Any bike can be fast, but it is worthless if it can't stop on
command. Many manufacturers have produced great braking systems
over the years. Think of the progress that has been made from the
old, cumbersome and meager drum brakes that would just stop working
in mud or any unfavaorable condition. Although the hydraulic disk
brake is nothing new, a few companies have been working on
polishing such a proven concept.Moto-Master USA
is just one of those companies. They have been around since 1997,
and specialize in the creation of new technology in braking. Have
you seen a CRF450 turned into a Supermotard street racer? Sound interesting?
Moto-Master are also the guys to talk to for that application as
well.
The
Product
Moto-Master utilizes a
unique design in their Ultra-Lite rotors to allow for decreased
weight and increased cooling.
Moto-Master supplied us with their best rotors for
our CRF; the 260mm Ultra-Lite Oversize Front Rotor Kit, and their
Ultra-Lite Rear Rotor. The Netherlands based company claims the
rotor itself is 40% lighter than the stock unit; which may not seem
like much, but with the heavier 4-strokes, every bit of saved
weight counts. The Ultra-Lite front rotor is a floating device made
of a Chrome-molybdenum alloy, compared to the OEM stainless
material. With the front kit comes a CNC machined relocating
bracket that installs on the caliper to allow for the larger
diameter disk, as shown on
page two. All the same characteristics exist in the rear rotor,
other than the diamater, which is the same as the stock
disk.
Japan vs.
Europe
The rotors are made of
Chrome-molybdenum alloy, compared to the OEM stainless
material.
I imagine the first thing most people are going to
say is, "but how to you beat the OEM Honda brakes, they are the
best." Good point, the Honda brakes are the best in the industry.
The have that special patent regarding the way that the front brake
line meets the caliper, giving it that unmatched solid feel. But
regardless of that fact, it has been proven that a larger front
disk does indeed improve performance and feel. What Moto-Master
basically did, was take a great braking system, and make it better,
plain and simple. You must also remember the weight saving
characteristics of the two rotors; saving weight never
hurts.Braking is a difficult item to
judge; if they don't pulsate and stop a rider when needed, then
it's considered a success, especially when it comes to the rear
application. The front is a different story. This brake should be
used much more than the rear, and with much more care and skill.
Braking properly is 80% front, 20% rear (if not 90%-10%). With the
majority of the emphasis on the front, its obvious that using the
right equipment is necessary.
Brake
Check
The Netherlands based
company supplies a CNC machined adapter to allow for the 260mm
front disk.
Both rotors come with a special chrome-looking
coating on them from the Moto-Master factory. This coating takes a
little bit of time to wear off, simply through normal usage. Just
make sure to go out before race day for at least 20 minutes to burn
the coating off (the coating does not affect the pads in any
way). The front rotor will have that bent, pulsating feeling,
but only for a short period of time.But
how did they work? The rear brake seemed to function nearly
identical to the stock unit. Again, braking performance in the rear
is difficult to judge, especially when comparing two excellent
systems. This unit is a great option if you are looking to shave as
much weight as possible, or if the stock unit falls victim to a
rock. We have race tested both Moto-Master rotors in rough, hot
(tight courses) conditions, and came out with great results.When swapping between the stock rotors and the
Moto-Master, the difference is more apparent in the
front. As they claim, the 260mm oversize unit does provide a more
controlable feel, also due to the floating disk feature. A slight
improvement is felt when diving into a slick, hard-pack corner.
Everyone knows the sketchy feeling when coming into a flat, sharp
corner....too much front brake and the front end will disappear.
The Moto-Master oversize front kit did instill a more confident
feel.
The Last
Corner
There are a few good reasons to realistically
justify buying the Moto-Master rotors.
1) they are indeed lighter
2) bigger is better
3) the front has a more controlable feel
4)and they are a better alternative than
stock when replacing a damaged OEM rotor.Moto-Master has grown to become a powerful force in
Europe, and they are coming to the US for a good reason.
**Also available in an OEM style replacement -
$99.95
Holeshot
Endo
Great quality rotors
40% lighter than the OEM rotors
Excellent cooling characteristics
The oversize front rotor simply has a more
positive feel compared to the stock unit.
Unique design/good looks
The rotors required some break-in time. They
come from the factory with a chrome-like coating that needs to be
worn off via normal use. The coating will be worn off within 15-30
minutes of normal riding.
If you have any questions,
opinions or comments, let us know!Kevin Gorzny
Comments and Questions from our Readers
East Haven, CT, UNITED STATES
Posted Sep 26 2008 07:34PM
I just got the motomaster kit for my RM 250 and there are no instructions on how to mount.Can you help with pictures or instructions or anything.Please I need some help.Email to ltd1@att.net.P.S. ANYONE PLEASE HELP.THANKYOU VERY MUCH.
UNITED STATES
Posted Sep 26 2008 07:37PM
I NEED HELP PLEASE WITH INSTALL OF MOTOMASTER ROTOR BRACKET.HELP PLEASE
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