There is a buzz in the industry once more. It started with the invention of a composite material capable of revolutionizing brake systems. I’m not kidding. This shit brakes like nothing else on the planet. It will last forever. It won’t squeal or wear, and brake pads will last and last. Also, this shit doesn’t produce heat and is light as a feather. So, what was the issue?
Several years ago, the material surfaced, but the masters couldn’t get it produced in any quantities. They produced just enough to make test pieces and display samples. It was just a tease. Our own tech editor, Ray C. Wheeler, bet his life savings on this product line and the partners couldn’t deliver.
Then, of course, another glitch surfaced. The product was capable of all the attributes mentioned above, but due to poor manufacturing capabilities, a side impact would shatter the composite material. The whole notion faded into Edison’s book of dreams that didn’t come true.
One guy held fast to the notion that a true composite material could be manufactured. That individual is Paul Kittrell, the mastermind behind Lyndall Brakes. He manufactures brake pads for a growing number of motorcycle brands, but he has always chased the notion that composite rotors were the shit, and they are.
Lyndall Brake Pads are of the carbon-Kevlar variety. They contain a premium blend of DuPont carbon-Kevlar, nonferrous metal with a high transfer rate.
Paul has now perfected the manufacturing of composite rotors containing the highest service life of any braking system with no measurable rotor wear, incredible stopping power, no dust, no noise, and no drag. Plus, these rotors weigh next to nothing, like 1.6 pounds. A lifetime warranty applies to all Lyndall friction rings, if used with Lyndall brake pads. Each friction ring is individually serial numbered for quality control.
On top of an amazing rotor brake surface, Paul developed a new system of center mounting called the Lyndall lug drive, a full floating rotor system with 6061 T6 billet aluminum carriers of various sizes, which can be easily interchanged.
Paul, through Bikernet, hooked up with MetalSport wheels boss, Ron Loynds, and his own connections with Colorado Wheels to manufacture precision centers and wheel combinations. An absolute stellar team of experts was formed to bring the customers the latest in rotor materials, mounted to knock-out centers using the latest mounting technology.
Between Ron at MetalSport and Marc Susman at Colorado Wheels, they manufactured a stellar line of rotors and centers, including blanks, so you can machine them to match any wheel on the planet.
Here’s an interesting sidebar to this story. There is a famous wheelie guy from Harley-Davidson of San Diego. He ran Lyndall brake pads and rotors for several years while performing his stunts. Recently, he took them off in preparation for installing upgraded units, so he installed stock brakes while waiting for the shipment to arrive.
The next weekend during a demonstration, he crashed, because he didn’t have his standard smooth, consistent braking from Lyndall.
Official description: The APEX Performance Rotor is an ultra-light friction ring CNC machined from functionally gradient metal composite material. We use our Lug Drive System to fit the ring flush with a 6061 T6 billet Aluminum carrier. The assembly locks together with a 302 stainless spiral retaining clip in the back, giving the clean uninterrupted look of a solid rotor with the performance you can expect from a high performance fully-floating rotor by Lyndall Brakes.
When used with our Red Plus Brake Pads, it provides the longest service life, and runs cleaner and quieter than any other braking system available for your motorcycle. The entire rotor weighs 1.6 pounds. Please see our application guide for fitments. Replacement parts are available for individual sale. A lifetime warranty applies to the friction ring only if Lyndall Brakes are used on the rotor at all times. Each friction ring is individually serial numbered for quality control.
Right now, you can order this brake rotor to match any MetalSport or Colorado wheel design. MetalSport has an exclusive on all 16-inch rotors for big wheel baggers, and will be manufacturing 18-inch rotors in the near future, including blanks.
“The newest happening as we speak is a partnership with Metalsport, Lyndall, and Brembo Brakes. They have teamed up to offer the ultimate braking package,” said Ron Loynds, the president of MetalSport. “We currently have an exclusive on the 16-inch rotors and there are 18-inch and 20-inch rotors in the works.”
