SBS Friction names 2023 product series
SBS Friction A/S, a Danish manufacturer of brake pads for motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and special applications, has introduced its aftermarket brake pads that have been refined and optimized for improved brake performance. The company announced its strategy to become the first brake pad production center in the industry to fully embrace a sustainable proof-of-business both in production and in output in 2021.
The new product series, SBS Better Brakes, has been available since Jan. 1, 2023. Customers can differentiate the new from the old by looking for the Better Brakes icon that will be located below the product reference codes. Customers will also be able to refer to the same product reference codes as the transition will happen continuously and encompass complete product ranges.
The first products to be transitioned and introduced in the new SBS Better Brakes-series are the popular SBS HF, SP, HS and MS ranges. These ranges comprise more than 70% of the brake pads sold by SBS. The product launch will follow the company’s intention to transition products with high impact in focus. The transition of HF, SP, HS and MS compounds is expected to be completed by Q3 2023.
“We are always striving to create the better choice in brake pads, and we are doing exactly that with the new SBS Better Brakes-series,” said Christel Munk Pedersen, CSO of SBS. “If we are to succeed, we are required to hit hard and with maximum effect from the beginning. That is why we have chosen to transition our fast-movers first and simply discontinue the old compound formulas. We continuously seek to improve the already well-established expectation of SBS brake product quality and what better way to do so, than with products that improve brake performance on millions of motorcycles and scooters worldwide. That we also benefit the environment, is indeed a positive added value.”
Because of significant similarities in performance characteristics of the new SP and HS-ranges, and with an intention of enabling easier product selection for dealers, SP is being discontinued and merged into the HS product references. The series merger will happen gradually throughout Q3 2023.
The new SBS Better Brakes-series provides riders a more stable brake performance and improved stopping power. The re-engineered compound formulas enable an improved coefficient of friction that provides a more efficient brake grip throughout the braking sequence. This results in a significantly reduced stopping distance of up to 12%.
The new Better Brakes-series are designed to maintain a static fade level after being heated. The improved heat resilience enables a consistent braking experience with more sense of control and comfort throughout the ride.
“When developing new compounds, especially as complex as these new SBS Better Brakes compounds where we remove key friction materials, including copper, nickel and antimony, thorough testing and engineering are required to be able to maintain and, in most cases, also improve brake performance,” said Esben Juul Sørensen, SBS head of R&D. “We have managed to make this possible and in compliance with OEM development procedures.”
The SBS Better Brakes-series are designed without Copper, Nickel (sintered compounds) and Antimony (ceramic compounds), and are replaced with an iron-based formula, providing an improved coefficient of friction that is a more environmentally friendly resource.
All products in the SBS Better Brakes-series are furthermore enforced with NUCAP NRS, the advanced mechanical friction material bonding technology.