Stock YAMAHA Brembo Radial Master Cylinders with vertically aligned pistons for a linear feel!

Starting with the YZF-R7 in 2022, and then for the MT-09 and MT-10, use of the stock YAMAHA Brembo radial master cylinder has been increasing. It was a hot topic at the time, but we would like to introduce it again as we came across an exhibit at the "My Yamaha Motorcycle Day 2024" event explaining the particulars.

The only production bikes to use Brembo vertical pistons

Radial master cylinders feature a brake piston positioned perpendicular to the handlebar, so the direction of the rider's input and the piston's input are aligned, resulting in a linear braking feel. You might be thinking that this type of master cylinder is used on a wide variety of models today, but in fact it is not; it is actually the semi-radial master cylinder that began to rise in popularity in the mid-2000s. These are called "semi" because they are tilted slightly outward relative to the handlebar. This is because it is necessary to create space so that the master cylinder does not interfere with the cowl or other components when the handlebars are fully locked.

However, YAMAHA wanted to use a truly vertical radial master cylinder for their production models, which require a larger handlebar steering angle, so they worked with Brembo to develop one. By shortening the length of the piston and adjusting the shape of the lever, they succeeded in minimizing interference with the rest of the bike.

Another key point is that it is made by Brembo. Brembo's cast aluminum material is imported from Italy and processed in Japan. The fine texture of the casting and the excellent coloring can only be achieved by Brembo. This was proven by the exhibit which showed the cast material before processing, as well as a colorless anodized aluminum version which has not yet been released for sale.