be referred to with the equivalent HS product code . The merger of the two product-series is expected to be complete by Q3 2023 . " Next in line in the transition plan , by mid-2023 , is the transition of RQ and CT products , followed by the transition of LS products and in 2024 , SI products ." At EICMA , Thomas told IDN that the SBS R & D team had been working on
" improved stopping power " the new formula since 2015 - in close collaboration with both research partners and validation institutions . The development phase has included more than 480 compound variations being developed and tested to where only the best formula has been selected . In testing , more than 1,000 dyno tests and 50,000 km ( over 31,000 mph ) of road testing has been performed . " With the removal of copper and nickel in sinter products , and antimony in ceramic compounds , another friction material has been required to enable an improved brake performance . SBS Better Brakes is based on a + 60 % iron-based compound formula . The rest consists of various different types of binders and fibres . " Macro-economic trend forecasts by the World Bank in Washington D . C . show that , as a resource , the price of iron is far more stable - being the most abundant element , by mass , in the Earth . The cost of raw materials are a major part of the production and enduser price inflation that the brakes industry has been suffering in the past two or more years . " So , it is clear that transitioning
0
%
COPPER ( for sintered brake pads )
NICKEL ( for sintered brake pads )
ANTIMONY ( for ceramic brake pads )
to iron , as our friction material of choice , will not only produce Better Brakes in environmental and performance terms , but also result in more stable end-user pricing in the long run . " SBS Better Brakes have been shown to deliver improved stopping power and better manoeuvrability in emergency situations . The metallics in the compounds enable an improved coefficient of friction that results in a more efficient brake grip throughout the braking cycle . The effect is an improved stopping power equivalent to between 9 and 12 % in brake length terms . " Riders can expect a similar wear profile and an overall improved sense of grip and performance stability throughout the temperature spectrum . This means that riders can expect a 1:1 responsiveness between lever grip and speed reduction ." The new compound has been designed to maintain performance , even in intense brake situations . The average commuter most often brakes in a disc heat spectrum of between 100 - 300 degrees - the average rider can expect a consistent braking experience throughout the ride and throughout the heat range . They can also expect an improved performance in the beginning and throughout the ride , despite the brake system getting heated . Riders will also get an improved grip feeling and an improved initial bite when braking . Referencing the new law and the improvements that its research and development has produced , the SBS ' Better Brakes ' brand name will also see a new generation of packaging introduced to differentiate the new product from the old , with the addition of a symbolic " Better Brakes " icon to its packaging . For buyer and vendor convenience , the product references ( e . g . 706HS or 146MS ) will remain as they were . " The SBS Better Brakes icon consists of three elements : water symbolised by the waves , the nature symbolised by the green leaf and the text . The waves symbolise the improved environmental footprint the new compound has in water use and reservoir terms . The leaf symbolises the raw nature that benefits from the cleaner riding being produced and , towards the implementation of the European Commission ' s Green Deal ( designed to prevent packaging waste ), SBS is evaluating advised material analysis , and before January
" improved fade performance "
1st , 2025 a new packaging type will be announced ". The Brake Manufacturers Council has adopted the LeafMark to inform customers whether a brake pad meets the Better Brakes standards . The darker the leaf , the more levels of compliance the brake pad meets :
LeafMark of the Brake Manufacturers Council
· Level A : limits levels of asbestos , cadmium , chromium , lead and mercury .
· Level B : includes all the requirements of Level A , with copper levels reduced to less than 5 % by weight .
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HF ceramic replacement compound for bikes with non-sintered pads .
MS high-performance upgraded sintered compound for maxiscooters from 250 ccm and up .
· Level N : includes all requirements . SBS Better Brakes have received a Level N certification in a Brake Friction Material Environmental Certification performed by LINK under approval of AMECA . The analysis was carried out in Q2 2022 . www . idnmag . com INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - FEBRUARY / MARCH 2023 33