How does the '79-83 dual disk brake rate?

Here's a question that I have to all you modern bike experts out there! At least, modern to me I'm upgrading the brakes on my 65 pan. Presently, I have the early single 11.5" disk circa 73-78. It just isn't enough for the bike. The question is, is the dual 10 inch brake a significant improvement over a single disk 11.5 inch setup? My other option is to modify the parts I have and use two 11.5 inch disks with the 79-83 calipers. In fact, that was my first choice, as with most things, bigger would seem to be better. But, I'd have to make unwanted modifications to my drumbrake wide glide front end to pull that off.
So, if the dual 10 inch setup is definitely better than a single 11.5, I'd settle for that for the time being.
Keep in mind I have the 10" dual disks, hub and calipers already, and am determined to use at least the hub and calipers. Those parts are a given. If I use 11.5 disks, they will be the 11.5 rear disk from a sporty of that era. I have one already and making it fit would be easy.
Given my prejudices, I'd still like opinions on which way to go...
Thanks
DD

Howdy DD,

These brakes were current during the years when I had my shop and I installed them on a number of customs as well as doing maintenance and repair on stock setups. The main advantage over the earlier single disk caliper was that they didn't rattle around as much. They are high effort compared to more nodern multi-pot calipers. They have the advantage of being readily available, cheap, and looking good. They are way better than the drum brake!

--- Randall

Hi Randall,
Thanks for the reply, those are the reasons I chose them! I'll be using an aftermarket Hurst/Airhart master cyl. from that era. Not sure of the piston dia., but it's what I have...
DD

Unless you already have the '79-'83 calipers I'd suggest staying with the single disk set-up you already have and installing a modern 4-pot caliper salvaged from a late-model sportbike. They may be had cheap and will give you a 2-finger brake. The dual '79-'83 H-D brakes required a very healthy 5-fingered squeeze to stop quickly and were famous for their "wooden" feel, or lack of it. They are also single-action calipers which must float in their mounts to work properly. The 4-pot calipers are double-action and are rigidly mounted centered with the disk; less stuff to move back and forth and wear out. I have a Brembo 4-pot caliper single disk on my 2002 Victory V92C and it works great, 2-finger squeeze and very good feel and sensitivity.

--- Randall

hi dr dick ,ive got to agree with randal about the woodeness and lack of feel,have that set up on my shovel. must go soon ,but on my sporty have twin 4 pot nissins off a 1990 suzuki ,the stopping power is incredible.
regards jib

Thanks for the info guys, so maybe they're cheap for a reason! I'll keep an eye out on ebay for something more suitable.
DD

I'd second Randall's comments. Whilst they are indeed a massive improvement over the earlier drum and single-disc set-ups, they're very much of their time and modern systems are much better.

... Badly designed drums can be made to work,

... Badly designed disc brakes cannot be made to work!!!

Patrick