Light weight flywheel vs stock???

[daotoys1]

I have a BIMOTA Tesi 3D LE; that uses the Ducati DS 1100 2 valve 90 degree V/L twin engine.

I am not familiar with the Ducati engines. I am in the middle of doing upgrades to the bike as it is still new with zero miles.

My question is regarding the flywheel weight. The Tesi 3D has the Ducati air-oil cooled 2 valve engine which I understand as being a good midrange engine with good torque and a broad powerband. Im wanting to know if putting a light weight flywheel on the bike would be a good or a bad thing for general use?

I do all my riding in the paved mountain canyons of the Rocky Mountains. I like very aggressive riding and upgrade all of my bike to maximize performance but wish to keep good reliability and drivability.

Im looking for some feedback from riders who have experience with light weight flywheels on these Ducati engines and if this is considered a plus or minus as a engine mod.

The bike will also be getting a slipper clutch. The intake and exhaust will be upgraded but the engine will be left stock at least for now. Im changing the engine case covers to magnesium ones so I can easily put a lighter weight flywheel on while Im changing the left case cover. I have 3 different light flywheels to choose from ( Im thinking that the Ducati Performance unit may be the better choice??? ).

I have both a wet slipper clutch and a dry slipper clutch conversion to choose from as far as clutch upgrades go.

Ive been collecting some engine internal upgrades and may eventually go through the engine but right now Im interested in only going with a slipper clutch ( either wet or dry), and maybe a lighter flywheel???

Thanks for any shared thoughts in this regard.

[djt77]

Hi, have a look/search in the superbike section of the forum, this is something I've started to look into and there seems to be a lot of people saying it's a good thing with plenty saying it's not. I've still not made up my mind yet so be interested to hear what you end up doing.

Dan

[Ricoyam]

Generally speaking I like a lighter flywheel on just about everything. That said there is a optimum and it is probably different for different people.
If you engine doesn't tach up like you want it to and feels a bit sluggish, I would try lightening or getting a lighter flywheel. A lot of it has to do with your riding style and habits. It's not a same size fits all deal.

[dick]

a few weeks ago on my 998s i did this mod................and saved a measured 1 kg from the oe flywheel. it is relatively little cost though i have not really had an opportunity to fully use the bike after the mod. however, this is a relatively common mod to do on performance car and bike engine building. if your engine is currently being rebuilt, then i would do it.

[Mouth]

They say that a lighter flywheel does make a difference in the lower rpms and speeds, but if you go too light, you will have idle issues. Since the OE is just over 4.2 lbs and the Ducati ones (an aluminum alloy and the steel Corse one) are about 2.07 lbs. The Ducshop one is 1lb 11oz. I know the Ducshop one is great for racing, but not so much on the street and the 848 and 1098r/1198 all got a flywheel that weighs just over 2 lbs, so I think no matter what you do (purchase or have it machined) you prob shouldnt go below 2lbs. I will be doing this myself on mine along with a wet slipper clutch from EVR (we got em on our site)

[470four]

Rebuilt my '95 900SS with a 600SS flywheel (1.9kg/4lb3oz vs. 675grams/1lb7oz)

Lost 1.2kg/2lb10oz rotating mass off my engine, so easier to spin to start, revs quicker & freer, was lumpy/jerky below 3k anyways due to the standard ignition pickups & coils etc.

Thats a heavy old lump of steel to lose?? Bike felt lighter afterward too, both stationary & riding it??

Only problem was getting the altenator nut undone? There are specific tools to hold the altenator, or you can use a clutch holding tool, this will lock the engine up in the same manner... The 600SS flywheel also set me up nicely to fit my hi-comp pistons soon, being 32deg advance instead of the standard 36deg?

Thread is here:
Lighter flywheel(600SS) on a 900SS :)