PERFORMANCE & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
SVENDBORG, DENMARK. January 2, 2023 – SBS Friction A/S, the Danish manufacturer of brake pads for motorcycles, ATVs, SxS and special applications, announced a new strategy in 2021 that would make the company the first brake pad production center in the industry to fully adopt sustainable proof – of-business both in production and in output. A year later, SBS introduces the first aftermarket brake pads that have been both refined and optimized for improved braking performance.
The new product series is called SBS Better Brakes and will be available from January 1, 2023.
The first products to be transitioned and introduced into the new SBS Better Brakes range are the popular SBS HF, SP, HS and MS ranges. These ranges comprise more than 70% of the brake pads sold by SBS. Thus, the product launch will follow the company’s intention to focus on high-impact products. The conversion of HF, SP, HS and MS connections is expected to be completed by Q3 2023[1].
– We always strive to create the better range of brake pads and that’s exactly what we’re doing with the new SBS Better Brakes range. To be successful, we must hit hard from the start and with maximum impact. That’s why we decided to convert our fast-moving items first and simply discontinue the old mixing formulas. We continually strive to improve the already established expectations for the quality of SBS braking products, and what better way to do that than with products that improve the braking performance of millions of motorcycles and scooters worldwide. The fact that we also benefit the environment is indeed a positive added value, says CSO Christel Munk Pedersen.
Due to significant similarities in the performance characteristics of the new SP and HS ranges, and with the intention of providing dealers and end users with easier product selection, SP is being discontinued and integrated into the HS product references. The serial merger will take place gradually throughout the third quarter of 2023.
Improved braking performance and stopping power
With the new SBS Better Brakes series, drivers get better and more stable braking performance and stopping power. The revised compound formulas allow for an improved coefficient of friction that offers more efficient brake grip throughout the braking sequence. This leads to a significantly shorter braking distance of up to 12%.
The new Better Brakes series is designed to consistently maintain a level of static fading after heating and has improved heat resistance, providing a consistent braking experience with increased control and comfort throughout the ride.
– When developing new compounds, particularly ones as complex as these new SBS Better Brakes compounds, where we remove key friction materials such as copper, nickel and antimony, thorough testing and engineering is required to preserve them and in most cases to improve braking performance. We managed to make this possible while adhering to OEM development procedures, says SBS Research and Development Manager Esben Juul Sørensen.
Developed without copper, nickel (sintered compounds) and antimony (ceramic compounds), the SBS Better Brakes series has been replaced with an iron-based formula that results in an improved coefficient of friction while being a more environmentally friendly resource.
0% copper or nickel in sintered brake pads and 0% antimony in ceramic brake pads.
All products in the SBS Better Brakes series are also reinforced with NUCAP NRS, the advanced mechanical friction material binding technology.
Updated packaging
Customers can tell the new from the old by looking for the Better Brakes icon located under the product reference codes. Customers can also refer to the same product reference codes as the transition is continuous and encompasses entire product lines.
Read more on the SBS website: https://www.sbs.dk/betterbrakes
[1] Depending on the factor, the time may be extended due to several factors.
