A Review of the Latest Superbike Brake Systems
Brembo brake systems have been fitted on the top five most powerful production motorcycles.
This system allows a rider to customize his/her braking bite point based on their individual riding style using an easy-access selector on their master cylinder.
ABS can be an essential investment when riding in hazardous conditions, though it does add more complexity than necessary.
Brake Pads
Pads are an essential component of any brake system, designed to deliver consistent braking performance under various temperatures. Durable yet long-lasting, pads should continue their effectiveness even with repeated use under intense conditions.
Pads can be constructed of either organic or sintered metal materials, with organic ones often constructed by bonding fibers and resin together for good initial bite, while sintered metal ones (usually copper alloyed with tin or zinc to form bronze and brass) fused under extreme pressure and heat, creating extremely high friction coefficients.
Carbon pads have become increasingly prevalent in World Super Bike (WSBK) classes as their lightweight design helps improve turning and reduce lap times by shaving seconds off lap times. Furthermore, they offer improved modulation and control at very high temperatures; and are resistant to deformation under heavy loads – all key characteristics for competitive success in racing.
Brake Discs
A disc is the large, circular surface against which your brake pads press. Through frictional energy conversion, it converts kinetic energy to heat for efficient heat transfer while offering long-term durability that resists warping and warping.
Cast iron or stainless steel discs, enclosed to protect their assembly and prevent surface rusting. They also help manage heat efficiently for cooler braking system operation.
When referring to a bike’s caliper as being “monoblock” or “monobloc”, this means it has one piece of metal throughout, eliminating gaps and increasing efficiency of its braking system.
ORGANIC pads combine rubber, glass, or Kevlar materials bound together with resin for the lowest initial cost and quietest ride. SINTERED pads use heat and pressure to cement powdered metal into place for increased friction levels and durability – suitable for hard riding/racing.
Brake Lines
Brake lines play an integral part in how brakes perform. They must be capable of withstanding high pressure from calipers while remaining flexible enough for smooth riding experience. While line size and routing decisions may depend on personal preference, their effects will depend on how and where your brakes are being ridden.
Manufacturers use various materials in manufacturing brake lines, but the two most prevalent are stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Their purpose is to offer a balance between strength, weight and corrosion resistance.
Many older motorcycles feature fixed calipers with discs, while more modern bikes typically employ floating calipers and discs. With floating discs, caliper pistons “float” inside of them for reduced heat transfer and to help prevent warping of disc surface. Adjustment of floating discs is also made simpler as pads don’t need to be moved out of the way when swapping out brake shoes.
Brake Levers
Brake levers transmit pressure from riders to calipers, so it must be lightweight enough to reduce unsprung weight while being ergonomically designed to enable easy operation with gloved hands.
Brake fluid is the essential ingredient to driving successfully, providing even force transmission, compatibility with ABS components and high boiling point to protect from heat damage, providing lubrication to master-cylinder seals and piston seals, corrosion resistance and improved braking performance.
Brake levers come in various styles, with hydraulic systems becoming increasingly popular among roadies and mountain bikers due to their increased braking power. They’re usually mounted on drop handlebars for aerodynamic operation while “riding the hoods” or in the drops; side-pull brakes work similarly but require rod or lever activation instead of hydraulic fluid for activation.
