What Is the Fading Effect?

Brake fading is a phenomenon that, if you’ve ever experienced it, your heart has probably responded with an instant rush of panic — and it’s something you will never forget.

The dreaded fading effect is the loss of braking efficiency .

Imagine going downhill on a steep slope and, when you decide to brake, your motorcycle barely reacts. On top of that, you might hear a sharp screeching sound that only adds to the fear.

At this point, you must stay as calm as possible and press the brake pedal again, trying to pump it in order to reduce the bubbles that have formed inside the system. Focus on finding the safest possible line according to your current speed.

Fading can occur because the brake fluid temperature reaches its boiling point, creating vapor bubbles. As these bubbles travel through the brake hoses and reach the brake caliper, they prevent the system from generating proper hydraulic pressure, meaning the braking force is dramatically reduced.

This loss of braking effectiveness is usually the result of intensive brake use — for example, keeping constant pressure on the pedal without allowing time for cooling, or due to poor maintenance of the braking system.

To avoid having to brake continuously, you should make use of engine braking . By shifting gears to let the engine slow the bike down, you reduce the load on the brake calipers and pads. Poor riding technique and overloading the motorcycle can increase brake fatigue even more.

Keeping your brake fluid in good condition is also essential to prevent fading. We recommend replacing it every year, regardless of how often the