the inconsistent apply the front brakes had. With the pads and discs there's definitely more brake. I never ran the Galfer discs with the stock pads.
There are a couple other threads if you do a search. One I think with pics.

 

A couple of previous threads as JohnT mentioned;

Galfer Wave Rotors on R9T
Floating rotors

 

Appreciate your help, folks. I've checked out the threads you linked to.

John, thanks for sharing your experience.

 

I saw Galfer rotors that you mentioned, sir. As long as you say they you like the way they perform with the new pads, I believe I will be replacing pads as well.

First I thought of Braking rotors (that's the brand name, and I've never heared of it). I just liked the way they look and decided to post here to see, whether they are a decent alternative to the stock rotors on my Nine-T.

https://www.motorcycleid.com/brakin...id.com/braking/braking-wave-sk2-al-hub-front-floating-brake-disk-459512107.html
But if you are saying you like the way the Galfer work, I guess I will give them a try, especially when I have got part #s ...

Again, appreciate your help.

 

But if you are saying you like the way the Galfer work, I guess I will give them a try, especially when I have got part #s ...

The front disc/pad change is definitely an upgrade.

While you're doing the fronts, change the rear pads also,
https://galferusa.com/product/bmw-2015-r-nine-t-rear-pads-fd186g1371
You'll have a rear brake that actually does something more than make dust. Doesn't "fix" the crap ABS but it's a big improvement.

Note that while you'll be using S1000RR discs you still use R9T front pads:
https://galferusa.com/product/bmw-2015-r-nine-t-front-pads-fd475g1370
or
https://galferusa.com/product/bmw-2015-r-nine-t-front-pads-fd475g1375
The only difference between the two is that the sintered ceramics have ceramic coated backing plates so they transfer less heat to the calipers. For street use it's probably a moot point but they were more commonly available and for less money than the "sintered only" pads when i bought mine. The actual pad compound is the same.

Keep in mind we're talking about the 2014-16 R9T.

 

I went with Braking wave rotors when I did a wheel swap on my 1992 900SS. I did the rear to match the front but its hardly needed as I think Ive used the rear brake on this bike about a half a dozen times in 20 yrs...

I wanted new rotors with the new wheels so it was a logical choice as they were not much more than std rotors. They look nice and provide all the advantages listed above. Now would I mount they on stock wheels? Probably not and if so only after trying different pads and possibly a radial master. I was running ZX-14 radial masters on my Bandit 1200S with upgraded pads and it did make a solid difference in effort and feel at the lever.

 

...I wanted new rotors with the new wheels so it was a logical choice as they were not much more than std rotors. They look nice and provide all the advantages listed above. Now would I mount they on stock wheels? Probably not and if so only after trying different pads and possibly a radial master...

I have the Galfer discs on an R1200R cast rim. Rims first, pads were second, and while I was deciding between discs or a radial master I found a smokin' deal on a pair of new discs so they were next. I do have the mirror mount clamp for a Brembo RCS 17 or 19 sitting here waiting for the master cylinder to use it with...