BST Wheels vs Motor Work - Ducati.ms

breakdown · Dec 13th, 2008, 1:17 am

Hey,

I've just been thinking lately, which would be a better investment for my Hyper. BST wheels are about $3500. New cams, porting, hi-comp pistons and labour would probably be a little less but in the same ball park.

Which do you think would be a better use of the money? Right now, I'm leaning towards the wheels for several reasons. First, they'll help with handling as well as give me the feeling of more of power. They'll also be transferable to another bike, or at least I'd be able to sell them when I decide to sell my Hyper. Motor work, on the other hand, is something that you can't really swap out. Finally, the wheels shouldn't do anything to decrease the reliability of the bike. Is there something I'm missing in this comparision?

sinex · Dec 13th, 2008, 3:05 am

I would go wheels every time, any professional would tell you the same, it's one of the best mods you can do to anybike, then when you are through with the bike, you can sell them or have them on your new Hypermotard

crashman · Dec 13th, 2008, 8:46 am

The wheels will give you more of the "look at what he has" factor and the motor work is invisible but for a real world performance upgrade the motor work will give you more bang for your buck. The stock wheels are light enough that odds are you wont feel much difference in the way of handling or useable power.
Basically if you want it to look better when parked in front of the bar then go for the wheels. If you want it to charge harder out of corners get the motor work.

desmolvr · Dec 13th, 2008, 10:51 am

Hard choice but I would say wheels. IMHO the wheels will give you better handling, looks and as you stated you can either sell them or use them on another duc (choices are limited). It also depends on how & where you ride but with an S the they are about 3lbs lighter.

AZ_Scott · Dec 13th, 2008, 10:59 am

If I had $3500 sitting around right now, I'd buy some stocks! The Hyper is fine the way it comes. Just ride the thing, and invest your money the smart way...

Just my opinion.

**st2lemans** · Dec 13th, 2008, 11:17 am

I have learned the hard way that wheels are the better mod, and that is the first serious mod that I do to any bike.

My SS has basically the same motor, and I had looked into doing the motor. But after putting on a set of BSTs, I am only planning to do any motor work when it's time for a rebuild.

Wheels improve handling, braking, and acceleration. Motor, only acceleration.

Considering this, it's a no brainer.

Tom

AXE · Dec 13th, 2008, 12:05 pm

I would do a little of both. For less than $300 you can upgrade your air filter, add a hole to your air box lid (like DP lid), and get rid of the cat (Leo Vince) and still run the stock ECU. This will give you some more power and better sound. Then, you can do the wheels and get the benefits of that. Either way, you will suffer more depreciation than you care to think about.

Stocks are definitely a good investment now if you pick the right ones and trust the crooked bankers and hedge funds on Wall Street. However, the best investment I have is my guns...................its the only thing I have that hasn't lost 50% of its value in the last 24 months. In fact, they have increased considerably in value since the Obama factor kicked in...........I love America! I am thinking of adding a turret to my Hyper..........maybe a .50 cal with a windshield!

Out!

ADHD · Dec 13th, 2008, 12:07 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by st2lemans

I have learned the hard way that wheels are the better mod, and that is the first serious mod that I do to any bike.

My SS has basically the same motor, and I had looked into doing the motor. But after putting on a set of BSTs, I am only planning to do any motor work when it's time for a rebuild.

Wheels improve handling, braking, and acceleration. Motor, only acceleration.

Considering this, it's a no brainer.

Tom

+1! Acceleration, handling and braking: the holy grail of all motorsports! I have BSTs on my track bike, and pound for pound lighter wheels are the best mod you can do to any bike. And they compliment suspension and braking mods too!

dukepilot · Dec 13th, 2008, 12:26 pm

New wheels are nice but pretty expensive. For improved handling a lighter flywheel is a very good mod. Easier turn-in and zippier engine performance.

hbliam · Dec 13th, 2008, 1:27 pm

No question. Wheels.

I would bet that that guys that describe the wheels as "nice", or "look at what he has", etc...have never owned a set. The $3500 in engine work won't help turn in or braking, just power. You get much more benefit from the wheels.