SRAM’s New Motive brakes use mineral oil, and come with the launch of two new budget offerings from the American brand—the DB6 and DB4. Available in a variety of kit setups, dive in below to check out all the specifics on this new hydraulic brake system…

Launched today, SRAM’s new Motive brakes spearhead a host of changes to the brand’s take on hydraulic brakes. Chief amongst them, a switch to mineral oil instead of the famously caustic DOT fluid. Using a post/ IS mount standard and featuring a four piston design, SRAM’s new Motive brakes are said to be perfect for modern XC and trail bikes.

sram motive 2025
  • sram motive 2025

SRAM’s New Motive Brakes

The Motive brakes have two distinct rotor offerings—the HS2 and Centerline X. The HS2 rotors are said to offer 7% more stopping power and heat management per rotor size than CenterLine, while CenterLine X rotors have a gram-saving aluminum carrier for the weight-concerned. They also offer two different brake compounds, sintered and organic, with benefits that favor heat resistance and strength of bite respectively. Motive brakes come in four tiers: Ultimate $275 USD (per wheel), Silver $225 USD (per wheel), Bronze $175 USD (per wheel), and Ultimate Expert which is $599 USD for the full kit.

SRAM’s change to mineral oil is, per the company, driven by a desire to use a fluid that is more hydrophobic. This drastically increases time between necessary services as the fluid won’t take on any moisture through the atmosphere or changes in it. Their new mineral oil was co-developed with Maxima Racing Oils and is proprietary, meaning you should always use this specific compound of mineral oil for the best results.

  • sram motive 2025
  • sram motive 2025
A full brakedown of caliper and kit from SRAM

DB6 & DB4

SRAM's New Motive Brakes
  • SRAM's New Motive Brakes
  • SRAM's New Motive Brakes

The new DB6 and DB4 brakes are a more budget friendly offering using the same mineral oil from SRAM/ Maxima Racing Oils. Unlike the DB8 brakes, DB6 and DB4 levers are left and right specific and cannot be interchanged. According to SRAM, the right and left specific stealth lever body design brings the hose parallel to the bar, allowing for an organized cockpit that pairs perfectly with mechanical Eagle Transmission. Said to offer “Code-like power,” the new SRAM DB6 and DB4 brakes retail at $95 USD and $75 USD respectively, use a fully removable MMX clamp, and come with steel-backed organic brake pads.

For more on SRAM’s new Motive Brakes, visit SRAM.com.

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