dumb question: do CF rims have a metallic core?

some of them are so thin...want them but so intimidating as to possible fracture while riding.

are my fears unfounded?

RSR racer said:

some of them are so thin...want them but so intimidating as to possible fracture while riding.

are my fears unfounded?

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yes - that is not to say they won't crack, break, or otherwise be damaged like any other rim though - i've seen a few break apart at the track, but also i've seen aluminum stock wheels do the same thing... - if you hit them hard enough (low air pressure, pot hole scenario) they will damage just like any other wheel would

-- the weight savings is huge, and the feel at the bars is immediate - overall one of the single best mods i ever did on any bike i have ever owned - it would be the first thing to do on any bike if the stock wheels are the "heavy type" (non magnesium etc)

Anything can fail... If designed and manufactured properly a CF rim will be just as strong, if not more so, than an aluminum rim

RD16RR said:

yes - that is not to say they won't crack, break, or otherwise be damaged like any other rim though - i've seen a few break apart at the track, but also i've seen aluminum stock wheels do the same thing... - if you hit them hard enough (low air pressure, pot hole scenario) they will damage just like any other wheel would

-- the weight savings is huge, and the feel at the bars is immediate - overall one of the single best mods i ever did on any bike i have ever owned - it would be the first thing to do on any bike if the stock wheels are the "heavy type" (non magnesium etc)

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just curious the weight savings are huge? correct me if i am wrong but aren't the S wheels only like .5 lbs less than the BST wheels?

mark419ny said:

just curious the weight savings are huge? correct me if i am wrong but aren't the S wheels only like .5 lbs less than the BST wheels?

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There's a recent thread about BST and CF wheels with some reports on weight: http://ducati1199.com/ducati-1199/16783-bst-carbon-rim-owners-what-have-your-impressions-been.html

My shop weighed my Rotobox RBX2 wheels against the Marchesini S wheels, and they were 4.25 pounds lighter for the set (both with spacers and valve stems). The S wheels were 13.45 pounds, so the RBX2 wheels are 32% lower weight. More importantly, the MOI (moment of inertia) is an even greater difference. MOI for motorcycle wheels roughly translates into the amount of force you have to overcome to change direction. Because there is so much less weight of a CF rim further from the hub in a comparable alloy rim, they steer much lighter than the actual weight difference would indicate.

Short story, I would spend $3K+ on wheels before I would on a full Akra system and associated tuning. Far great difference in actual performance.

This is a comparison of 1199 wheels - BST vs. Rotobox measured weights

You question has already been answered, but to reiterate, carbon wheels are constructed with aluminum hubs and brake carriers. You may find this image enlightening (pun intended) as well:



I know I sound like a shill for Rotobox, but because they came out after BST and took a different engineering approach, I believe their technology and resulting product is superior. So I voted with my wallet. They've got a good website with tons of info. Plus they come from the same country as Akrapovic - they've got to be good then, right?

ROTOBOX:*Truly the lightest and strongest carbon fiber wheels

It is ugly...

Claymore said:

It is ugly...

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Do you really feel the need to come and share the same opinion of the Rotobox's after every post I make on them? At least my post was answering the OP's question. Perhaps you're the shill for BST since you're in South Africa.

FWIW, I don't find BST's aesthetically pleasing and am more into actual performance than posing like you do with your tarted up paint job. Do you actually ride that thing of just preen with it?

I also think they are ugly. I may upgrade to Mag wheels in the future and possibly BSTs but just can't get past the looks of the Rotopox.

carbon wheels are good, no matter ROTOBOX or BST - "enjoy them if you got them" !

I think the Rotobox wheels look great. Cool & fresh design.