What is the difference between standard and floating rotors? To be perfectly honest, I have absolutely no idea. I want to upgrade my brakes, but I first need to know what I am talking about.

The standard rotors are made of steel and the floating rotors are made of cork so that they float when you go thru puddles.:p




Seriously..... I believe the floating rotors are made of 2 different materials with the hub being attached to the rotor with rivets to minimize warpage as opposed to the 1 piece rotor which is made out of 1 forging.

Go here.
http://www.hardracing.com/Brakes/BrakingUSA.htm

On a brake disk you have the disk it's self, and you have the carrier, the inner part of the disk that bolts to the wheel. The carrier is usually attached to the rotor with buttons or rivets. Some are solid , as in the have no side to side play , and some are floaters, meaning they have intentional side to side play. You can actually grab a "floating" rotor and wiggle it side to side a bit.

Most rear rotors would be good examples of a non floating rotor, as many do not even have a carrier, they just bolt straight to the wheel.

Falcon is correct, the disks float on the carrier to help prevent warpage.

may i add my grain of salt?

some manufacturers call their discs full-floating when in fact they are semi-floating discs...the stock R1 discs are semi-floating.

the full-floating discs rattles a lot when shaken...as stated its to prevent warpage but also to ensure a perfect alignment of the disc between the pads...no binding/rubbing,perfect braking and less drag.

Thanks for the info guys