SRAM Motive Ultimate Review – Tested on the Gorilla Brakes Smuggler

SRAM’s new Motive Ultimate mineral oil brake system has landed and rather than form an opinion in the workshop, we installed it on our Transition Smuggler test bike and took it straight into cold, wet Yorkshire conditions.

Tested in cold, wet Yorkshire conditions – early February trail riding.

This was my first time personally running SRAM’s mineral oil platform. I’ve worked on customer bikes fitted with Mavens, but hadn’t logged real trail miles on the Motives. So this wasn’t a car park test this was back-to-back winter riding.

Author: Lee Hine – Gorilla Brakes Customer Services & Product Testing
Tested in real winter trail conditions in Yorkshire, UK.

The Setup

• Bike: Transition Smuggler
• Brakes: SRAM Motive Ultimate
• Rotors: 203mm front / 180mm rear 6-bolt
• Rider weight: 74kg

The Smuggler had previously been running HEL Advocates for several months — solid performers  but we wanted a direct comparison on the same terrain.

During installation we also used our Modular 4-Piston Disc Brake Service Tool to clean pistons and centre the caliper correctly before testing.

Installation & Bleeding

The bleed process will feel familiar to anyone who has worked on SRAM systems before. The Motive uses the Bleeding Edge interface, and the procedure is clean and straightforward.

We used the SRAM Pro Mineral Oil Bleed Kit. Having tested alternatives in the past, the genuine kit seals better and flows more consistently. If you plan to bleed your own brakes, it’s worth using the proper equipment.

Post-bleed lever feel was firm and consistent from the outset no wandering bite point, no soft stroke.

First Ride Resin Pads in Winter Conditions

We began testing on resin pads, fully bedded in using our workshop bedding machine to establish a consistent transfer layer. If you’re unsure about correct bedding procedure, follow our guide: How to Bed in New Brake Pads Properly.

Conditions: 40km in cold, wet and snowy Yorkshire trails.

On-Trail Impressions

• Zero lever creep
• Firm engagement without harshness
• Strong but controlled power
• Smooth, predictable modulation

Power delivery felt comparable to Shimano XT, though slightly smoother through the stroke. Engagement was immediate but not grabby — confidence inspiring in slippery conditions.

For a first ride, they impressed.

Day Two – Steep Technical Testing

The following day we moved onto steeper, more technical terrain. Repeated heavy braking zones. Long descents. Consistent load.

• No fade
• No lever movement
• No inconsistency

The 203mm front / 180mm rear rotor setup felt perfectly balanced for a 74kg rider. Even after sustained braking, the lever remained stable and predictable.

In winter conditions where some systems begin to feel vague, the Motives stayed precise.

Switching to Sintered Pads

Back in the workshop, we cleaned the calipers and rotors and installed our Gorilla Brakes Sintered Pads for SRAM Motive / Code.

After a full bedding cycle, the difference was immediately noticeable.

Sintered First Impressions

• Sharper initial bite
• More aggressive engagement
• Higher outright stopping power

The increase in initial bite was significant compared to resin. We’ll continue long-term testing and update this review with durability and wear observations.

Why We Test Standard Compounds

We deliberately test using our standard SRAM brake pad compounds rather than only premium race options.

Most riders aren’t running top-tier race compounds. To advise customers properly, we test what most people actually use in real weather, on real terrain.

That’s how we build accurate recommendations.

Workshop Setup & Tooling

Correct piston reset and alignment matter especially on powerful 4-piston systems. Below is how we used our modular piston cleaning and alignment tool during installation:

View our full range of disc brake service tools here.

Bedding Sintered Pads Properly

Sintered pads must be bedded in correctly. Without proper bedding:

• Noise increases
• Glazing can occur
• Performance becomes inconsistent

Correct alignment and bedding are essential for getting the best from high-powered systems like the Motive Ultimate.

Early Verdict

The SRAM Motive Ultimate positions itself as a serious modern trail brake.

• Strong and controllable power
• Excellent modulation
• Stable lever feel
• Consistent performance under load

So far, it has delivered exactly what a high-end trail brake should — controlled power, predictable modulation and confidence in poor conditions.

We’ll continue testing and update this review as mileage builds.

6-Month Update – 500 Miles Later

Six months on and around 500 miles of riding later, I can confidently say that the SRAM Motive Ultimate has become one of my favourite brake systems that I have tested in recent years.

Over the past six months the brakes have remained incredibly consistent. Lever feel has stayed firm, power delivery has remained predictable and, most importantly, they have never let me down on a ride. From steep, technical descents to long XC days in the saddle, the Motives have simply got on with the job.

Most of my testing has been carried out using Gorilla Brakes sintered brake pads. With this setup the Motives produce an impressive amount of initial bite. Personally, I really like the aggressive feel and instant engagement, but some riders may prefer a smoother, more progressive power delivery.

If that is the case, switching to our Factory Racing or Enduro Pro compounds can completely change the character of the brake, giving a more controlled feel with smoother modulation while still maintaining excellent stopping power.

One thing that has surprised me is some of the online criticism suggesting that the Motive lacks power. Having spent six months riding these brakes in all conditions, I genuinely struggle to understand those comments. It makes me wonder whether some of the systems were not bled correctly or properly set up. My own experience has been the complete opposite. Power has been more than sufficient for everything from technical trail riding to longer mountain days, and I have experienced no performance issues whatsoever.

With the Motive Ultimate, SRAM has created a brake that combines excellent modulation, strong power, consistent performance and straightforward maintenance. Considering the price point compared to some of the latest premium brake systems entering the market, it also represents excellent value.

Over the coming weeks we will be removing the Motives from our test bike as we eagerly await the arrival of the new Brembo GR-PRO system. As soon as the first production units land, we will be putting them through the same real-world testing process and comparing them directly against the SRAM Motive.

Final 6-Month Rating: 10/10

If you are looking for a brake that offers excellent feel, confidence-inspiring modulation, consistent performance and enough power for the vast majority of riders, the SRAM Motive Ultimate is easy to recommend.

Do SRAM Motive brakes use the same pads as Code brakes?

Yes. SRAM Motive uses the same large pad shape as Code and DB8 brakes.

Are SRAM Motive brakes mineral oil?

Yes. Motive is SRAM’s new mineral oil platform.

Are SRAM Motive brakes more powerful than Shimano XT?

In our testing, power was similar, but Motive offered smoother modulation.

Can I run sintered pads in SRAM Motive brakes?

Yes. We tested Gorilla Brakes sintered pads and saw a noticeable increase in bite and stopping power.

Lee Hine
Gorilla Brakes