In the 1980s, Honda introduced fully enclosed disc brakes on some of their motorcycles, such as the Honda CX series. These fully enclosed disc brakes, also known as "Comstar" wheels, featured a distinctive design where the brake rotor was enclosed within the wheel.
The primary benefit of fully enclosed disc brakes was their improved aerodynamics. By enclosing the disc brake within the wheel, it reduced air resistance and minimized drag, resulting in improved high-speed stability and overall performance. The streamlined design also helped to protect the brake rotor from debris and elements, potentially extending the lifespan of the brake components.
Additionally, fully enclosed disc brakes had an aesthetic appeal, giving the motorcycles a unique and futuristic look that was popular at the time.
While the fully enclosed disc brakes provided some aerodynamic advantages and added style to the motorcycles, it's important to note that they did not offer any significant functional or performance advantages over traditional exposed disc brakes. Exposed disc brakes, when properly designed and maintained, are highly effective in providing reliable stopping power and heat dissipation.
Over time, the fully enclosed disc brake design fell out of favor, and most modern motorcycles utilize exposed disc brakes for ease of maintenance, cooling efficiency, and overall performance.
In summary, the fully enclosed disc brakes seen on some Honda motorcycles in the 1980s provided aerodynamic benefits and added a distinctive look to the bikes. However, from a functional standpoint, they did not offer significant advantages over traditional exposed disc brakes.