Carbon Wheels

[JapanScratchy]

Hey Everyone,

I'm starting to think about some new wheels for the bike and in searching the forum i found some references to carbon wheels but could not find anyone who has made the switch...is that true? ...is there someone hiding out there who has dropped the cash for this upgrade?

Some of the questions i have is about "fitment" of both wheels. I don't know the sizes of the wheel that i would need to get in order to make this a 1-1 swap. Is there another bike that uses the same size wheels?

I have found a few sites but this is the one I liked best. Let me know what you think.
http://www.blackstonetek.com/products.php

thanks,
JS

[Klotzfreak]

Along this same line, I would like to know if there is much of an advantage of the carbon fiber wheels? I realize that they are much lighter and would reduce the unsprung mass, but does anyone feel that they are worth the money?

Just curious.

Klotz

[EvilSprint]

Originally Posted by Klotzfreak

Along this same line, I would like to know if there is much of an advantage of the carbon fiber wheels? I realize that they are much lighter and would reduce the unsprung mass, but does anyone feel that they are worth the money?

Just curious.

Klotz

If you're racing or building a show bike then ya, knock yourself out.

They look super cool, and you WILL notice a difference in acceleration, but for a daily driver on some of the roads we have to deal with I could see them being damaged quickly.

Not saying that the quality is inferior, but take into the consideration the condition of your roads and how they even beat up metal wheels.

[Tri-oomph!]

Originally Posted by Klotzfreak

Along this same line, I would like to know if there is much of an advantage of the carbon fiber wheels? I realize that they are much lighter and would reduce the unsprung mass, but does anyone feel that they are worth the money?

Just curious.

Klotz

I agree with EvilSprint and would add that, "worth the money"? is all relative to how much cash you can drop. Where I live in the economic stata, there's no way I could/would buy them.

My riding level is no where near the limit so I would not be looking for that extra performance edge considering the price, and especially not on a bike that is already limited in the areas of suspension and possibly braking for those into serious sport riding.

Perhaps my logic is faulty but, seems like overkill on the Sprint.

[peeti]

Great wheels for racing and "go" but same issue as cars - hit a pothole, replace it. The problem is carbon fiber will delaminate rather than deform - so you can't repair them.

[RSRAT]

I've been researching this mod for over a year now. So far, I've found one dealer/manufacturer in the UK who say they can provide fitment for my '02RS. I've also heard from some that the US made CF moto wheel has proven to be better than the UK made-- I think its more about the cosmetics and design look (BST) than anything.

Having said that, and aside from the money, I am aware from my sports car and bicycle racing days that lightened wheels and, for that matter, drive train components and any other unsprung parts or those with rotating mass, will always improve performance in several ways-- acceleration-yes, braking- yes, cornering-yes, in the case of cycles-flickability, etc.

Crazy though it may be, I've always enjoyed holding on to vehicles that I find comfortable in terms of fit and ergonomics, opting to continually upgrade their performance rather than just trading out every few years. I've done this with cars and bicycles and am now doing it with my RS. In its case I think its strong suit is its engine and drive train-- all the power I'll probably ever need, and very streetable as well. So, I'm not reluctant to keep improving its performance, comfort, utility, etc. The bike just suits me that well and I've not developed any lust for any other, as yet, and its been 7 years.

So, in general, if you're going to invest in performance improvements anyway, lightening components makes sense and can sometimes be more cost effective than trying to improve power. Doing this with a dedicated track bike makes more sense perhaps, but what the hell.

One must be careful with CF moto wheels though to be sure you can fit up all the components your wheels will need to interface properly with the rest of the bike-- rotors, axles spacers, cush drive, etc., etc. In addition, you might as well go with a 520 chain/sprocket kit while you're at it and keep in mind the reduced service life of those components. If you like to go to the track, then all this makes a little more sense than if you're essentially a road rider only.

In fact, the argument can easily be made that for a given amount of money spent, attending track days and improving your riding skills may make you and your bike faster than all the exotic gizmos ever would. Personally, I'm interested in some of each, but that's just what happens to float my boat. I guess I'm prepared to take all the ribbing that might accompany my riding around on a middle aged sport touring bike with a pair of hot wheels.

Perhaps those of us who are sufficiently interested could lobby for a group buy out of this forum-- the times are good for that since I've seen upgrade wheels selling lately for pretty good discounts due to the slow markets. And, a group buy could be ideal since many would be seeking wheels built specifically for our bikes which might be attractive to the fabricators as well.

[redmosquito1]

I personally like anything carbon fibre. The issue I have with the wheels is that carbon fiber does not bend and Michigans roads are notoriously full of potholes. Hit one on an aluminum wheel and it may tweak it but that can be repaired do it on carbon and there goes $1500.

Also I'm not certain the average rider will be able to take advantage or even notice the difference in the wheels. Basically if your tires still have the michelin man than you don't ride hard enough to warrant carbon wheels.

That being said, its your bike and you $$ so spend it as you see fit. But I beg you to post pics once you get them installed!!!

Also I am 90% positive that the Daytona Speed Triple and Sprints all used the same front wheels from 99-04. Decosse can correct me if I'm wrong as usually I don't recall.

And the rear wheels are the same for any of the SSSA triumphs made.

[Shovelstrokeed]

My opinion only but, I would sooner drop the 3 grand or so on an Ohlins front fork. The forks seem to me to be the weak link on these bikes. Forks and a rear shock can transform the bike like no other modification. If, at a later time, you want to go for some super wheels, at least you will have the adaptability to take full advantage of them.

[DaveM]

Originally Posted by Shovelstrokeed

My opinion only but, I would sooner drop the 3 grand or so on an Ohlins front fork. The forks seem to me to be the weak link on these bikes. Forks and a rear shock can transform the bike like no other modification. If, at a later time, you want to go for some super wheels, at least you will have the adaptability to take full advantage of them.

My opinion only but the biggest weak link on these bikes is the nut behind the handle bars.

FWIW I wouldn't touch a CF wheel in a pink fit for a road bike.

DaveM

[ExKellick]

I appreciate RSRAT's comments which I think are fair enough (check out the cruiser forums and the amount of money people spend on chrome bits that do nothing except be shiny is staggering) but really lets not kid ourselves that the Sprint will ever be Gixxer, 'Blade, or a 1098 no matter what we do. It was never meant to be anything else and I reckon to overdo the custom sports stuff will take the dignity away from this majestic beast in much the same way spoiler kits and ultra low profile tyres do for comfortable sedans and station wagons.

But then if you think it's cool - knock yourself out.