Bendix Brakes has recommended mechanics always conduct a brake check on customer motorcycles as part of their service.
Experienced motorcycle riders, especially those with advanced skills, are likely familiar with trail braking and filtering—two essential techniques that enhance motorcycle control and, when executed correctly, improve rider safety on the road.
Both of these techniques involve precise brake application. When filtering, the rider remains in gear and engages the rear brake, which is gently applied to assist with slow-speed manoeuvring while navigating between lanes of traffic.
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Similarly, trail braking involves a smooth combination of braking and turning. The rider maintains front brake pressure while steering into a corner, gradually releasing the brake as the turn progresses.
Applying the brakes alters the motorcycle’s dynamics: the front forks compress, increasing pressure on the front tire and enhancing its grip on the road. This allows the motorcycle to turn on a tighter radius, as the compressed forks encourage sharper cornering.
However, these techniques can lead to increased brake pad wear. As a result, even motorcycles with low mileage may show brake pad wear consistent with much higher usage.
For technicians, it’s crucial to perform a thorough brake inspection during every service, even when conducting unrelated maintenance, especially on larger capacity or sports bikes often ridden by enthusiasts who favour spirited riding.
Riders can also check their brake pad wear at home. Depending on the motorcycle, there may be an inspection cover on the caliper, or the wheels can be manoeuvred for a better view of the pads. Shining a flashlight into the caliper can reveal the remaining friction material—there should be at least 1.5 to 2mm as a minimum.
If replacement pads are necessary, Bendix Moto offers the Ultimate+ and Street Road Track product lines.
Ultimate+ pads are well-suited for daily commuters or casual riders, featuring dense ceramic materials that provide maximum durability and excellent braking feel. They also deliver low dust, low noise performance, and have a design that minimises wear.
For more aggressive riding on mid to large capacity bikes and heavier machines, the Street Road Track line is ideal. These pads use stable friction materials for consistent braking performance in all conditions, offer quick rotor engagement for rapid braking, improved control, and low fade performance.