| Ducati 320mm diameter superbike narrowband full-floating brake rotor (used by all competitve factory race teams) are made of ductile steel with an aluminum carrier. Weight: 1769 grams (3.90 lbs) each.
BrakeTech 320mm superbike full-floating ceramic matrix composite rotor with aluminum carrier: 615 grams (1.25 lbs) each.
That’s a front wheel weight savings of 3538 - 1230 = 2308 grams (5.1 lbs)
As a comparison, the Marchesini aluminum five-spoke front wheel weighs 9.2 lbs and the ultra-lightweight BST magnesium hub carbon fiber front wheel weighs 4.4 lbs, a difference of 4.8 lbs. Lower unsprung weight and rotational inertia results in better tracking, quicker turning, more acceleration and braking - on the street or track.
In addition, the ceramic matrix composite material has a higher coefficient of friction than ductile iron - which has a higher mu than stock stainless steel rotors. Ultimately, the best way to improve brakes is to use materials that increase the frictional braking force between pad and rotor.  |