When installing new motorcycle brake pads, many riders expect maximum braking performance immediately. However, new brake pads require a short bedding-in process before they perform at their best.
Bedding-in is the process of gradually heating the brake pads and brake disc through controlled braking. This process allows a thin, even layer of friction material to transfer from the brake pad to the brake disc surface.
Without proper bedding-in, riders may experience:
reduced braking performance
brake noise or squealing
uneven brake pad wear
brake vibration or judder
Brake pads from SBS are engineered to deliver consistent braking performance, but like all high-quality brake pads, they still require proper bedding-in after installation.
Understanding this simple process can significantly improve braking performance and extend the lifespan of your brake pads.
Brake pad bedding-in (sometimes called brake pad break-in) is the process of conditioning new brake pads and brake discs to work together.
During this process, controlled braking gradually transfers friction material from the brake pads onto the brake disc surface.
This thin friction layer is essential because modern braking systems rely on pad-to-pad friction rather than direct contact between the pad material and bare metal.
Once the transfer layer is established, braking becomes smoother and more consistent.
High-quality brake pads such as those manufactured by SBS are designed to create a stable friction layer during the bedding process.
Skipping the bedding-in process can lead to several braking issues.
Proper bedding allows the brake pads and discs to develop an even friction surface.
This improves:
braking power
braking consistency
rider confidence
Brake pads from SBS perform best once the bedding-in process has been completed.
Many cases of brake squeal occur because new brake pads were not bedded in correctly.
An uneven friction layer can cause vibration between the brake pad and disc.
Correct bedding significantly reduces brake noise.
If brake pads are overheated before bedding properly, the friction material may glaze.
Glazed brake pads become hard and slippery, which reduces braking performance.
The controlled bedding process helps prevent this issue.
Proper bedding distributes friction material evenly across the brake disc.
This allows the brake pads to wear evenly and last longer.
This is particularly beneficial when using premium brake pads from SBS, which are designed for durability and consistent wear.
The bedding process is simple and only takes a few minutes of controlled riding.
Ride at a moderate speed and apply the brakes gently several times.
Avoid aggressive braking during the first few stops.
This allows the brake pads to begin transferring material onto the brake disc.
After several gentle stops, begin applying slightly stronger braking pressure.
Perform several controlled deceleration cycles from moderate speed.
Do not come to a complete stop with the brakes held on for long periods.
After completing several braking cycles, continue riding without heavy braking for a few minutes.
This allows the brakes to cool gradually.
Once cooled, the bedding process is complete.
Brake pads from SBS will now provide optimal braking performance.
Even experienced riders sometimes skip or perform the bedding process incorrectly.
Many riders install new brake pads and immediately apply aggressive braking.
This can cause uneven friction transfer or glazing.
Holding the brake lever while stopped with hot brakes can create uneven deposits on the brake disc.
This may cause brake vibration.
Without bedding-in, brake pads may never achieve optimal braking performance.
Following the correct bedding procedure ensures brake pads from SBS perform as intended.
Before installing new brake pads, it’s important to identify the correct pad shape for your motorcycle.
The easiest way to do this is by using the SBS product selector:
Simply enter:
motorcycle manufacturer
engine capacity
model
year
The system will display compatible SBS brake pads for your motorcycle.
This ensures proper fitment and optimal braking performance.
Motorcycle riders around the world trust SBS brake pads because they provide:
Advanced friction compounds deliver predictable braking behaviour.
Brake pads from SBS maintain performance even under demanding conditions.
The SBS range covers approximately 95% of motorcycles, making it easy to find the correct brake pads.
Installing new brake pads is an important part of motorcycle maintenance, but proper bedding-in is essential for achieving the best braking performance.
The bedding process allows friction material to transfer evenly onto the brake disc, improving braking power, reducing noise, and extending brake pad lifespan.
By following a simple bedding procedure and installing high-quality brake pads such as those produced by SBS, riders can ensure safe and reliable braking performance on every ride.
Yes. Bedding-in helps transfer friction material to the brake disc, improving braking performance and preventing noise or vibration.
The bedding process typically takes 5-10 minutes of controlled braking during normal riding.
Skipping the bedding process can result in reduced braking performance, brake noise, uneven wear, or brake pad glazing.
Yes. Like all high-quality brake pads, SBS brake pads perform best after the correct bedding-in procedure.
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