The dictionary definition of “oversize” is “of excessive size; unusually large.” We’re talking about brake rotors— big brake rotors—the Galfer OVERSIZE Wave Rotor, to be specific.

The Galfer Oversize Wave Rotor Kit is not just another good-looking farkle for your ride. Made from Galfer’s proprietary 420 stainless steel material, with eight grades of carbon, it’s a beautiful piece of functional equipment. According to Galfer, the Wave design increases friction—i.e., stopping power—by allowing the brake to release its gasses and run cooler. Additionally, all of the Galfer rotors are laser cut. This prevents any stress from being put on the rotor, as is the case when stamping is used. After being cut, the rotors go through a double-disc grinding process and a heat treatment process. The heat treatment process differs for rotors intended for different purposes and thickness, which gives them specific qualities for the application.

The Galfer Oversize Brake Rotor is now available for the Kawasaki KLR 650. According to Galfer: “The KLR Oversize Kit was designed and developed through rigorous use, both on an in-house project bike and on Galfer employees’ personal KLRs.” This is great news for KLR riders who may be less than satisfied with the stock Kawasaki rotor.

Galfer offers the Wave Rotor in a kit which includes a 320mm rotor, a relocation bracket—required because of its greater size over the stock rotor— the tried-and-true Galfer green pads, and steel-braided brake line. Installation of the kit is very simple, requiring few mechanical skills. I installed the kit in about two hours on my 2008 KLR650. But, I can imagine someone with better mechanical skills doing it in less time. Suffice it to say that installation was very simple, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow.

After installing the kit, and running-in the brakes, I took my KLR for a test ride. I live near Big Sur, so there are plenty of places to test the brakes, both on and off road. Two things immediately impressed me about the Galfer Wave rotor. First, the great feedback when stopping and, second, the cooler running temperature… much cooler!

On the road, the Galfer rotors offer excellent feedback and stopping power. The same feedback enjoyed on-road is even more appreciated off-road. The brakes never grabbed, and never did I feel like I would wash out the front end of my bike. Bottom line, the Galfer Oversized Wave Rotor for the Kawasaki KLR650 is well worth the chunk of change you will spend for them. MSRP: $289.00 GalferUSA.com