Accessory wheel sets in comparison

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Accessory wheel sets in comparison
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accesories

tire

Accessory wheel sets in comparison

Comparative test of accessory wheels
Accessory wheels in the test

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Lighter bikes, yes or no? Most sports drivers ask themselves that. What do they bring Do you improve the handling? Is it worth the investment? Are there any disadvantages? Here are the answers. Are there any disadvantages? Here are the answers.

Volkmar Jacob

09/19/2012

A few years ago the motorcycle world was pleasantly simple. Cast standard wheels weighed as heavy as lead, and those who wanted to improve the handling of their darling treated themselves to a wheel set from the after-market. But thanks to modern production technology, the wall thicknesses of original equipment wheels are shrinking, the difference in weight compared to forged and therefore expensive material is becoming smaller and smaller. “It’s not just about the weight,” shouted the alarmed accessories industry after the dwindling customer base. “It is important where it is located.” A pure sales strategy or solid facts? We wanted to know exactly and ordered bikes made of different materials from all well-known accessory manufacturers in order to compare them with series counterparts. We chose the BMW S 1000 RR as a test machine. Every manufacturer / importer had wheels in stock for them or was able to procure them at short notice. The results of this test can only be transferred to other bikes to a limited extent. Different series wheels, a different chassis geometry and balance do not allow an absolute comparison. However, the test always provides tendencies.

Who is there??
Seven manufacturers are also on board: BST, Dymag (both with carbon wheels), Galespeed, Marchesini, OZ, PVM (all forged aluminum) and Rotobox (carbon). Most companies also have other lightweight rims in their range. This applies to the dimensions as well as the purpose (racing, country road), for the design or the material. Tip: surf the manufacturer’s website and get an overview of what is on offer. OZ and PVM sent racing variants with “full floater brake discs”. These fully floating discs compensate for the expansion and contraction of the discs under extreme loads (racing use) and thus prevent them from warping. Disadvantage: The bearing wears out faster, the discs have to be replaced sooner. The (semi-floating) standard or appropriately adapted accessory discs fit on all other bikes.


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


Jacob

the “Auditor Inertia Chronograph” determines the mass moment of inertia (MOI) up to two places behind the decimal point.

What is important?
First and foremost, it depends on the moment of inertia (MOI). The abbreviation comes from English and stands for “Momentum Of Inertia”. The unit is given in kg.cm². The MOI determines the resistance of a body that is set in rotation or slowed down by it. The further the mass is from the axis of rotation (in our case the wheel axis), the higher the MOI. What does this mean for bikes? This physical condition has a direct effect on handling. Wheels with a low MOI improve handiness and vice versa. The accessories industry is correct in its claim that it depends on the distribution of the mass. A small experiment clarifies this. As a test, we packed exactly 620 g of additional weight directly around the hub of a front wheel weighing around three kilograms. Without this weight, the mass moment of inertia was 858 kg.cm², with a weight of 861 kg.cm². The MOI was only 0.35 percent higher, although the total mass increased by around 20 percent! The technical data of the bikes and further information are in the respective boxes.

What was noticed?
Pleasing: All the wheels are very well spaced and fit perfectly into the bike. The discs run in the middle of the brake calipers, and the chain alignment is correct. For this purpose, the spacers are firmly connected to the wheel. The annoying “clang” of sockets falling out when installing the wheel is no longer necessary. Less pleasant: with two manufacturers (Dymag, Rotobox), the spacer sleeves on the rear wheel were a bit too tight. The axis did not fit through the guide, the sockets had to be reground a little. Rotobox also surprised with small air pockets in the clearcoat. In addition, two screws on the sprocket attachment were so steadfast that even the impact wrench could not loosen them. The same applies to the screw connection of the front brake discs at PVM.


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


Frank’s Photo Service

PS’s favorite discipline: test driving on the race. A total of eight wheelsets went through the test.

And while driving?
The good news: All of the wheels noticeably improve the BMW’s handling. In this regard, the carbon parts from Dymag and Rotobox are at the forefront. A small amount of steering impulses is enough and it works S 1000 RR willingly in the corners. However, the lightweight wheels also pay tribute. In the ultra-fast Parabolica curve of the Hockenheim circuit, the load begins to oscillate significantly. In extreme cases this means: close the gas! Obviously a bike needs certain stabilizing gyroscopic forces in order to smoothly pull its course. “Our bikes need a different chassis setup, especially more compression damping,” says Dymag importer Norbert Backes. “Simply install and get started rarely works.”

Road use allowed?
Admission is a sensitive issue. According to a final judgment by the Administrative Court of Baden-Wurttemberg (Az. 10 S 1857/09), the vehicle’s operating license only expires if the change is expected to pose a risk. In fact, the wheels designed by manufacturers for public roads must be approved for road traffic without a test. Condition: The wheels must have the same dimensions as the series parts. Unfortunately, word of this has not yet got around to all the auditors of the responsible organizations (TuV, Dekra, GTu), so trouble is not excluded. You can play it safe if you receive an ABE from the manufacturer. But at least in theory it is not necessary.

This is how PS tests


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


Jacob

The Continental Race Attack Comp served as the standard tire for the test. Endurance.

Mass moment of inertia 25 points:
We distribute counters for the mass moment of inertia (MOI) according to a fixed point key. A theoretical but important value. Because the lower the MOI, the closer the mass is to the wheel axle, which improves handling. The great art of wheel building is to design rims with a low MOI and still high stability.

Driving test 50 points:
For the most important criterion, we award 50 out of a maximum of 100 points to be achieved. How much power does the pilot need to turn into corners? How easy is it to maneuver the bike through alternating curves? Does it stay on course or does it tend to understeer (“running-wide”)? Driving stability also plays a major role. Does the load calmly shoot around the radius or does it rock in fast corners? Some test candidates scored points with their excellent handling, but lost their stability when it came to stability. We always drove with the same amount of gasoline.

Handling / processing 25 points:
The processing includes, for example, the imbalance of the wheels, which we naturally measured without a valve. This also includes painting, screwing, accuracy of fit and general finish. When it comes to handling, we pay attention to fixed spacers, among other things.

BMW series


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


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BMW series

Contact
BMW dealers
www.bmw-motorrad.de

Price per set (without discs): 1218 euros
Material: cast aluminum
Weight in kilograms *: front 7.29, rear 8.95
MOI in kilograms x cm² *: front 1675, rear 1616
Static wheel load in kilograms: front 180, rear 270
Original brake discs can be used: yes
Imbalance in grams: front 7, rear 25 

Evaluation criteria maximum number of points Points
Mass moment of inertia 25th 12th
Driving test 50 38
Processing / handling 25th 18th
Total points 100 68

Conclusion
With the heavy series wheels, the BMW is clearly the most unwieldy. The finish is okay for cast mass-produced goods, but the forged competition looks more elegant. The sprocket carrier hangs loosely between the shock absorbers and can fall out when changing wheels – point deduction for handling. Biggest advantage: the price.

verdict
satisfactory to sufficient

* complete with washers

BST Black Diamond (PS test winner)


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


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BST Black Diamond (PS test winner).

Contact
BST Europe, 5342 PZ Oss, The Netherlands, Tel. 0031/412693577
www.europemotoparts.com

Price per set (without discs): 2926 euros
Material: carbon
Weight in kilograms *: front 6.99, rear 6.35
MOI in kilograms x cm² *: front 1220, rear 893
Static wheel load in kilograms: front 150, rear 250
Original brake discs can be used: yes
Imbalance in grams: front 15, rear 30 

Evaluation criteria maximum number of points Points
Mass moment of inertia 25th 23
Driving test 50 43
Processing / handling 25th 21
Total points 100 87

Conclusion
Despite the low MOI, the BMW does not circle the radii any more nimbly than with the metallic noble competition. Apparently the relatively high weight of the front wheel affects the handling. The price is significantly higher than the forged wheels, a case for enthusiasts. Except for a significant imbalance in both wheels, the BST are top-quality. Test victory!

verdict
very good to good

* complete with washers

Dymag CA5


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


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Dymag CA5.

Contact
Norbert Backes, 47506 Neukirchen-Vluyn, Tel. 02157/872454
www.carbon.de

Price per set (without discs): 2900 euros
Material: carbon
Weight in kilograms *: front 5.72, rear 5.82
MOI in kilograms x cm² *: front 1180, rear 807
Static wheel load in kilograms front: 185, rear 270
Original brake discs can be used: yes
Imbalance in grams: front < 5, back 25 

Evaluation criteria maximum number of points Points
Mass moment of inertia 25th 24
Driving test 50 35
Processing / handling 25th 18th
Total points 100 77

Conclusion
Second lowest mass moment of inertia of the test. On these rounds the BMW folds down by itself without looking nervous – great! However, the bike sways a lot in the Parabolica curve, apparently there is no stabilizing gyroscopic force. Deduction during processing due to too narrow spacers and imbalance. Wheels for setup professionals!

verdict
good to satisfactory

* complete with washers

Galespeed Type S


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


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Galespeed Type S.

Contact
Gilles Tooling, L-6868 Luxembourg, 0035 / 2267893-1
www.gillestooling.com

Price per set (without discs): 2499 euros
Material: forged aluminum
Weight in kilograms *: front 6.85, rear 7.57
MOI in kilograms x cm² *: front 1505, rear 1367
Static wheel load in kilograms: front 190, rear 280
Original brake discs can be used: yes
Imbalance in grams: front < 5, rear < 5 

Evaluation criteria maximum number of points Points
Mass moment of inertia 25th 16
Driving test 50 43
Processing / handling 25th 23
Total points 100 82

Conclusion
The pretty multi-spoke wheels shine with a top finish. And despite its relatively high weight and MOI, the S 1000 RR plows around the slopes just as easily as with the most manageable blacksmith competition. Only the lightest carbon bikes are handier. Apparently the construction is perfectly ingenious. The rims harmonize perfectly with the BMW.

verdict
Good

* complete with washers

Marchesini M7RS Genesi


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


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Marchesini M7RS Genesi.

Contact
Hostettler, 79379 Mullheim, Tel. 07631/18040
www.hostettler.de

Price per set (without discs): 2398 euros (without sprocket)
Material: forged aluminum
Weight in kilograms *: front 6.91, rear 7.08
MOI in kilograms x cm² *: front 1465, rear 1210
Static wheel load in kilograms: front 185, rear 280
Original brake discs can be used: yes
Imbalance in grams: front < 5, back 0 

Evaluation criteria maximum number of points Points
Mass moment of inertia 25th 18th
Driving test 50 41
Processing / handling 25th 23
Total points 100 82

Conclusion
On the Marchesinis, the BMW whirls a tad more unwieldy around the course than on the Galespeed or PVM wheels. But the difference is marginal. The well-made wheels are nowhere exposed. On the contrary: the rear wheel was the only wheel in the test to have zero imbalance! Even the price is okay, you can’t go wrong with the Italians.

verdict
Good

* complete with washers

Oz Piega R


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


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Oz Piega R.

Contact
Alpha Racing, 83071 Stephanskirchen, Tel. 08036/303101
www.alpharacing.com

Price per set (without discs): 2297 euros
Material: forged aluminum
Weight in kilograms *: front 6.64, rear 6.38
MOI in kilograms x cm² *: front 1415, rear 1153
Static wheel load in kilograms: front k. A, back k. A.
Original brake discs can be used: no
Imbalance in grams: front < 5, rear < 5 

Evaluation criteria maximum number of points Points
Mass moment of inertia 25th 19th
Driving test 50 41
Processing / handling 25th 23
Total points 100 83

Conclusion
For the rims from OZ, which also come from Italy, the same applies as for the Marchesinis: Super workmanship, very acceptable handling, and at around 2300 euros, the wheels are another hundred cheaper. The fact that they are one point ahead of their national sisters is due to their slightly lower moment of inertia. Result: second place!

verdict
Good

* complete with washers

PVM 6-spoke racing


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


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PVM 6-spoke racing.

Contact
PVM Vetterolf, 68199 Mannheim, Tel. 0621/853172
www.pvm.de

Price per set: 3100 euros complete (with washers) **
Material: forged aluminum
Weight in kilograms *: front 6.7, rear 6.46
MOI in kilograms x cm² *: front 1344, rear 1063
Static wheel load in kilograms: front 200, rear 300
Original brake discs can be used: no
Imbalance in grams: front 5, rear 5 

Evaluation criteria maximum number of points Points
Mass moment of inertia 25th 20th
Driving test 50 43
Processing / handling 25th 19th
Total points 100 82

Conclusion
The lowest mass moment of inertia of all metallic wheels and great handling speak for the PVM pairing. However, it has a small weakness when it comes to attaching the front brake discs: cheap-looking screws that were apparently firmly glued in place. Without this (avoidable) flaw, the PVM took second place.

verdict
Good

* complete with washers. ** Manufacturer only gives complete price

Rotobox RBX 0FA / ORA


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


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Rotobox RBX 0FA / ORA.

Contact
Zupin Moto-Sport, 83301 Traunreut, Tel. 08669/8480
www.zupin.de

Price per set (without discs): 3522 euros
Material: carbon
Weight in kilograms *: front 5.73, rear 5.50
MOI in kilograms x cm² *: front 1148, rear 723
Static wheel load in kilograms: front 150, rear 250
Original brake discs can be used: yes
Imbalance in grams: front 10, rear 10 

Evaluation criteria maximum number of points Points
Mass moment of inertia 25th 25th
Driving test 50 35
Processing / handling 25th 14th
Total points 100 74

Conclusion
The lightest bikes with the lowest MOI end up far behind. The driving behavior is similar to that of the Dymags: Ultra-handy, but in the Parabolica the BMW oscillates and stirs quite pronounced. In addition, the Slovenian wheels show a weakness in the finish: an incorrectly fitting spacer sleeve, air pockets in the clear coat, the sprocket screw connection that is too tight.

verdict
satisfying

* complete with washers

PS judgment


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


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The evaluation of the wheelsets at a glance.


Accessory wheel sets in comparison


archive

The orange bars show the mass, the gray bars the moment of inertia. The basis of the percentage comparison are the series bikes with 100% each. The BST front wheel has 95% of the mass of the series, but only 73% of its MOI. Result: great mass distribution.

The good news first: the BMW S 1000 RR spins around the slope on all accessory bikes much more easily than with its series counterparts. The bad: The pairing that combines perfect handling and high driving stability does not exist. BST wins this comparison because the bikes diligently score in every criterion. This is followed by a strong and equal midfield. The rims from Dymag and Rotobox make the BMW very handy, but they require a fine hand with the chassis setup.

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