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Long story short: Disc brake is an essential component of any bike. Learn about motorcycle disc brakes in this comprehensive guide.
A disc brake is now an integral and crucial component of a motorcycle. Even budget-friendly motorcycles now have minimum front disc brakes as standard. Gone are the days when the bike’s front and rear have drum brakes. Customers are currently looking for more features, and that too specifically for safety. Technology has changed rapidly, with ABS now mandatory for motorcycles above 150cc. Single-channel and Dual-channel ABS are incorporated on premium bikes depending upon the final price and other factors.
Have you ever noticed differences in disc brakes between premium, race-track, and standard motorcycles? Yes, there is. Different bikes come with different types of disc brakes depending on the environment they are used. In this article, we will talk in-depth about different types of motorcycle disc brakes, maintenance, FAQ, and pros & cons related to each bike disc type. So, this will be the ultimate guide to motorcycle disc brakes.
How do motorcycle disc brakes work?
Simply put, the front brake lever engages the master cylinder, causing a piston to exert pressure on the brake fluid. Because brake fluid cannot be compressed, that force is conveyed through the brake lines to another piston in the brake calliper. The calliper then exerts pressure on the brake pads. The resultant pinching of the brake pads brings them in contact with the rotor attached to the wheel. The friction between the rotor and the pads forces the bike to slow down.
Different types of motorcycle disc brakes
Cross drilled rotor
In this kind of rotor, you will find holes drilled in the disc, which you can clearly understand from the picture below.
Advantages of the cross-drilled rotor
- Disperses heat while braking
- Reduces overall brake weight
- Reduces brake fade under hard and repetitive braking
Disadvantages of the cross-drilled rotor
- Rarely do these discs crack due to manufacturing defects or due to large amounts of heat and forces
Cross slotted rotor
In cross-slotted rotors, the slots can be of various depths and widths and machined at different angles. You can understand clearly from the picture below.
Advantages of the Cross slotted rotor
- Longer life
- Very efficient in rainy conditions
- It has a higher surface area
- Very efficient in heat dissipation
Disadvantages of the Cross slotted rotor
- It can wear out faster compared to a cross-drilled rotor
Petal rotor or Wave disc
The outer edge of the rotor has a wave-like shape instead of a plain circle. You can understand clearly from the picture below.
Advantages of the petal disc rotor
- Constantly provides new surface area for the pad to bite on the disc while rotating
- The design structure helps keep the rotor cool
- Petal disc weighs less than other rotor types
Disadvantages of the petal disc rotor
- Petal disc wears out the pads at a faster rate
FAQ related to motorcycle disc brakes
How does the motorcycle disc size affect the braking force?
In simple terms, the larger the diameter of the motorcycle brake disc, the larger the force available to stop the motorcycle.
Why do motorcycle brake discs have holes?
The holes on a disc brake
- enable the brake to dissipate heat and perform optimally.
- Aid in removing water and dirt between the disc and brake pads
- Increases braking effectiveness
- Reduces wear
- Reduces brake weight
When to change the disc plate on the bike?
The front disc is due for replacement when the braking surface is worn more than 1mm on either side. For the rear disc, if the braking surface is worn by more than 0.5mm to 0.75mm on either side, it is time for a replacement. It is always better to change both front and rear discs simultaneously. Check for every six months or every general service instead of a specific km range, which is safer.
When to change bike disc brake pads?
Replace your brake pads for your disc brake when there’s 1.5mm or less of braking material remaining. Check for every six months or every general service instead of a specific km range, which is safer.
Why does a motorcycle disc brake make noise?
Noise can be generated for various reasons, mainly because your brake pads are worn. If the pads are worn down to the bare metal, you’ll hear metal rubbing on the disc rotor. Replace the brake pad as soon as possible.
What causes motorcycle disc brakes to squeal?
In most cases, worn brake pads are the primary reason. Poor alignment of the brake calliper, contaminated pads, Bent disc rotor, etc., are the other reasons behind the squealing of bike disc brakes. All these issues can be found only by skilled technicians, which is never a DIY task.
How to clean a motorcycle disc brake?
There is no need to clean the disc brake rotor in most cases, as they are automatically cleaned by brake pads while working. But if oil or any other residue is on the disc rotor, use a dedicated automotive shampoo.
Can we adjust the bike disc brake?
No. You cannot adjust brake tightness manually, like tightening a screw or bolt. Disc brakes in motorcycles use fluid pressure for braking. If the braking is ineffective, it means there is a loss in the fluid pressure of brake oil. Replace/replenish brake oil and check for leakages or air pockets in the fluid lines. The brakes will self-adjust when the oil topping is complete.
How long do bike disc brake pads last?
There is no fixed km change interval for brake pads; instead, check brake pads for every general service or every six months. Several factors can affect the life of brake pads, like km-ridden, riding environment, riding style, etc., so do not just focus on km change interval.
How long do bike discs last?
There is no fixed km change interval for brake discs; instead, check brake pads once in a general service within a year or once every year. Several factors can affect the life of brake discs, like km-ridden, riding environment, riding style, etc., so do not just focus on km change interval.
Conclusion
We have discussed different types of motorcycle discs, their pros and cons, and some FAQs related to motorcycle disc types. Now, let’s summarize the different types of motorcycle disc types.
- Cross drilled rotor
- Cross slotted rotor
- Petal rotor or Wave disc
If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.
