The story of the radial master cylinder began in 1985, when Brembo registered the first patent for an idea that was to revolutionise braking systems.
The concept was initially taken on in the racing sphere, where the problems of limited space on competition bikes meant an endless search for less bulky solutions. This new solution not only reduced the bulk but also improved the rider’s ergonomics, making his pressure on the lever that much more effective.
One of the many advantages of this construction layout was that the brake master cylinder could be designed with the aim of optimising the hydraulic and mechanical ratios, so as to improve product performance levels.
The radial master cylinder was already on the track in 1986, on the Yamaha YZR OW 81 of the American rider Lawson who, that very year, won the world championship in the 500cc class.
The American appreciated its superbly linear response from the word go, and this convinced Brembo to take the idea one step further, introducing new seals and developing the system for adjusting the distance between the lever and handlebar.
Two further evolutions of the standard concept were patented in 1988, making the motorbike radial master cylinder very similar to what it is today.
After that, a good 14 years passed before, in 2002, the radial master cylinder was fitted on a standard production motorbike - the Aprilia RSV 1000 - in a specific version with the master cylinder main body slightly tilted to further reduce its bulk.
A special feature of the radial master cylinder design lies in the symmetry of the right (brake) and left (clutch) bodies, meaning limited investment and the use of one set of tools for casting and mechanical machining.
This characteristic, found already on the initial 1985 project, is still applied on the most recent street models.
For its excellent practicality and effectiveness, the radial master cylinder is now a real must-have for supersport and naked bikes.
Starting in 2002 with its debut on the Aprilia RSV 1000, the radial master cylinder has undergone continuous evolution, both in terms of technology and widespread adoption.
In 2005, Brembo introduced the first version of the RCS (Ratio Click System), an adjustable brake master cylinder that allows the rider to modify braking feel by selecting between two different lever ratios, adapting brake response to individual riding preferences.
The evolution continued in the following years with the launch of the RCS Corsa Corta, one of Brembo’s most advanced solutions in the field of radial master cylinders.
In addition to lever ratio adjustment, it also allows riders to fine-tune the brake bite point, the exact moment when braking begins. Using a selector dial, the rider can choose between three modes: Normal (N), with a progressive and balanced response for road use; Sport (S), more direct and responsive for dynamic riding; and Race (R), with immediate engagement designed for track performance.
Derived from MotoGP technology, this system offers unprecedented braking control, becoming a benchmark for riders seeking top-level performance and precision.
Today, the Brembo radial master cylinder has become virtually indispensable, it's hard to imagine a modern supersport bike without one. Its presence is now standard on all high-end road bikes, from track-focused sportbikes to high-performance naked models, confirming how a technology born on the racetrack has become the ultimate benchmark for those seeking top-level performance, control, and safety.