Road.cc Rates Motoko 8/10
Easy to set up and adjust with arguably the best cables available, great non-hydro brakes.
A fundamental difference between the HY/RDs and Motokos is the hydraulic system - HY/RDs are 'open' whereas the Motokos are 'closed'. This refers to the absence on the Motokos of a fluid reservoir that deals with the expansion of fluid at high temperatures. The missing reservoir is what makes the 143g Motokos some 100g lighter and lower in profile per pair than the HY/RDs – weight weenies and caliper aesthetes take note. (LINK TO FULL REVIEW)
Velo Magazine Reviews the Motoko
Mechanical/hydraulic hybrid means no new levers required
One the biggest advancements is size, and the Motoko is admirably compact. Even as compared to the TRP Hy/Rd — arguably the best of the breed — the Motoko is substantially smaller and lighter. Actual weight per caliper is just 142g with pads but without mounting hardware, plus another 117g for the included 160mm-diameter six-bolt stainless steel rotor — not exactly feathery, but more than 100g lighter per pair than the TRP.
That slimmer design also allows for an open-backed rear window for better airflow over the pads relative the the TRP’s more closed-off shape, plus the Shimano-compatible pads install from the top for easier replacement. A small tool-free adjuster dial adjusts the angle of the arm relative to the piston shaft, too, and users can tweak the lever feel and power depending on the angle chosen.
There’s also outstanding control from the Motoko, and you can more easily (and more consistently) flirt with the limits of wheel lock-up as compared to most rim-brake systems. That advantage grows with degrading weather conditions, too. (LINK TO FULL REVIEW)
Dirt Rag
Yokozuna is best known for making some of the best cables and housing on the market. The Motoko is Yokozuna’s first foray into components, aiming for the heart of the rapidly expanding disc-brake, drop-bar market.
The Motoko is a cable-actuated, hydraulic disc brake. Unlike almost every other hydraulic system on the market, this is a closed system, meaning there is no automatic adjustment for either pad wear or heat-induced fluid expansion. That gave me pause. But it is my job to ride things that give me pause, so ride them I did.
Included with each brake are a 160 mm rotor and Yokozuna’s Reaction cable and housing system. For anyone with cable brakes, the Reaction system is worth looking at when the time comes to replace cables and housing. Utilizing both spiral-wound and longitudinal wires, the housing resists both compression and bursting. A very sharp housing cutter or a Dremel tool are recommended for installation, as it can be hard to get all the bits to stay square when cutting to length. I used a brand-new cutter with no issues and ran full housing front and rear.
For modern gravel/all-road bikes, or even a light and simple option for cyclocross or commuting bikes, the Motoko gets a surprised thumbs up from me. These brakes have a perfect modern-classic look to them that seems to complement everything from carbon race bikes to lugged steel steeds. Easy to find brake pads, easy adjustment and installation, and enough performance to keep me safe and happy. (LINK TO FULL REVIEW)
We Ride the Thunder
I hear you ask why cable-actuated hydraulic brake calipers? Why not get a hydraulic brake set. I know that Sram, Shimano and a few others have full hydraulic shifter brake sets. But some of the problems with them are the price, weight (if you care), not easy to service, spares can be a problem to get and the list goes one but won’t bore you with that. The Motoko are designed for the everyday rider in mind and not for the racing for the snake, but would probably hold it’s on any bike and condition.
For me personally I love to modify and custom build my bikes. Having a cable disc brake opens the door to more build options. I’ve paired the Motoko’s to Cane Creek, Sram force mechanical and Paul Canti levers, they have great lever feel and out perform normal cable disc and some hydraulic brakes. (LINK TO FULL "NOT A REVIEW")
