Flywheel Mod?
 

Anyone ever fitted a lightweight flywheel to their SS? I am thinking about getting this done next service. Would love to hear anyone's experiences? Improved acceleration and engine braking are the main benefits I understand.

Jim

They can be bought in various places - I think Nichols is the manufacturer most noted for em. I've not seen a really good detailed write up on getting this done - but will have a mootch :)

Frank

Didnt take too long:

http://www-ccrma.stanford.edu/~peer/...sFlywheel.html

Enjoy

Cheers Frank. Will have to have a chat with Moto Rapido about getting one.


Jim

I think for better or worse, it will REALLY alter the character of a bike, especially a big twin. So it might well be worth going for a replacement item rather than getting your original lighten.

At least then you could revert back again - but would be Expensive (big E).

Interested in how you get on, cost etc.

Good luck - Frank

Doesn't anyone wonder why Ducati selected the flywheel weight that they did? Do you think that they meant to purposely cripple the bike's performance by using a too-heavy flywheel?

http://ducatisportingclub.com/xmb/vi....php?tid=13978

The downside of a lightened flywheel is usually less-smooth running at lower engine speeds. Ducati probably chose the flywheel they did as the best compromise between performance and rider-friendly road performance. What is good for the track is not very often good for the road.

Had one fitted to a 900 Monster - I rode it home and have to say it felt great. Quicker and more responsive. Light and easy. Low speed town riding was fine. Spin up was responsive to say the least . Huge improvement as far as I was concerned from the bike I rode down there.
Haven't found a downside to date to behonest for 'normal' ish riding plus trackdays. Was also a cheap fitment. Not overly expensive to buy and fitted as part of a full service with Aj including replacement front fork springs for less than £300 squids.

As usual Shazaam is the guru of all things technical and a very interesting read. To me the downsides don't matter. My SS isn't for commuting, track days or racing; she is for making me smile and that's why I buy her nice things! She is an SL all bar the engine and light as you like.

I have the carbon bodywork, light forged alloy wheels, Stage 2 Dynojet, K&N filter, open airbox, custom pipework, nice cans, rearsets and tinted screen. What I fancy now is a bit more oomph, give the old girl a bit of the Red Bull treatment. I could probably do that by going on a diet but a lighter flywheel is so much easier!

Jim

I've read Shazaams post on many occasions as he posts the link whenever we get this same question (which is quite a lot).

However whenever this come up the overwhelming majority of people who post about it (which obviously isn't the same as people who have a lightweight flywheel) have nothing but good things to say about getting it done....

My experience on my SL is also positive. The only downfall about riding it is the engine feels a bit lumpy(er) until warm (which Shazaam mentions). When cold its more prone to stalling but after 10 minutes or so it's great and would be the second thing (after lowering the gearing) I'd do to another SS/SL.

For reference I have a FbF flywheel fitted which is a bit heavier than the Nichols one.

And yes I'd like a set of lightweight wheels too but £1000 or £100....

I must agree with the others. shazaam always tells it how it is but I feel I don't agree on this occasion.
everyone including myself who have had the flywheel mod done like it and the characteristics it gives the bike.
I have just fitted one to my 996 and cant wait to give it a go in the spring
try this place for a replacement.
http://www.ducati-kaemna.de/cms_en/k...seite&seite=46
I paid them through pay pal and it was delivered nice and quick

Anyone got before and after dyno runs for this mod ?

I might have some later when I get my other 800ss modded.

Several years ago when racing MZ's I had my crankshaft lightened and a lightweight ISDE works clutch fitted. It had a very noticeable effect upon the ability of the engine to pick up and rev - obviously down to the reduced reciprocating mass. However, all bottom end and mid-range power disappeared. On fast circuits like Snetterton it was great but, at slower twisty circuits it struggled to stay with other bikes out of corners until it found its legs. A lot of the MZ racers went down that route but, before long they were putting the heavier bits back in again.

In some circumstances I think they are better but, not in all. Horses for courses.

[Edited on 7-12-2005 by twpd]

:o:o:o

Sounds like he needs to get out more :lol:

A bit off topic I know, but I have a lightened flywheel on my 888. Combined with spot-on cam-timing it really picks up well - almost like an inline 4, but still with heaps of torque.

Admittedly I did have the whole crank/piston/rod/flywheel assembly balanced.

I haven't really noticed any problems on the road, but it could be the advantage of injection (FIM-chipped too) over carbs...

I will get another dyno run dun in the spring with the new flywheel.
she made 118 this summer so should be interesting to see.
probably go down knowing my luck :D

Lightening the flywheel won't make a blind bit of difference to the power output. It just means there is less inertia for the motor to overcome so it will spin up quicker.

If that's the case the dyno will show it up against the speed, I did race an NC30 and we reomved the flywheel, it made 2hp all the way up the revrange, was a worthwhile benefit on a small engine.