What is the difference between a radial master cylinder and a conventional master cylinder for motorcycles?
1 Answers
The difference between a radial master cylinder and a conventional master cylinder for motorcycles lies in the distinct linear relationship between lever travel and piston movement, as well as their appearance: Difference in linear relationship between lever travel and piston movement: In a radial master cylinder, the movement direction of the hydraulic piston aligns with the action direction of the brake lever, resulting in a linear relationship between lever travel and piston stroke. In contrast, conventional master cylinders (commonly equipped on small-to-medium displacement motorcycles) feature hydraulic pistons that move perpendicular to the brake lever's action direction. This angular displacement creates a nonlinear relationship between lever travel and piston stroke. Difference in appearance: The radial master cylinder incorporates a separate brake fluid reservoir. This design isn't merely aesthetic but serves to increase reservoir depth, preventing air ingress into brake lines during extreme leaning angles. Air in brake lines can cause brake fade (softening) and reduced responsiveness, compromising both braking performance and riding safety.