Rear brake rotor: compatibility between years and 3rd party options?

[aero_b]

Hello all,

My rear brake rotor is quite grooved (and whistling) and a new one is not cheap (not in Canada, anyway) so I've undertaken the good ol' eBay search. Now I've found a 2007 one with much less mileage than mine and the pictures seem to show a rotor that is in good condition. The part numbers differ slightly, the 2000 being 69211-01DA0 while the 2007 is 69211-01D00.

My questions are:

1. Are these and other years compatible (I don't see any difference, at least not visually from a picture with no scale)?
2. Has anyone purchased and used discs other than OEM? Are they ok or do they suck (anyone with a long-term experience, please let me know!)?

What's throwing me off a bit is the fact that a new 2000 OEM disc costs twice as much as a new 2007 one at MrCycles (where I'm checking the parts fiches). There MUST be a difference somewhere (materials, quality), right? Wouldn't it be crazy if I could get a new 2007 disc for cheaper than a 2000 one?

Your wise words will be appreciated!

[aero_b]

May have answered my own question, but not convincingly. A third-party rotor + pad available on eBay claims to be compatible with 89-08 GS500's, but that's not exactly confirmation of compatibility; at the very least though, the bolt pattern has do be the same  ! And probably the diameter.

The mystery remains, though: why the hell would I pay $216 for a 2000 part rather than $103 for a 2007 one?

Your input would be appreciated!

[sledge]

As far as I know all years are interchangable, the only difference being cosmetic. Early ones had a black center, later ones were silver. This would explain the very slight difference in part numbers.

Cant explain the huge differences in price though  maybe try another dealer.

[adidasguy]

I've seen some brake discs advertised that are a single piece of steel. Others are 2 pieces: a center hug and an outer disc - probably less warping due to heat. So I would guess the type of disc has a bearing on the price.

[sledge]

A floating disc? The GS5 has one on the front as stock over all years. Never seen a floating disc on the rear though.

[adidasguy]

I Stand corrected.
Still, there could be a difference in quality of the disc. Maybe others who have had good or bad luck with different brands can sound off on this one.

[dgyver]

Besides all years GS500 being compatible, 89-97 Kat 600/750 are the same as well. Interesting how their prices compare.

[aero_b]

Besides all years GS500 being compatible, 89-97 Kat 600/750 are the same as well. Interesting how their prices compare.

Excellent tip from a  MOTORCYCLE GOD! (that's right, I checked your cyber-street cred )

I'll be dropping by the dealer tonight and going through the price list for all those options and report back with any deals/explanations I find! Thanks for letting me (and others) know!

[aero_b]

Conclusion:

Expensive rotor ($222 at my dealer)

• 1988-1996 Katana 600/750,
• 1989-2002 GS500

Cheaper rotor ($134 at my dealer)

• 2004-2009 GS500

I haven't bought it yet and probably won't until next season. The frost has already started here so my riding can now be counted in days or at most a few weeks 
I am really curious to find out what the difference is between the two but in the meantime, I'm happy enough to know that I can save $88 thanks to a bit of research and help from you folks.

Input from anyone who has tried 3rd-party options would still be appreciated!

Cheers  !