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.

Lee Hine
Gorilla Brakes – Customer Services & Product Testing