Brake pads on your motorcycle ought to be changed after a certain number of miles; it’s inevitable.
But, there is always a question of which brand to choose, and today we are answering the SBS vs. EBC dilemma.
The main difference between SBS and EBC brake pads lies in their DNA. The SBS products come from the race tracks to the streets, while the EBC pads are made first and foremost for the roads.
But which is better? Are there any differences? Does the racing pedigree give the proper performance needed for street riding, or do the street smarts win the fight?
Let’s find out in a detailed comparison of these two brands.
SBS vs. EBC Brake Pads Comparison Table
Before we dive into details, and if you are impatient to find out our comparison results, here is the table of characteristics of the products from these two companies that we will be comparing.
Though this table is not a fully detailed comparison, it should give you some sense of what you can expect from these two brands.
But, again, this is not a complete picture, so read on to find out which brand of motorcycle brake pads is a better choice for you and why.
| SBS | EBC | |
| Origin | Denmark | UK |
| Price | High | Average |
| Performance | High | Above average |
| Durability | High | High |
| Variety | Average | High |
SBS vs. EBC Brake Pads Detailed Comparison
Comparing two brake pad brands can be tricky if you do not know where to start.
It would be best to always look for the expert opinion and experience of people who have used both brands.
But then, it still remains doubt whether an anecdotal experience transfers to the whole lineup of the company’s products.
They usually do not, and only a collection and summation of various sources of information can give you a clear picture of both strengths and weaknesses of this or that brand.
But also how they compare to each other. So, let’s kick off with this comparison.
Origin
SBS Friction is a company from Denmark and historically the first producer of aftermarket brakes and brake parts for motorcycles.
Since the beginning, they were heavily involved in motorsports, which powered constant innovation in new materials and technology of production.
On the other hand, EBC is a company headquartered in the UK but with a strong presence in the USA and a production facility in Nevada.
Since the early ‘80s, they have made aftermarket brake system products for practically any vehicle.
From bicycles to heavy-duty trucks. And have more than a few motorcycle brake pads in their portfolio.
Price
When comparing these two brands by the price of their products, there is a big difference to be noticed.
SBS brake pads cost quite a few bucks compared to their competitors.
Depending on the model of the brake pad and the make and model of the intended motorcycle, their price ranges between $45 and $250.
On average, you can expect their product to cost you around $175.
Compared to them, the EBC brake pads start at around $15 for scooters and don’t go above $175 for pads intended for high-performance street bikes.
But, on average, the price of products can be around $100.
Performance
The performance of SBS brakes does show the superbike racing legacy.
And with most of their products, you will find the same flaws and strengths characteristic of high-performance motorcycle brakes.
They brake like nothing, are well-engineered, hold bite well, and do not fade no matter how hot they get when warmed up.
As opposed to them, EBC brake pads perform as expected, even when cold.
And in perfect conditions, you will not notice much difference between these pads when comparable models are compared.
But, EBC brake pads are known for being a bit problematic when wet, so it takes getting used to squeezing them earlier in wet conditions.
Another weak spot of the EBD brakes is temperature. These brake pads are not made for aggressive and repeated braking.
When they warm up, they do show brake fade.
Durability
Generally, your motorcycle’s brake pads should last around 20 thousand miles. But a lot depends on the riding style, bike type, and where you use them.
These brands have very similar life spans if everything else is equal.
Aggressive braking and riding a supersport motorcycle will yield somewhere in the range just north of the 10 thousand miles mark.
While some more sedated cruising and everyday riding around the town, without much need to brake aggressively, can get you near 30 thousand miles.
You might also like: Textar Brake Pads vs. Brembo (In-Depth Comparison)
Brake Pad Variety
Organic, carbon-ceramic, sintered, and so on. Both of these brands have at least some of them in their portfolio.
SBS can boast that the vast majority of its products are made out of sintered materials.
After all, they are a company mainly focused on developing racing technology.
And most of their products are race-derived brake pads for motorcycles derived from competition models.
As opposed to them, EBC has equally spread products across all types of pads. And also have many products for other motorcycles, including ATVs, mopeds, etc.
Advantages and Disadvantages of SBS Brake Pads
The SBS brake pads are all about performance. Their products will stop you like nothing.
But, they are not as good when they are cold, and their price can be a problem for some people.
Also, if you have a motorcycle that the company doesn’t consider to be “sporty” enough, you may not be able to find fitting brake pads.
Advantages and Disadvantages of EBC Brake Pads
If you need good and affordable brake pads for your 2-, 3-, or 4-wheel vehicle, chances are better that you will find EBC products than you wouldn’t.
Their motorcycle brake pads are good and affordable, but they are not the best.
And they certainly are not made for aggressive riding or wet conditions.
Conclusion
When choosing SBS vs. EBC brake pads, you must be careful about what you want and what you need.
If you need brake pads for cruising around town and for them to bring you to a stop safely in fair weather but don’t want to break the bank, EBC is a better choice.
For everything else, there are SBS brake pads.
Sources
https://sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_rev/28685
https://www.carbibles.com/motorcycle-brake-pads/
https://motorcyclemojo.com/2021/06/the-mother-of-all-brake-pad-reviews/
https://bikerrated.com/gear/parts/best-motorcycle-brake-pads/
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/01/05/sbs-brake-pad-test/
https://japan.webike.net/moto_news/reviews/parts_gear/20200210-the-world-best-selling-brake-pads-sbs-review/