If you’ve ever been out riding hard and started to feel your bike’s brakes feel a little less responsive and you get that sudden ‘oh no’ feeling…. Then the chances are you are experiencing brake fade! It can be really unsettling and make you lose some feel on the bike, but there are ways to mitigate it so you can keep that confidence high.
We are here to tell you that we hate brake fade just as much as you. But there are signs to spot it and things you can do to help minimise it, so you can ride harder for longer. Continue reading for the details, but let’s start with the background info you should know first…
What is Brake Fade?
So, brake fade is basically when your motorcycle’s brakes stop working as well as they normally do, especially after a lot of hard use. You’re riding hard, hitting the brakes repeatedly, and then you find they’re not biting like they should. It happens when the brakes get too hot and can’t generate the same friction. This is more often found when riding on track as you’ll be pushing much harder than on road. However, this isn’t to say it’s impossible to happen on the road either…
That heat is the big problem here, it usually happens gradually but can also appear without much warning, so it’s best to understand the signs of brake fade so you know what to look out for.
What Causes Brake Fade?
Heat is the number one enemy of braking systems. When you apply your motorcycle’s brakes, the friction between the brake pads and the discs generates heat. Under normal conditions, this heat dissipates between stops, allowing the brakes to cool down. However, during aggressive riding, such as on a racetrack or long downhill descents, the brakes don’t get enough time to cool. The constant heat buildup causes the brake pads to lose their ability to generate friction effectively, which reduces stopping power.
As well as this, brake fluid can also be affected by heat. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. If the fluid contains moisture, it can boil when exposed to high temperatures generated during heavy braking. This boiling creates air bubbles in the brake lines. Since air compresses, these bubbles reduce the braking system’s hydraulic pressure which is needed to effectively clamp the brake pads onto the discs. This is called “fluid fade,” and it results in a spongy feel at the brake lever and reduced braking performance.
In either case, whether it’s due to overheated pads or boiling brake fluid, the outcome is the same: a dangerous loss of braking power when you need it most. Recognising the signs of brakes fade early, such as a decrease in braking response or a softer brake lever, is crucial for preventing a potential accident.
What Are the Types of Brake Fade?
So did you think brake fade was just brake fade? Think again, there are a few types of fade you might run into:
Pad Fade
This is the most common type of brake fade, where your brake pads can become ‘glazed’, when this occurs, the brake pads overheat and the resin material that holds the material together melts , creating a film between the pads and the discs – reducing the coefficient of friction and consequently causing your brakes to feel less effective. In other words, it causes a slippery effect (and if your brakes are slipping this won’t help you slow down).
As the pads overheat, they can’t create enough friction against the discs. It can build up gradually, but in some cases, it might happen suddenly, especially if you’re riding hard on track. You’ll notice that even though the brake lever feels normal, the bike doesn’t slow down as much as it should. This happens because the pads are simply too hot to grip properly.
Green Fade
This usually happens with new brake pads during their initial use. When brake pads are manufactured, they contain resins that need to be “baked out” through use. If you push brand-new pads too hard without breaking them in (also known as bedding them in), those resins release gases, creating a thin layer between the pads and the disc. This reduces braking efficiency. That’s why it’s crucial to bed in new pads properly by using gentle braking for the first few rides/laps.
Fluid Fade
This occurs when the brake fluid reaches its boiling point, as mentioned above, this is usually because it’s absorbed moisture over time. When the fluid boils, it creates air bubbles in the brake lines. Air is compressible, so when you pull the brake lever, those bubbles absorb some of the pressure, meaning less force is transferred to the brake pads. The result is a soft or spongy brake lever, and you might find yourself pulling it all the way in without much stopping power. This is a major sign of fluid fade and indicates it’s time to replace the brake fluid.
Each type of fade affects braking in different ways, so understanding these differences can help you respond correctly and prevent accidents. However, a general rule of thumb is if you suspect your feeling any of the above 3 to just take it easy for a while.
How Do You Know If You Have Brake Fade?
When you have brake fade, the most obvious sign is that your bike isn’t slowing down like it normally does, even when you’re applying the brakes hard. You’ll notice it takes longer to stop or that you need more distance to come to a halt.
With fluid fade, the brake lever will feel spongy or soft, and you might find yourself pulling it all the way in without much effect.
Pad fade, however, will feel different; the lever will still feel normal, but the braking performance is greatly reduced.
Other subtle signs include needing to apply more force to the lever than usual or feeling a lack of response when you’re used to a certain level of braking force. Being aware of these small changes can help you catch brake fade early before it becomes dangerous.
How Do You Fix Brake Fade?
The simplest fix? Let the brakes cool down. In most cases, once the heat dies down, the brakes will work like normal again. But if you keep running into this issue, you can do a few things to help:
For fluid fade, flushing and replacing it with high-performance brake fluid can solve the problem. In fact, if your bike is regularly ridden hard, then its good practice to change your fluid more often anyway.
If you’re constantly finding your pads overheating and fading, the easiest fix is to upgrade them with a set which has a higher tolerance to temperature. Pads can be categorised into 4 areas, some more suitable to brake fade than others:
Organic Brake Pads
These pads are probably the least capable of these 4 types at reducing and eliminating brake fade. They are made from a mix of fibres like rubber, glass, and Kevlar bonded with resin. They’re known for being quiet and offering a smooth, progressive feel when braking but wear out faster under heavy use. These pads are ideal if you’re just a casual or commuter rider who isn’t planning on going on track or doesn’t constantly push their bike hard.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Semi-metallic pads are a blend of organic materials and metal, like steel or copper. They offer great durability and stopping power, making them a solid middle ground for riders who need more performance than organic pads provide. These are ideal for more spirited riding or heavier bikes, but they can be noisier and harder on the discs compared to organic pads.
Full Metallic Sintered Brake Pads
Fully sintered pads are built for performance. They’re made mostly of metal and deliver great stopping power, especially at higher temperatures, which makes them perfect for aggressive or track riding. These can be a great choice if you don’t consider yourself an out and out track professional as they give performance at the lower end too. However, they can be harder on discs, and may not give that smooth, progressive feel in everyday riding.
Carbon Brake Pads
The most capable at stopping motorcycle brake fade from occurring, carbon brake pads are designed for high-performance and race environments. They work best at high temperatures, offering incredible braking power and heat resistance when pushed to the limit. However, they need to warm up to perform optimally, so they aren’t great for street riding. If you’re hitting the track or doing serious high-speed runs, carbon pads are a top choice.
Additionally, consider using proper braking techniques, such as intermittent braking and engine braking, to help avoid overheating. If brake fade persists, upgrading to a wave style or larger discs can improve heat dissipation and reduce fade in the future.
How to Stop Brake Fade from Happening?
Brake smarter: Instead of continuously holding the brakes, use short, firm applications to give the brakes time to cool off.
Upgrade components: High-performance brake pads and discs are better at handling heat. You can also go for wave style discs, which help with heat dissipation.
Keep your brake fluid fresh: Regularly flushing and replacing your brake fluid will prevent moisture build up, which leads to fluid fade.
Bed in your pads: If you’ve got new brake pads, make sure to bed them in before riding hard. This gets rid of the excess resin and prevents green fade.
Regular maintenance, smart braking habits, and component upgrades can help you avoid dangerous situations. By staying on top of your brake system and adjusting your riding techniques, you can reduce the risk of brake fade and keep your bike’s stopping power sharp when it matters most.
In the end, understanding motorcycle brake fade is crucial, especially if you’re hitting the track. Knowing how to recognise the signs, causes, and how to prevent it can make all the difference in maintaining control and safety, so you can demolish those lap times.
Enjoyed this? Read more on the Demon Tweeks blog:
- Best Motorcycle Tyres 2024
- Understanding Motorcycle Tyre Markings
- Motorcycle Brakes: The Ultimate Guide
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