Lightweight Custom Motorcycle Wheels - Why They Make Such A Big Difference By: Chris Miller
One of the most worthwhile performance modifications you can do to your custom bike, is to put on aftermarket wheels! I know, you see that these wheels weigh like 10 pounds less than factory, so you're contemplating, 10 pounds is not going to justify dropping all that dough for light custom motorcycle rims. But the real question is not how much weight are you dropping, it is where is the weight you are losing?
Aftermarket wheels will make a enormous difference in the handling of your bike, acceleration and deceleration "braking" of your bike for the listed reasons.
Non-Rotational Weight:
One oz reduced from the wheels total weight, is equal to 4 ounces taken off another part of the bike. Magnesium wheels will on average weigh about 10 pounds less than your stock aluminum wheels. This is equal to 40 lbs of weight loss on the bike, not too bad...
Rotational Weight:
This is the weight reduction on the outer rim of the rim and this is where the weight loss makes a RIDICULOUS difference. At 100mph, each ounce of weight eliminated here, is like having 25 lbs of weight stripped from the motorcycle! This is actual weight that must be turned, accelerated, and stopped, and likewise, it will improve cornering, acceleration, and stopping.
At any speed the reduction is relative to the speed of the bike. As you increase your rate of movement the weight savings will increase exponentially. There are different types of lightweight custom motorcycle wheels available, made in a variety of different materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber.What to expect:
Most people who upgrade to aftermarket wheels, experience better acceleration, better engine braking, "lighter feeling" in motion, and easier turning, with no noticable stability loss. Due to their ability to start moving so easily, many riders report being able to drift with the back tire around corners, but without any loss of control.
Conclusion:
Although they may be costly, I really believe that lightweight motorcycle rims are an amazing upgrade for anyone wanting to get more performance from their bike. What other part can you get for your bike that allots you better handling, better braking, better acceleration, and better looks for that kind of money?
More Motorcycle Resources: motorcycle articles | custom motorcycle forum | streetfighter motorcycle building
Aftermarket wheels will make a enormous difference in the handling of your bike, acceleration and deceleration "braking" of your bike for the listed reasons.
Non-Rotational Weight:
One oz reduced from the wheels total weight, is equal to 4 ounces taken off another part of the bike. Magnesium wheels will on average weigh about 10 pounds less than your stock aluminum wheels. This is equal to 40 lbs of weight loss on the bike, not too bad...
Rotational Weight:
This is the weight reduction on the outer rim of the rim and this is where the weight loss makes a RIDICULOUS difference. At 100mph, each ounce of weight eliminated here, is like having 25 lbs of weight stripped from the motorcycle! This is actual weight that must be turned, accelerated, and stopped, and likewise, it will improve cornering, acceleration, and stopping.
At any speed the reduction is relative to the speed of the bike. As you increase your rate of movement the weight savings will increase exponentially. There are different types of lightweight custom motorcycle wheels available, made in a variety of different materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber.What to expect:
Most people who upgrade to aftermarket wheels, experience better acceleration, better engine braking, "lighter feeling" in motion, and easier turning, with no noticable stability loss. Due to their ability to start moving so easily, many riders report being able to drift with the back tire around corners, but without any loss of control.
Conclusion:
Although they may be costly, I really believe that lightweight motorcycle rims are an amazing upgrade for anyone wanting to get more performance from their bike. What other part can you get for your bike that allots you better handling, better braking, better acceleration, and better looks for that kind of money?
More Motorcycle Resources: motorcycle articles | custom motorcycle forum | streetfighter motorcycle building
Total Views : 276 Word Count: 363 See All Articles By Chris Miller