Top 5 Brake Upgrades for Enhanced Motorcycle Performance

One of the most popular and effective upgrades is swapping out stock rubber brake lines for braided stainless steel lines. Stock rubber lines tend to expand under pressure, especially when they heat up during heavy braking, leading to a spongy brake feel. In contrast, braided stainless steel lines resist expansion, providing a more consistent and firm brake lever feel.

With stainless steel lines, you get more immediate brake feedback, which translates to better control and confidence, particularly in high-performance riding situations like track days or aggressive street riding. This upgrade is relatively inexpensive but offers a significant improvement in braking performance. It is recommended that stock rubber brake lines be replaced every 3-5 years, whereas braided stainless steel brake lines tend to last longer than your motorcycle.

Choosing the right brake pads for your riding style can be a game-changer. Stock brake pads are usually designed for general use, but if you’re looking for enhanced performance, upgrading to high-performance pads is essential.

There are a few different types of brake pads to consider:

• Sintered Pads: Great for high-performance and racing applications because they offer superior stopping power, especially when they heat up. Examples of sintered pads are EBC pads ending in HH, R and EPFA, GoldFren S33, AD pads, and Galfer pads ending in 1370, 1371 and 1375.

• Organic Pads: These offer good initial bite and are gentler on your rotors, making them ideal for casual street riding. Examples of organic pads include EBC FA organic pads and Galfer pads ending in 1054. Lyndall Z-Plus, Gold Plus and Xtreme are also organic pads.

• Ceramic Pads: Known for their ability to handle extreme heat while providing consistent braking power, they are a great option for performance-oriented riders. Example of ceramic pads include Galfer 1375 pads and GoldFren S33 and AD pads.

Each type of pad has its strengths, and choosing the right one depends on whether you’re a casual street rider or someone who likes to push the limits on the track.

Your brake rotors play a critical role in stopping your bike, and upgrading to high-performance discs can have a noticeable impact on braking efficiency. While stock rotors are typically solid, high-performance rotors are often drilled or slotted to help dissipate heat and reduce weight.

The benefits of upgrading to performance rotors include:

• Better Heat Dissipation: This helps reduce brake fade during prolonged or aggressive braking.
• Reduced Weight: Lighter rotors reduce unsprung weight, improving handling and responsiveness.

For track riders, floating rotors are another upgrade to consider. These allow the rotor to expand and contract with heat without warping, ensuring consistent braking performance under stress.

Many riders overlook brake fluid, but it plays a critical role in the overall performance of your brakes. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which reduces its boiling point. This can lead to brake fade, especially under heavy braking.

Upgrading to high-performance brake fluid with a higher boiling point ensures that your brakes remain responsive, even under the most demanding conditions. It’s a good idea to regularly flush and replace your brake fluid, especially if you ride hard or in extreme conditions.

For serious performance gains, upgrading to a radial master cylinder can significantly improve braking efficiency. Stock master cylinders are axial, meaning the brake lever pushes fluid perpendicular to the direction of the lever movement. In contrast, a radial master cylinder pushes fluid in the same direction as the lever movement, offering a more linear and precise braking feel.

The result is more powerful and consistent braking with less effort at the lever. This upgrade is ideal for both track riders and street riders who want the ultimate in brake control and feel.