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Brake Pads Ordered Online Found to Contain Asbestos

We have said many times over: Do not ever, EVER, compromise when it comes to safety-related components and products. This is especially true when ordering cheap parts from online sellers. Case in point, the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) have found brake pads that include asbestos being sold through AliExpress.

The brake pads and brakes shoes (for drum brakes) are produced by Tanaki and Zhangxingyue. All the products noted in the action are produced in China, and all of the products fail to meet REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations. These guidelines aim to protect consumers from coming into contact with harmful substances and to protect the environment.

The substance is great for absorbing heat therefore its use in brake pads, and is fireproof hence its use in fireproof suits, but its dust is dangerous when inhaled as it causes mesothelioma in the lungs. Mesothelioma is a cancer that starts as a growth of abnormal cells from a thin layer of tissue that covers many internal organs. Asbestos dust cannot be flushed out, hence will stay in the lungs for a long time to come.

The only advice we can provide at the moment is to insist on asbestos-free brake pads and shoes when you replace them. Apart from that, stay away and do not inhale brake dust when the mechanic or you clean your motorcycle’s brakes with compressed air.

Asbestos has been banned in many countries around the world, including the European Union and Malaysia since 1999. However, the bans cover different aspects of the usage of asbestos. For example, while the use of asbestos has been banned in the U.S. and Europe, Malaysia only banned the substance from building materials in government hospitals, clinics, schools, and buildings. As of 2025, the Malaysian authorities is still working towards a total ban.

Motorcycle Brakes 101 – The Pads

Your bike may be equipped with the best master cylinder, hoses, and calipers, but it all ultimately comes down to the brake pads to slow your bike down. This is the component that provides the friction when it grips the brake disc, and converting kinetic energy (movement) to thermal energy (heat).

Brake pad friction ratings

HH-rated pads are the strongest brake pads one can buy, but do you have any idea what those two Hs stand for? The letters indicate the friction rating and specifically pertain to the puck’s coefficient of friction, with the first letter quantifying the CoF at a normal operating temperature and the second letter listing the pad’s CoF at an extremely high temperature of 340° Celsius. G and H ratings are common for motorcycle brakes, with a G-rating offering a CoF between 0.45 and 0.55. H is the highest rating available and corresponds to a CoF of 0.55 or greater.

Brake pad material

ORGANIC

These pads are devoid of metal content (and asbestos) and instead blend rubber, glass, or Kevlar materials into a heat-resistant binding resin. Organic pads are the softest and thus the quietest option available and are exceptionally easy on rotors. They’re also easy on your wallet. Downsides include shorter service life (compared to semi-metallic or sintered pads) and fading with aggressive use. Organic pads are most commonly found on older (pre-1990s) bikes, smaller modern bikes, and for rear applications on some larger modern machines.

SEMI-METALLIC

These pads incorporate some metallic material (usually 20 to 40 percent by volume) into the friction material to increase the pads’ friction level and durability and to improve fade-resistance under heavy use. These pads were invented as cars and bikes became faster, requiring stronger, more resilient brake systems. Semi-metallic pads are still fairly quiet, don’t score rotors as much as all-metal sintered pads, and are a popular option for a variety of bikes.

SINTERED

The name refers to the production process, which uses extreme heat and pressure to cement powdered metal (usually bronze) to the backing plate. Sintered brakes have a very high coefficient of friction and excellent heat transfer, making them ideal for aggressive use and racing. The downsides are price, increased rotor wear, and the fact that they usually require some heat to perform their best.

Motorcycle Brakes 101 – The Basics

Your motorcycle brakes have a tough job.

What’s amazing is that it does. Take the BMW S 1000 XR for example: It accelerates to 160 km/h in 6.1 seconds and 151 metres. Yet it slows to a complete stop in just 5 seconds and in less than 100 metres.

That kind of performance makes the brakes the most powerful component of a motorcycle, contrary to what many believe is the engine. Think about: The force from one or two of your fingers is enough to bring a flying motorcycle down to sane speeds in less time and distance, than the engine takes to accelerate the bike.

That impressive performance is due to the power and resilience of the modern hydraulic brake system, which is comprised of the following components.

Master cylinder

Whether operated by your right hand or your right foot, this converts mechanical force into hydraulic pressure via a lever acting on a piston that presses on a fluid. The force with which you pull the lever, the lever’s leverage ratio, and the size of the master-cylinder piston determine the amount of pressure imparted on the system, which may exceed 10.5 kg/cm².

Brake lines

These multilayer hoses transmit pressure from the master cylinder to the calipers and typically utilize a Teflon inner lining surrounded by a braided-nylon, Kevlar, or stainless-steel reinforcing layer that’s then wrapped in a protective sheathing. The stronger the hoses the better, since any expansion under pressure will reduce braking force and feel. Because rubber hoses lose their strength over time, most manufacturers recommend replacing them every four years.

Brake caliper

The brake caliper is where the multiplying power of hydraulics comes into play. Since pressure applied to a confined liquid is transmitted undiminished and with equal force to all surfaces within the system, the pressure from the master cylinder is exerted uniformly on the much larger area of the caliper pistons, increasing the force many fold.

Brake pads

If any part of the brake system deserves sympathy, it’s the pads. Their job is to convert your bike’s kinetic energy into heat by way of friction. And we want them to do it quietly and repeatedly and without getting too hot. It’s not uncommon for the brakes on an aggressively ridden streetbike to heat up to 180° Celsius, while the pads and discs on a racebike may exceed 315° Celsius.

Brake disc (or drum)

Transferring the brake pads’ resistance to motion to the wheels and on to the tires’ contact patches are the brake discs or drums. Discs are typically made from stainless steel, while drums are lined with cast iron. Both materials provide a durable, heat-resistant surface for the brake pads to press against. Modern brake discs are relieved, and or drilled, to assist in cooling and to help shed water and debris.

Brake fluid

This is the elixir that allows it all to happen. Brake fluid is responsible for transmitting force from the brake lever to the back of the brake pads. It needs to be non-compressible to effectively transmit pressure, have low viscosity to be compatible with ABS components, have good lubricity for master-cylinder and caliper pistons seals, offer corrosion resistance, and also have a very high boiling point.

Brake fluid is available in four grades: DOT 3, 4, 5, and 5.1. DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 fluids are glycol based and miscible, while DOT 5 fluid is silicone based and can’t be mixed with any other type of fluid. Glycol-based fluids are hydrophilic and will attract and absorb moisture out of the air. DOT 5 fluid is hydrophobic, but due to the repeated heating and cooling cycles and the imperfect sealing of master cylinders and calipers, all fluids will eventually ingest some quantity of water. The difference is that glycol-based fluids will pull moisture out of the air on their own while DOT 5 will not, meaning DOT 5 has a much longer service life.

If you’re thinking DOT 5 sounds really appealing right now, think again. Expense, as well as the fluid’s compressibility and viscosity, makes DOT 5 unsuitable for everyday use. So why does it exist? It was created for the military to use in vehicles that will be parked for years at a time. Harley-Davidson used DOT 5 until a decade ago but specifies DOT 4 now.

A fluid’s classification has little to do with its chemical makeup. Rather, it’s based on the fluid’s boiling point. The Department of Transportation sets minimums for each grade’s “dry” and “wet” boiling point, with the former state completely free of moisture and the latter containing 3.7 percent water as is common after a year or so of regular use. DOT 3 fluid has the lowest minimum dry boiling temperature at 205° C (140° C wet), while DOT 5.1 has the highest at 270° C (180° C wet).

As the temperature ratings above suggest, any water content in the brake fluid will reduce its boiling point. Boiling brake fluid will make your brake lever feel spongy and braking force will be diminished. This condition is known as brake fade or, more specifically, fluid fade. Replacing your brake fluid regularly (most manufacturers say every two years) will help ensure your brakes always perform their best.

Radial vs axial mount callipers

Nearly all modern sportbikes have radial-mount brake calipers, and the general consensus is that they’re better. But why? First, the difference between radial-mount brakes and axial-mount brakes: Radial brakes are secured via bolts that are parallel with the brake disc as compared to bolts that are perpendicular to the disc face (see photo at right) as on traditional brakes.

Radial mounting typically offers better caliper-to-disc alignment and is significantly more rigid than axial mounting. A more rigid setup yields better pad-to-disc contact for improved power and, more significantly, better feel at the lever.

600 Police Personnel on Guard during RXZ Members 7.0

Some 600 police officers and personnel will be deployed to control traffic flow and ensure security during the RXZ Members 7.0 event at the Gong Badak Motor Circuit in Kuala Nerus on August 22 and 23.

Terengganu Police Chief Mohd. Khairi Khairuddin said this year’s attendance is expected to exceed 100,000 participants, compared to 60,000 last year.

He stated that the involved officers and personnel will be stationed at selected locations across the state to prevent congestion that could disrupt public daily activities.

“A total of 600 police officers and personnel will be stationed at selected locations, not only in Kuala Terengganu but also in all districts, including Besut, Marang, Dungun, Setiu, and Kemaman.

“To ensure safety, the Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB) and Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) Unit will conduct patrols in accommodation areas and homestays,” he said during a press conference at the Terengganu Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) here today.

Mohd. Khairi said last year, three fatal accidents involving RXZ Members 6.0 participants were recorded, while 89 summonses were issued for various offenses.

Additionally, there were three cases of fraud involving non-existent homestays, resulting in losses totaling RM1,400.

In this regard, he reminded all RXZ Members 7.0 participants to comply with traffic rules and avoid causing noise in public areas that could disturb public order.

“Participants of the gathering are advised not to bring prohibited items, as the police are constantly monitoring suspicious activities… Also, ensure that the booked accommodations are legitimate to avoid falling victim to fake homestay scams,” he said.

KBS Seeking Special Funds for Hakim Danish

The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) will apply for special additional funding from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to support young national racer Hakim Danish Ramli in continuing his racing program in Europe.

This step was taken after a grant application from the National Sports Trust Fund (KWASN) could not be fulfilled due to limited available funds and high demand from various parties.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh stated that while the ministry recognizes the country’s many sporting talents that require support, the current funds are insufficient to cover all needs—especially motorsports, which require significant investment.

“So for Hakim, we will apply to MOF for more funding,” she said.

Elaborating further, Hannah explained that KWASN’s funds are inadequate due to the overwhelming number of applications exceeding the available allocation, forcing the ministry to seek alternative solutions.

“That’s why we have applied, and we will continue following up with the Ministry of Finance to explore how we can assist Hakim.

“I know that MAM (Malaysian Motorsports Association) is also working to support Hakim,” she added.

Through his management team, ZK Racing, Hakim Danish had applied for a KWASN grant to cover his expenses in Europe, including securing the best machinery to compete in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup (RBMRC) and the FIM JuniorGP World Championship.

The young racer currently leads the overall standings with 154 points, ahead of his closest rival, Brian Uriarte, who has collected 141 points. A maximum of 100 points are still up for grabs with only four races remaining across two rounds in the 2025 Red Bull Rookies Cup.

QJMotor QJ700-8K Goes After the Big Boys

QJMotor has certainly been on the march in recent years by debuting more and more up-to-date motorcycles. Their scooter line-up has also been completely updated to include some very good products including, but limited to, the AX200s and Fort 250. Now, they are going after the big boys with the QJMotor QJ700-8K.

Before we go further, remember the Italjet Dragster 700 Twin? Well, that bike was designed in Italy and fitted with premium parts such as Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, Akrapovič exhaust system, manual 6-speed gearbox, and a 70hp single-cylinder engine. However, unbeknownst to many, it actually consists of many QJMotor-developed and made components. So, no, the the QJ700-8k is not a copy of the Italjet Dragster 700.

It is now QJMotor’s turn to market the bike with a design and spec sheet similar (not identical) to the Italjet machine. The manufacturer claims 75 hp, kerb weight of 205 kg, hand-operated manual clutch, 6-speed gearbox, and a top speed of around 200 km/h. Like its Italian counterpart, the QJ700-8K wears Brembo calipers, but has Marzocchi forks.

Being a QJMotor product could very well mean it will be much cheaper, too.

Oh, last but not least, while the engine performance certainly challenges the X-ADV’s, the QJMotor QJ700-8K is a fully road-biased sport scooter. And yes, it is a scooter due to its frame layout, and despite its manual gearbox.