Radial vs. Axial - Are Radial Brakes Really Better? | MC GARAGE

All modern bikes disc brakes, and the really nice ones have radial-mount calipers and master cylinders. Maybe you’re not sure what that means, or how radial brakes are supposed to be better. Well then, get ready to learn something, because we’re going to break it down for you.
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All modern bikes have disc brakes, and the really nice ones have radial-mount calipers and master cylinders. Maybe you’re not sure what that means, or how radial brakes are supposed to be better. Well then, get ready to learn something, because we’re going to break it down for you.
What we’re discussing when we talk about radial or axial brakes is how the calipers are mounted to the fork. Radial calipers are secured via bolts that are parallel with the brake disc, whereas axial brakes are held in place by bolts that are perpendicular to the disc.
So it’s the mounting bolts that determine if brakes are radial or axial. Pretty simple, right? It is, but mounting the brakes radially has some benefits. Radial mounting typically offers better caliper-to-disc alignment, and it’s also a more rigid setup overall. And when it comes to brakes, rigidity is key. Since radial-mount calipers are secured and supported at both ends instead of near one end or midway along the caliper like most axial setups, you get less caliper flex and better pad-to-disc contact under maximum braking.
Now, you’ll notice we said maximum braking. This whole radial-mounting thing started where most new technologies do, at the racetrack. For racers, every little advantage is key. On the street however, whether you have radial- or axial-mount brakes is a lot less important. Mostly, they just look cool and are the latest technology, so that’s what people want.
Okay, so that’s radial and axial calipers, but the same technology applies to master cylinders too. If the master cylinder piston is parallel to the handlebar, it’s a standard axial master. If the setup is perpendicular to the bar, it’s a radial master cylinder. Since pulling the lever on a radial master applies force directly to the piston inside the master instead of through a fulcrum, you get more direct brake feel and feedback. With an axial master cylinder, the force you apply to the lever is redirected about 90 degrees by the lever pivot, and that can rob you of feel when you’re braking at the edge of traction. A master cylinder (of equivalent piston diameter) won’t give you more braking power than an axial master, but it will give you more braking feel.
On top of all that, radial master cylinders are usually just made better. Better materials and design mean more rigidity, and as we pointed out before, more rigidity is always a good thing when it comes to brakes.
When it comes down to it though, brake performance is influenced by lots of factors, and how the calipers or master cylinder are mounted are at the bottom of the list. For the average street rider, the benefits of a radial setup are nil. Even for experienced riders the difference can be subtle. Good brake pads and properly bled brake lines are going to make a much bigger difference, so if your brake system isn’t in good order, give it a tune up before you go buying expensive components. Click the link below for our video outlining hydraulic-brake maintenance.
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