The add above has been running in Roadracing World and Motorcycle Technology. Here is the story behind it.
WERA racing has allowed racers to replace brake master cylinders with similar units. For example: A non radial master cylinder can be replaced with another non radial master cylinder of the same bore size, or a Radial master cylinder with the same size (bore and stroke) radial master cylinder. This has been interpreted as allowing the Brembo Radial brake master cylinders to be used in place of the original Suzuki radial brake master cylinder.
The brake master cylinders were protested by racers NOT using brembo, as the brembo equipped bikes have noticeably better brakes. ( It was assumed that the Brembo mater cylinders have a larger bore and stroke)
To read up on the WERA protests, and the documented Brembo performance improvement, follow the links below:
http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=115355&page=2
http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=114991&page=2&highlight=protest
http://forums.13x.com/showpost.php?p=1318507&postcount=27
http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=115354
(we have not edited the links, you will have to filter through them to find the applicable parts)
Here is the Yoyodyne take on brakes and the WERA issues.
The Japanese brake manufacturers have examined the 15 year old Brembo master cylinder, and copied the style and overall design of the master cylinder. However, they do not have the expertise and R&D to duplicate the performance. The Brembo difference is due to tighter manufacturing tolerances, better surface finishes, and a knowledge of how the materials work together and the feel that they give the rider.
Brembo is the largest brake manufacturer in the world, and spends more on R&D than the gross sales of other aftermarket brake manufactures. These Brembo radial brake master cylinders are purpose made for racing, the brakes are tested and developed by the best and fastest motorcycle racers in the world. OEM Radial brakes are made to a cost point.
In a nutshell, Brembo brakes are being banned for being significantly better than OEM brakes. While we have been preaching this for years, it is nice to see that WERA has documented the performance improvement for us.
But how do the AMA guys go so fast with OEM brakes? - No one involved in racing believes that AMA Supersport engines that the Factory and Factory Support teams use are exactly as they come off of the showroom floor. They are disassembled, and the pistons, rods, cams, etc are hand picked from what the factory has available to give the team the best combination that is possible from the variations in the manufacturing tolerances. It is naive to think that they will not test dozens of master cylinders and calipers to find the combination that gives the best feel and resistance to fading. This combined with EXPENSIVE brake fluid gets the job done.
We feel the Brembo master cylinder is the best value in braking performance upgrades for the amount spent. It improves rider control through better brake feedback, and improves safety by presenting the most consistent brake lever in race applications. The net result is that it is cheaper for the racer to use a quality brembo radial brake master cylinder than work around the compromises imposed by the Japanese OEM brake master cylinders
Brembo makes the finest motorcycle brake components and systems available today. Brembo OEM Calipers and discs can often be used on Japanese motorcycles as race grade components for more performance. The new HP program components blur the difference between race and street even further.
Professional Racing Brakes:
Brembo Radial Master cylinders can be used for Single or dual caliper applications. Use the 19x20 or 19x18 Radial brake master cylinder for dual caliper front ends. Use the 16x18 Radial brake master cylinder for single caliper front ends on 125 GP and Super Moto Front Ends. Find more information here
Brembo Race radial calipers and brake pads are designed for 108mm mounting centers. These can be used with Ohlins race forks, or the OEM forks on late model Japanese sport bikes. The 40mm mount Billet Caliper is a popular choice on GP and Supermoto bikes. Find more here
Brembo Race Discs are narrow band, 6mm thick discs. These are special application discs, Be sure to call the tech office if you are interested in these discs. Click Here
OEM Replacement and HP Upgrade components
Brembo replacement Master Cylinders: Master cylinders with Integral Reservoirs, and Remote reservoir Master cylinders are available. Repair kits for Clutch master Cylinders and Vintage master cylinders are available. Check the application list for more information.
Brembo Calipers are available for vintage bikes, as well as 4 pad calipers with Axial and 100mm Radial mounts. These are the same calipers used as OEM on Aprilia and Ducati. These are also used on our Upgrade Kits. Repair parts are available for Vintage calipers
Brake Discs are OEM on many Italian motorcycles, and you can save money by buying them directly from us. We can also provide full floating race quality brake discs at affordable prices. Our replacement type discs are often used in AMA pro racing by top privateer teams.