One of the hardest working parts for any go-fast side-by-side are its brakes, though they're more often overlooked. Read any press release or spec sheet on any of the UTVs that raise hell in the desert, and you'll see horsepower, suspension travel, fuel range, cage design, and more about its audio than you will about the machine's brakes.
Yet, without good stopping power, well, you aren't stopping that machine when all of a sudden, a rock enters your sightline, or a deer steps out onto the trail. Or more likely, you overcook a corner and need all those brake pistons to clamp down on that rotor as hard as physically possible. But people just don't seem to care to shout them out when we start talking about these vehicles.
That, however, is changing as more and more manufacturers of aftermarket brakes are entering the field. And the biggest name in brakes, i.e., Brembo, just debuted its own concept for UTV brakes at the AIMExpo that's going on right now. Folks, they look sick, and I'm gonna need a set for my Maverick X3 stat.
First, Brembo are calling these "concepts," though the language within the brand's press release, states that real products are coming in 2027. So these are more to gauge public perception and gain some more knowledge about the industry versus showing us the finished designs.
"Brembo’s aftermarket UTV brake caliper and disc concepts ma ke their debut at AIMExpo," states the brand, adding, "These concept components offer a glimpse of upcoming solutions that will launch in North America in 2027." But what are they, you ask? Glad you did.
As you can see from the photos here, the new Brembo units are comprised of a drilled brake disc and a 2-piston caliper setup, with a host of color options that'll be likely available when they debut. I say likely, as Brembo states that it's looking for customer input in what colors it debuts with the final product next year. No word on price, which UTV models they'll fit, or stopping power, but the fact that Brembo sees the UTV market as potentially the next up-and-coming tuner scene should tell you something about how hot this space is.
“Brembo is thrilled to enter the UTV segment and offer an early look with our UTV caliper and disc concepts at AIMExpo 2026 ," said Greg Tackett, VP of aftermarket, Americas for Brembo, adding, "motorbikes to side -by -sides, from the racetrack to the trails, every vehicle deserves the safety and performance of Brembo."
For me, this is a huge step forward, as while my Can-Am Maverick X3's brakes are good, they've always been the least capable part of my very capable machine. I'd like a little more bit and longevity from them, and these Brembo might just be the solution I've been looking for.
