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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 26 2010, 10:24 PM EDT (current) | almostbasic | 377 words added |
| Mar 26 2010, 10:23 PM EDT | almostbasic |
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One of the most valuable performance upgrades you can do to your custom streetbike, is to put on upgraded rims! I know, you see that these wheels tip the scales at like 10 pounds less than stock, so you're thinking, 10 pounds isn't going to warrant paying all that cash for light custom motorcycle rims. But the real important thing is not how much weight are you dropping, it is where is the weight you will be losing?
aftermarket rims will make a huge difference in the handling of your bike, acceleration and deceleration "braking" of your bike for the following reasons.
Non-Rotational Weight:
One ounce reduced from a rims total weight, is equal to 4 oz's taken off another part of the bike. Magnesium wheels will normally weigh about 10 pounds less than your factory aluminum wheels. This is equal to 40 pounds of weight loss on the bike, not too bad...
Rotational Weight:
This is the weight reduction on the outer lip of the rim and this is where the weight reduction makes a HUGE improvement. At 100mph, each ounce of weight removed here, is equal to having 25 pounds of weight taken off the motorcycle! This is actual weight that must be turned, accelerated, and stopped, and likewise, it will improve cornering, acceleration, and braking.
At any speed the reduction is relative to the speed of the bike. As you increase your speed the weight savings will increase exponentially. There are lots of types of lightweight custom motorcycle wheels out there, made in a variety of different materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber.What to expect:
Most people who upgrade to light wheels, experience better acceleration, more responsive engine braking, "lighter feeling" in motion, and easier turning, with no perceivable stability loss. Due to their ability to start spinning so easily, many riders report being able to drift with the back tire through corners, but without any loss of control.
Conclusion:
Although they may be costly, I honestly believe that performance motorcycle wheels are an amazing modification for anyone wanting to get more performance from their streetbike. What other part can you get for your streetbike that provides you better handling, better braking, better acceleration, and better looks for that kind of money?
aftermarket rims will make a huge difference in the handling of your bike, acceleration and deceleration "braking" of your bike for the following reasons.
Non-Rotational Weight:
One ounce reduced from a rims total weight, is equal to 4 oz's taken off another part of the bike. Magnesium wheels will normally weigh about 10 pounds less than your factory aluminum wheels. This is equal to 40 pounds of weight loss on the bike, not too bad...
Rotational Weight:
This is the weight reduction on the outer lip of the rim and this is where the weight reduction makes a HUGE improvement. At 100mph, each ounce of weight removed here, is equal to having 25 pounds of weight taken off the motorcycle! This is actual weight that must be turned, accelerated, and stopped, and likewise, it will improve cornering, acceleration, and braking.
At any speed the reduction is relative to the speed of the bike. As you increase your speed the weight savings will increase exponentially. There are lots of types of lightweight custom motorcycle wheels out there, made in a variety of different materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber.What to expect:
Most people who upgrade to light wheels, experience better acceleration, more responsive engine braking, "lighter feeling" in motion, and easier turning, with no perceivable stability loss. Due to their ability to start spinning so easily, many riders report being able to drift with the back tire through corners, but without any loss of control.
Conclusion:
Although they may be costly, I honestly believe that performance motorcycle wheels are an amazing modification for anyone wanting to get more performance from their streetbike. What other part can you get for your streetbike that provides you better handling, better braking, better acceleration, and better looks for that kind of money?
