Larger wheels = brake upgrades ?

[krich97]

One point for bjowett's argument (that stronger brakes may be better even if you can lock up with smaller ones) is this: At least on motocycles, bigger multipistion brakes, at least in the front seem to cause an improvement (it is difficult to explain the physics 'cause I don't understand everything that is involved). And yes you can lock up the front wheel at almost any reasonable speed on most sport oriented motorcycles with stock brakes. It seems to have something to do with modulation - the increment of control between extreme stopping power and a lock up seems to be improved. So much weight is transfered to the front wheels during a rapid deceleration that the total friction available is much higher in the front than the rear. If the brakes offer better feed back then a shorter controlled stop may be possible. ABS actually disables the brakes temporarilyj to avoid a skid. If one could get right next to lock up but not engage the ABS that is likely where the shortest stoping distance would occur. In other words professional racers in cars and motorcyles (with ridiculous brakes) can stop faster than vehicles equiped standard ABS

 

[hoser]

I agree with krich97. Even if they don't stop any shorter, bigger brakes allow for much better modulation and brake control. On my track driven car, I have a lot more confidence with bigger brakes. They just "feel" better.

 

[scottm]

The limitation on brakes is how much heat they can produce and still brake. When it gets hot enough, the fibrous pad surface begins to liquify, boil, and glaze, then heavy brake pressure won't give decent friction on the brake rotor. Bigger pads and rotors mean more braking surface: more friction available, more surface to radiate heat, more mass to absorb heat. Better pads work at higher temps, so the rotor can get hotter, which means it absorbs more heat and transfers it to the air faster. Rotor damage is possible. Semi-metallic pads work at higher temps but wear the rotor faster, great for race cars bad for daily drivers. Slotted rotors help move heat and gasses from the pad surface. Carbon fiber rotors can get much hotter than steel without warping.