One of the most worthwhile performance mods you can do to your custom bike, is to put on upgraded rims! I know, you see that these wheels weigh like 10 pounds less than oem, so you’re contemplating, 10 pounds is not going to validate paying all that cash for light custom motorcycle rims. But the real thing to consider is not how much weight are you losing, it’s where is the weight you are losing?
Non-Rotational Weight:
One oz reduced from a rims total weight, is equal to 4 oz’s 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 pounds of weight loss on the motorcycle, not too bad…
Rotational Weight:
This is the weight reduction on the outer lip of the rim and this is where the weight loss makes a GIANT difference. At 100mph, each oz of weight reduced here, is equal to having 25 pounds 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 braking.
At any speed the loss is relative to the speed of the bike. As you increase your speed the weight savings will increase exponentially. There are different types of aftermarket 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 aftermarket wheels, experience faster acceleration, better 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 slide with the back tire around corners, but without any loss of control.
Conclusion:
Although they may be expensive, I honestly feel that lightweight motorcycle rims are an unmatched modification for anyone hoping to get more performance from their streetbike. What other part can you get for your streetbike that allots you better handling, better braking, better acceleration, and better looks for that kind of money?
One of the most worthwhile performance mods you can do to your custom bike, is to put on upgraded rims! I know, you see that these wheels weigh like 10 pounds less than oem, so you’re contemplating, 10 pounds is not going to validate paying all that cash for light custom motorcycle rims. But the real thing to consider is not how much weight are you losing, it’s where is the weight you are losing? aftermarket rims will make a giant change in the handling of your bike, acceleration and deceleration “braking” of your bike for the listed reasons. Non-Rotational Weight: One oz reduced from a rims total weight, is equal to 4 oz’s 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 pounds of weight loss on the motorcycle, not too bad… Rotational Weight: This is the weight reduction on the outer lip of the rim and this is where the weight loss makes a GIANT difference. At 100mph, each oz of weight reduced here, is equal to having 25 pounds 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 braking. At any speed the loss is relative to the speed of the bike. As you increase your speed the weight savings will increase exponentially. There are different types of aftermarket 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 aftermarket wheels, experience faster acceleration, better 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 slide with the back tire around corners, but without any loss of control. Conclusion: Although they may be expensive, I honestly feel that lightweight motorcycle rims are an unmatched modification for anyone hoping to get more performance from their streetbike. What other part can you get for your streetbike that allots you better handling, better braking, better acceleration, and better looks for that kind of money?
Tags: aluminum wheels, custom bike, custom motorcycle wheels, different materials, motorcycle rims, outer lip, performance mods, stock aluminum, Streetbike, weight reduction