For the 2018 season, there are even more options than ever before for the premier class to put on the brakes. Two types of aluminium calipers are available for the 2018 season (Light duty and Heavy duty), as well as for use with carbon pads (High Mass and Standard).
And there are even more options when it comes to brake discs, brake master cylinders and wheels – making braking more customisable than ever before.
Carbon brake discs: 10 solutions
The majority of riders should choose discs with a diameter of 340 mm, dividing between High Mass and Standard (low mass). To ensure the same braking torque and obtain further lightening, Light discs with a diameter of 340 mm diameter have been introduced.
Some teams instead will continue to use Standard and High Mass discs with a diameter of 320 mm. Furthermore, for each format of brake disc and pad there are two different carbon compounds available, differing in initial bite and resistance to high temperatures. Overall, there are ten different options available for riders in terms of the choice of brake discs.
After the result of Japan Grand Prix of last October, with the first nine riders over the finish line equipped with carbon discs despite the strong rain, more riders are expected to renounce steel discs - even in the rain.
Carbon ensures a triple advantage: reduction of not suspended masses, friction coefficient identical from the start to the finish line and absence of residual torque issues that can concern steel discs.
2 types of thumb master cylinder systems
The types of brake master cylinders available for the teams in terms of wheelbase are different, in order to adapt to both the race and the “reactivity” of the control as a function of the feeling of rider. In addition, each motorcycle features the remote adjuster, used by the left hand to vary the position of the brake lever, even while lapping the circuit.
This technical solution, introduced in the nineties to support Mick Doohan, allows the activation of the rear brake by pressing a special lever placed on the left handlebar.
There are two variants of thumb master cylinder systems in use for the 2018 season. The most widespread features a unique circuit of thumb master cylinder and pedal, using a rear 2 piston caliper. The alternative, instead, features two separate circuits, each of which acts on 2 of 4 pistons of the rear caliper. In the first option a system excludes the other, in the second they can act simultaneously.
Three wheel options
This year also sees forged magnesium wheels used by the majority of the riders competing in MotoGP. There are three seven-poke wheels variants for the front and rear wheel: a lighter but less stiff solution, one more stiff but also heavier, and one in the middle of the two options. These wheels ensure weight saving, favouring acceleration and handling in changes of direction.