What Do Brembo Numbers Really Mean?
by: MOTO MADNESS CUSTOMS
Brembo 16x18 Brake Master Example
Let’s take the 16x18 as an example. The first value which is 16 represents the diameter
or bore cylinder in millimeters. The second value which is 18 represents the distance
between the lever's pivot point and the plunger that pushes into the cylinder
What Do These Numbers Really Mean?
1. Cylinder diameter (The 16)
1. As you increase your cylinder diameter you increase the volume of
fluid. By doing this, you are decreasing the pressure which results in less
braking power but better feel.
2. The trade-off is that since your increasing the sensitivity of the lever your
decreasing the braking power which we will now discuss in the 2nd
number
2. Pivot Point (The 18)
1. As you increase the pivot point, the sensitivity is increasing but your
breaking power is now decreasing.
2. By increasing this number, the pivot point is larger and now you have
reduced your leverage for braking power thus reducing your breaking
power
Now Add Calipers to the Equation
Depending on what you’re using the Brembo or any other radial master cylinder for such
as racing or stunting will depend on which calipers you have. Let’s look at it based on
the Cylinder Diameter. Remember from above that as you increase the cylinder
diameter, you are increasing the volume of brake fluid being dispensed.
If you’re a stunt rider, using the a radial master cylinder as a rear hand brake you’re not
going to need that much volume since most brackets use a 2 or 4 piston setup. With
this being said, a radial master cylinder with a bore of 13-16mm is more than sufficient
to provide enough braking power depending on your setup.
If you’re using the radial master cylinder for racing and the track, then you’re going to
want more brake fluid volume and greater braking power. Since most modern front
calipers are between 4-6 pistons, you may want slightly more braking power than the
16x18 Brembo. Although the 16x18 Brembo is more than enough for a 2 piston caliper
setup, the choice among most racers is the 19x18, 19x20 or 19RCS setup for a 4-6
piston caliper. For 4-6 piston calipers, the 19mm Bore provides for more brake fluid
being dispense which translates into greater braking power, but remember we also
need to take into consideration, the leverage of the pivot for the lever. The 18mm
represents the pivot point of the lever. The smaller the pivot point becomes, the more
leverage, which means more breaking power. Most people find that the 16x18 or the
19x18 provide the perfect balance between braking power and lever sensitivity.
Brembo RCS Line of Master Cylinders
Brembo introduced the line of RCS Master Cylinders a few years ago for riders who
want a specific Piston diameter but the ability to adjust the pivot point for different brake
lever control.
Let use the 19RCS Brake Master as an example. The Piston bore is 19mm which is
perfect for most modern day sportbike front brake systems. The advantage of the
19RCS is that it now gives you the advantage of the 19x18 and 19x20 Masters all in
one unit. You can simply adjust back and forth between the 19x18 and 19x20 pivot
point allowing you to increase (Lower Number) or decrease (Higher Number) you
braking power.
Master Cylinder to Caliper Size Relationship
Magura 13mm – Single 2 Piston Calipers (4 Piston Calipers, Master will feel spongy)
Brembo 16x18 – Single 2 or 4 Piston Calipers
Brembo 19x18 – Dual 4 or 6 Piston Calipers
Brembo 19x20 – Dual 4 or 6 Piston Calipers
Brembo 14RCS – Single 2 Piston Calipers
Brembo 15RCS – Single 2 or 4 Piston Calipers
Brembo 16RCS – Designed for Clutch or Single 2 or 4 Piston Calipers
Brembo 17RCS – Single 4 Piston Calipers
Brembo 19RCS – Dual 4 or 6 Piston Calipers
