Anyone ever use Carbon Fiber wheels? Specifically...BST? Other than the Supersport classes they would appear to be legal...
After seeing the carbon fiber carnage in F1, you might want to check the specs on the wheel. Some race engineers have gone to using titanium mesh to reduce the shatter effect.
Carbon Carnage in F1? Elaborate?
Wheels out of CF are extremely difficult to make. Anyone who can make one that looks OK is doing pretty good, and has to know what they are doing with Carbon. Thus, any wheels on the market in CF are probably OK.
CF wheels would be one of the first things on my list if I had the $.
Dan used to have a set on his 749s...
The guy who races it know has no problem.. so...
They were the BST's also for reference.
The BSt web site states that with the RACE wheels (ie Magnesium hubs) that they have to be "inspected" ever two years. Hummmm....wonder what that entails....ultrasound?
I'll chime in on this one. I bought them for my 749S. I bought the BST with magnesium hubs. I rode the bike both on the streets of Detroit and on the track and they held up fine. I sold that bike, with the wheels on them, and to my knowledge, the guy that still has the bike has never had a problem. They are built to higher standards than a DOT tire is, and they are STRONGER than a stock aluminum wheel is.
As far as inspection, BST will inspect them via xray every two years free of charge. All you have to do is pay shipping both ways (south Africa.) They wll also repair any chips in the clearcoat if there are any, or pits in the clear. The wheels are beautiful. Flawless Carbon pattern. They are also very light. Here's a comparison that we did.
Stock Marchesini/Brembo front wheel with no rotors or tires was HEAVIER than a BST with the rotors, and a Pilot race S2 mounted. So, more or less, a fully assembled BST with the tire on it weighed less than just a stock bare wheel. How much less, about half, seriously. We didn't put them on a scale, but you could just tell holding them in your hands. Another thing, adding weights to the wheel are NOT recommended even with balancing. This is what the notice in the box of the wheels said, so don't plan on balancing the rim. Another issue.. they were a pain in the ass to put the wheels together. Calvin669 helped me assemble the wheels for the 749, and it took a while.
If your really interested in these wheels, let me know and I'll hook you up so you can get them dirt cheap. I have a source. Alot cheaper than you'll find anywhere else.
Also note: The wheel has a ID tag in the clearcoat with serial number. That looks like crap, because it's silver and doesn't belong. Other than that, the rims are just beautiful 8)
Please let me know you contact:
duc995@aol.com
QuotePlease let me know you contact:
duc995@aol.com
What's your first name? I'll call him, and let him know you'll be contacting him sooner or later. It's a freind of mine that's a dealer, but if I don't call him first, he ain't going for it. I"ll email you the contact info in a few min.
Nevermind, I'm stupid. Didn't see your signature ;D
Thanks! I didn't catch your name...
QuoteCarbon Carnage in F1? Elaborate?
I believe it was the US GP that there were several accidents. The first incident laid down CF shards that in turn cause several more accidents. They should have red flagged the race, but instead chose to run a safety car. Needless to say, attrition was horrendous.
Carbon Fiber shatters into very nice little sharp bits that are notoriously difficult to clean up. I would check with CCS to see if CF wheels are legal in any class.
QuoteI would check with CCS to see if CF wheels are legal in any class.
Right from teh rule book.
5.2.3 Tires must be in good condition and must be mounted on wheels at least 15 inches in diameter.
A. Where permitted by the class rules, wheels made of carbon fiber designed for racing and road use are
allowed, providing all wheels are DOT or BS. approved and tested to JWL standards for fatigue and impact
strength. It is the responsibility of the competitor to provide proof of certification to officials upon request.
5.2.4 All machines must have operational front and rear brakes.
A. Brake discs made of aluminum, or carbon fiber, are not permitted.
B.Brake disc carriers made of carbon fiber are not permitted.
I don't thing the CF that is used in wheels will shatter like the CF used in the bodywork of an F1 car.
I was surprised that they didn't red flag the race after the mess in turn 1. But I did get to see it live.
I'd really like to see how they make the stuff, and know all the specs on the resins they use. Could be very enlightening. And useful.
Which stuff? Wheels, or F1 stuff?
BTW: If anyone ever wants/needs something done out of carbon, let me know and I'll see what me (and my employer) can do for you.
QuoteThanks! ÊI didn't catch your name...
Dan ;D
QuoteWhich stuff? Wheels, or F1 stuff?
BTW: If anyone ever wants/needs something done out of carbon, let me know and I'll see what me (and my employer) can do for you.
Hmmm.. ;D
How about an engine block, pistons, crank, and so on.. ::) ;D
Wonder if you could real do that :o
They have recently developed the first workable carbon fiber transmission in Formula 1. Sorry, but I don't remember which team, other than that it was not Ferrari. The actual rotation points run in bearings that mount into titanium inserts bonded to the carbon fiber. I saw it on Speed Channel during the last F1 race. Very impressive!
The engineer's comment was that taking so much weight off the back of the car had transformed it from good-handling to great handling...
That would rock :D I wanna carbon fiber transmission for my bike ;D I"ll take a carbon motor too. :o
Damn auto editor >:(
;D
Quote...
If your really interested in these wheels, let me know and I'll hook you up so you can get them dirt cheap. I have a source. Alot cheaper than you'll find anywhere else.
...
Darn! It looks like I might have come to this info too late :( But, if you're willing so share your source, I'd love to talk to him ;D
Michael
I can still hook you up. Also, be forwarned:
The guy that bought my 749S that had BST's on it had a rim go bad on him. Come to find out, the Chickenhawk warmers warmed the rim so much, that when he got on the track, the rim bent actually FLAT from what I understand. I guess the resin got so hot from the warmers, the rim actually warped. Ask Calivin669. He knows more about it than I do. He told me about it last night.
QuoteI can still hook you up. ...
Excellent! :)
You can e-mail me directly at michaelnarayan1@hotmail.com.
Thanks for your help!
Michael
Quote...
Also, be forwarned:
The guy that bought my 749S that had BST's on it had a rim go bad on him. Come to find out, the Chickenhawk warmers warmed the rim so much, that when he got on the track, the rim bent actually FLAT from what I understand. I guess the resin got so hot from the warmers, the rim actually warped. Ask Calivin669. He knows more about it than I do. He told me about it last night.
Calvin669, can you tell me more about what happened?
Michael
One of the chicken hawk warmers stuck wide open on his front rim.. he didn't know it then took it out on the track first bump he hit caused the rim to flatten the lips out ....
chicken hawk gave him a new warmer... he's in the process of getting them to replace his rim