Why a lighter flywheel?

[Caidly]

Lost in the other thread, so I'll just ask in a new one...



Anyone care to explain the benefits and disadvantages of a lighter flywheel.

I am sure the brilliant minds at Ducati Engineering came up with the stock weight for a reason. I get the faster spin-up, but what are you trading off? Torque?

[johnchypermotard]

have not had my second cup of coffee yet, so here is a start of the lists ...

benefits of lighter than stock flywheel:

• provides faster spin-up of engine, so can produce torque and horse power faster
• produces less gyroscopic effect (due to less rotational mass), which makes the bike drop into and pull out of turns with less effort

reason ducati manufactures with heavier flywheel:

• engine idles smoother
• is easier for rider to move from standing stop (more engine rotational weight)

[Paewraul]

The key factor is quicker revs. The rotational mass of the flywheel is fairly small, and I don't think turn in is effected....not enough to make a noticable difference.

The biggest change you'll notice is that egine breaking is reduced since less energy is stored in the flywheel due to the lower weight.

[MarksFriggin]

Originally Posted by Paewraul

The key factor is quicker revs. The rotational mass of the flywheel is fairly small, and I don't think turn in is effected....not enough to make a noticable difference.

The biggest change you'll notice is that egine breaking is reduced since less energy is stored in the flywheel due to the lower weight.

Wouldn't engine braking be increased with a lighter flywheel since there's less mass to keep the engine spinning?

[corse_ducati]

Extreme Power wheely's........

[johnchypermotard]

Originally Posted by MarksFriggin

Wouldn't engine braking be increased with a lighter flywheel since there's less mass to keep the engine spinning?

yes ... good catch.

forgot to mention that earlier (now have had second espresso)

a heavier flywheel smoothes out power delivery and engine braking effect, as there is more inertia.

[kingsnake1650]

engine braking in theory might be increased..... but since putting the nichols flywheel on I seem to have less wheel hop when hard engine breaking.

[dukepilot]

If much of your ride involves stop n' go city street/traffic or sketchy roads you may be better off leaving it stock as the heavier flywheel is smoother.

As with most mods, its a tradeoff. I did notice easier turn-in. I like the quicker engine response, especially with the 15/44 gearing. It does require a little more throttle control when traction is limited however.

[johnchypermotard]

Originally Posted by dukepilot

It does require a little more throttle control when traction is limited however.

sure ... but your hypertard's engine is putting out about 1500 hp on nitro now, right?

[scooter]

Since the engines are so similar and since this topic was discussed to death on the SC forum, check out this thread:

flywheel, cams or pistons

and this link:

http://www.duc.bz/DUC_Tests_NicholsFlywheel.htm

Also, Dietrich has a fairly recent thread in the SC forum that's devoted to his project of lightening a stock flywheel. Good stuff!