Organic vs Sintered Motorcycle Brake Pads - What's the difference?
With so many different varieties of brake pad on the market today, it can be a challenge to navigate the market and end up with the right solution for you, your bike and your riding style.
When choosing motorcycle brake pads, you’ll come across three main types: organic, semi-sintered, and sintered. Each has unique characteristics that affect braking performance, durability, and riding conditions.
Material Composition
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Organic Brake Pads: Made from non-metallic materials like rubber, Kevlar, carbon, and resins, making them soft and quiet.
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Semi-Sintered Brake Pads: A blend of organic materials and 30-50% sintered metal content, balancing performance and rotor wear.
- Sintered Brake Pads: Made of metallic particles (copper, bronze, iron, etc.) fused under high heat and pressure, creating a hard, heat-resistant compound.
Performance & Characteristics
| Feature | Organic Pads | Semi-Sintered Pads | Sintered Pads 🔥 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braking Power | Moderate | Balanced | High |
| Heat Resistance | Low (May fade under heavy use) | Moderate | Excellent |
| Initial Bite | Softer, more progressive | Moderate bite | Strong, aggressive bite |
| Wet Condition Performance | Weaker | Better than organic | Best (handles rain, mud, and dirt) |
| Noise & Vibration | Quietest | Moderate | Noisier |
| Durability | Wears out faster | Lasts longer than organic | Longest lifespan |
| Rotor Wear | Minimal | Lower than full sintered | Higher (harder on rotors) |
Best Use Cases
| Riding Style | Best Brake Pad Type |
|---|---|
| City Commuting | Organic (smooth, quiet) |
| Cruising & Touring | Semi-Sintered (balanced wear & performance) |
| Sports / High-Speed Riding | Sintered (strong braking, high heat resistance) |
| Off-Road Use | Sintered (handles mud & water best) |
| Heavy Motorcycles | Sintered (best for high loads) |
Cost & Longevity
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Organic: Cheapest, but wears out the fastest.
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Semi-Sintered: Mid-range price, lasts longer than organic but is gentler on rotors than full sintered.
- Sintered: Most expensive, but longest-lasting and best for high-performance riding.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you prioritise quiet, smooth braking and ride casually, go for organic pads.
- If you want a balance of performance, longevity, and rotor-friendly wear, choose semi-sintered pads.
- If you ride aggressively, tour long distances, or go off-road, and need maximum braking power and durability, get sintered pads.
At 52 Speedshop Ltd we stock a range of Brake Pads & Discs for Triumph Modern Classic and Air Cooled models.
Please see our dedicated Braking Equipment page for more information.
We are constantly updating our product range so please check back regularly for updates, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.