Different types and models of bikes have different types of brakes as well. Not all brakes are as effective as others. Here is a quick comparison of common brakes found on small and medium size scooters and motorbikes. This article focuses on differences between CBS and Conventional Brakes. Check our video for a detailed presentation!
Contents
Drum Brakes
- The brake pads are enclosed inside a hub. This way the pads are protected from dirt and lowers the need for maintenance.
- They make sense for normal urban commuting, hence small light scooters.
- The drum brake is heavy though, they take longer to stop and are not as good in a hot environment like brake discs are.
Disc Brakes
- The brake pads are inside a caliper that holds on the disc. Disc brakes generate a sharper stopping power and they cool down quickly right after. They also recover better than drum brakes in wet conditions.
- Disc brakes require a slightly more frequent maintenance, they need adjustments every so on.
Conventional Braking
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This is the classic setup: front and rear brakes are operated separately—usually two levers or a lever plus a pedal, each activating its respective brake. No linking, just straightforward control.
Combined Braking System (CBS)
- CBS triggers the both brakes even if you only use one brake lever. Adding the slight pressure of the second brake, it makes the braking more balanced.
- This design makes stopping more stable, intuitive, smoother and safer.
- Yamaha also has a similar system called UBS (Unified Brake System), though it is available only in very few markets, not in South East Asia.
The Big Picture – Which One Works for You?
| Brake Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Drum | Low maintenance, dirt-resistant | Less powerful, heavier, heat-prone |
| Disc | Stronger, cooler, more responsive | Requires frequent maintenance |
| Conventional | Full rider control, simple | Requires experience for balance |
| CBS | Easier to stop, safer for beginners | May feel less intuitive for experienced riders |
Why Mention ABS?
This article focuses on the difference between conventional braking and CBS. We mention ABS as it is recognized as the most commonly used effective braking system. We will dive more into detail in our next video comparing with CBS. For now: ABS helps prevent wheel lock during hard braking.
