IF money is not an issue, more sportsbike riders may put in powerful race-spec brakes.
You know the type - carbon brake pads on carbon brake rotors - powerful enough to slow you down fast in a race. Such systems are standard in Formula One and MotoGP.
F1 cars can decelerate from 200 to zero kmh in less than 1.9 seconds, while MotoGP bikes normally lift their rear wheels moments before entering a corner at the end of a high-speed straight.
Yet, such systems are ridiculously expensive and impractical as they're designed for race applications where high temperatures are needed for the brakes to work well.
If you're looking for a brake system upgrade for daily and occasional track use, there are reasonable options that will not blow a hole in your pocket.
It depends on how far you're willing to go.
Sintered Brake Pads
Sintered pads, like those from Brembo and EBC, are made completely from metal.
Other brake pads are made from ceramic, carbon or organic material.
Different compounds affect how the pads work in low or high temperatures.
Some pads are notorious for "eating" into your brake rotors.
Sintered brake pads, when combined with a standard brake rotor, provide the best performance possible for road use.
They're also the cheapest upgrade, costing between $40 and $150 for a caliper.
Line them with steel
Brand new sportsbikes usually come with rubber brake hoses.
The steel braided brake hose is the
line from the master cyclinder to
the brake caliper. The steel lines
protect the Teflon tubing from
flying debris.
The alternative is stainless-steel braided brake lines which do not flex or bulge under heavy braking pressure.
The steel braiding also protects the internal Teflon tubing from flying debris like sharp broken carbon fibre bits or stones.
Some brands like Hel, Goodridge and Venhill cost between $200 and $260.
Big Bore Brake Master Cylinder
These gems are carefully-crafted works of art that give your front brake lever the bling factor.
Looks aside, most aftermarket brake master cylinders work better than standard ones.
The primary asset in an aftermarket master cylinder: bigger pistons pushing the brake fluid which allow you to use less effort to get more breaking power.
Some manufacturers like ISR, Magura, AP or Brembo have adjustable lever ratio for stronger lever pressure and more feel.
The master cylinder prices start from $600.
Brake Rotors
These are round metal discs on your wheel which brake pads sink their teeth into.
Big diameter brake rotors like a 320mm size, in theory, allow more surface contact for the pads.
Aftermarket rotors come in fancy designs like the "wave" types or standard-looking ones made from materials like ceramic, carbon or iron.
Manufacturers like EBC, Brembo, Braking and Galfer produce some of the more popular rotors which cost between $800 and $1,400 a pair.
But since most brake pads are designed to work with stainless steel brake rotors, there isn't really a need for such an upgrade.
Brake Calipers
This bike master cylinder from Brembo has adjustable settings
for more feel and brake power when you pull the lever.
Prices start from $600.
Lightweight, billet aluminium or alloy brake calipers are the trend in the sporting arena. Some are one-piece construction which reduce unsprung weight on the front wheel.
Available in the market are calipers from Brembo, EBC, Galfer and AP Racing. Each caliper can cost between $1,000 and $3,500. Expensive?
Well, you will need two for your front wheel.
What is your brake system configuration and how much does it cost? Share with us your comments at a1motor[at]sph.com.sg
This article was first published in The New Paper on Oct 4, 2008.
