SRAM Motive Expert Ultimate Brake Kit Review

SRAM has been overhauling their brakes over the last two years. First, the DB8 with a switch to mineral oil among other changes, then last year’s release of the Maven monster stoppers. And they’re back at it with the brand-new Motive – a lightweight four-piston brake system targeting downcountry and trail riders – and also finding a home on the rigs of World Cup cross country racers, too.

SRAM’s simplified lineup now consists of three main families: Maven, Motive, and DB. The Code and Level are both ready for retirement, and the Motive aims to be the new go-to for riders chasing lightweight performance without skimping on stopping power. We got our hands on the top-tier Motive Ultimate Stealth Expert Kit for review.

First Look

Unboxing the Expert Kit is like opening a gift box chest for brake nerds – just like the Maven Expert kit I tested last year. The box includes a full factory bleed kit, four CL-X rotors (2x 180mm and 2x 160mm), two complete Motive Ultimate brakes, two sets of pads (one sintered, one organic), and two 160–180mm brake mount adaptors – so you can play around with compounds and rotor sizes and tailor your setup to how and where you ride.

The Motive takes a few design cues from the Maven, but obviously in a slimmed-down package. The caliper and master cylinder are shrunk to keep the system lean, and the green splatter paint finish on our Ultimate test set looks the goods. SRAM’s tidy Stealth routing keeps cockpit clutter to a minimum. The DirectLink system keeps things simple with a sharp lever feel. The system weight was 520g for both sets, without rotors or adaptors.

Setting up SRAM Motive

Installation is straightforward, with a couple of quirks. Matchmaker compatibility makes it easy to bolt on other SRAM parts, and I tested the Motives in conjunction with the Eagle 90 Transmission on my Salsa Timberjack with a 180/160mm rotor combination, and using the organic pads as fitted.

At the caliper end, the rotatable banjo fitting allowed clean hose routing, although the lowest-level Bronze brake set doesn’t allow this. The rotatable banjo really helps for good routing across a wide range of frames.

Bleeding the brakes is a simple process, especially thanks to the factory bleed kit included.
SRAM’s move to mineral oil means longer service intervals, fewer paintwork worries, and a reduced risk of skin and environmental damage compared to DOT fluid. That’s a win for me. I’ve even used some old mineral oil to re-oil my workbench!

SRAM Motive on the trail

The Motive delivers a lever feel that’s unmistakably SRAM, from the taller lever blade through to lever feel at the bite point. SRAM’s DirectLink design means there’s a longer free stroke with a decisive bite point, with no bite point adjustment. Some may not love this, but I think it is far from an on/off feel. It is worth remembering that the Motive is a lighter brake, and I found the lever feel was consistent throughout the test period. I didn’t think about it twice.

Modulation is great, but within a fine range of finger motion. I lack long, alpine descents to put the brakes under a lot of pressure, but with slippery roots through to dusty trails in the test period, all on half-worn tyres, brake feel was important and the Motives remained predictable and precise.

I really like that the brake kit comes with both organic and sintered pads, plus the option to bump up to 180mm front and rear. You could even jump to SRAM’s HS2 rotors if you needed some more power from the brakes.

Under heavier braking, I really liked how stiff the levers felt. While they are not the lightest brakes out there, they feel a lot more solid than many light brakes. That is really reassuring when you’re hauling on the anchors. I think it is easy to be underdone with braking performance. What SRAM did with the Mavens revolutionised what many thought was possible with braking power. And I’d say the impact of the Motives will reset what many expect for the power and control available from a very light 4-piston brake.

Our take on the SRAM Motive brakes

Given the target audience of cross-country, downcountry, and light trail, I think SRAM is right on the money with the Motive brakes. They have the updated design features and aesthetics of the Maven in a product that can cover the Code and Level, while playing catch-up with what a brake needs to deliver for cross-country and downcountry. The balance of power, weight, and ease of maintenance makes the Motive Ultimate a smart new entry to the world of mountain bike brakes.

The true success will be OEM spec by bike brands and, of course, making the build list for riders like you and me building up dream bikes or upgrading components. For a long time, my favourite brake was the XTR M985 trail brake – two pistons, a lot of lever adjustment, and progressive feel. 

While I’m the same rider now as a decade ago, I’m probably more wary on the trail, and improvements in bikes and wheel systems allow greater speed – which demands better braking. The Motives are light enough to sling on an XC bike while having the power for a light trail bike – and I think these will be a very popular brake set for this broad and important market segment.

RRP: $1030
From: SRAM.com

Hits:
• Everything you need in one box, almost
• Lots of power for low weight
• Sleek design
• Mineral oil for easier maintenance

Misses:
• Some may miss bite point adjustment