Motorcycle racing has been around for more than 100 years. Technological advances have come a long way since those early days. This has led to increased safety as well as performance for riders.
One of the most impactful performance motorcycle innovations has been in wheel design and composition. Today, things like BST carbon fiber wheels have exponentially improved handling and acceleration. In turn, they can yield increased safety and confidence on the bike, even in race or other extreme riding environments.
The information below covers the many advantages BST carbon fiber rims have to offer and makes some recommendations pertaining to different riding goals and circumstances. Keep reading to find out how to optimize handling and acceleration on your bike.
What Is Carbon Fiber?
Carbon fiber is a polymer that is sometimes referred to as "graphite fiber." it is made from thin crystalline filaments of carbon, which can be smaller than a strand of human hair in some applications. Woven together, these form a cloth that can be molded to form a permanent shape.
Carbon fiber is a very strong material without being extremely dense. This makes it lightweight, especially relative to its tensile strength.
This also contributes to great stiffness. Not only is carbon fiber lighter and stronger than steel, it also is twice as stiff. As you will see below, this rigidity plays an integral part in power transfer and performance.
It also has high chemical resistance, which makes it durable. Carbon fiber is tolerant of high temperatures and has a low thermal expansion point. This makes it ideal for usage in various environments and conditions. Besides automotive and recreational applications, you will find carbon fiber used in many aerospace and military operations.
What Are BST Carbon Fiber Wheels?
"BST" stands for "Blackstone-Tek." They are the largest carbon fiber motorcycle wheel manufacturer in the world, with more than 50,000 wheels sold across the globe.. BST also produced the first 100 percent carbon rim, and they have more than 20 years of industry-leading innovation.
BST carbon fiber wheels perform and look great. They are sleek and streamlined, and the company is always pushing to find the next edge in terms of motorcycle performance.
This means increased safety and comfort on your bike. It also gives you the confidence that BST wheels will hold and perform well even after years of use.
What Are the Advantages of BST Carbon Fiber Wheels?
There are many advantages of BST carbon fiber wheels. Here are a few to consider.
Lighter Weight
Carbon is one of the lightest materials, which makes it a popular compound for all types of racing components. In fact, carbon fiber wheels can be about half the weight of many aluminum or other alloy wheels.
When it comes to acceleration, this can make a huge difference. It also helps in maintaining speed, as there is less speed reduction from the additional power required to spin heavier wheels, so that extra power helps propels the bike faster. This is due to lower "rotational mass," which aids in stopping as well.
Stiffness
Although light, carbon wheels are very rigid. This contributes to improved acceleration, as you have better energy transfer between the engine and the road. (Said another way, less energy is lost in the flex of the wheels when increasing speed.)
Stiffness in wheels also contributes to better handling and responsiveness, not to mention a smoother ride in general. This relates directly to the ability of the wheels to absorb bumps and vibrations from the road. This energy would otherwise transfer to the bike itself or the rider.
It is worth noting that carbon fiber wheels can go a long way toward reducing fatigue during long and/or intense riding due to the decreased effort required from the rider to make the bike transition between corners. This means increased motorcycle performance and decreased lap times as well as better overall handling and comfort on the bike.
Aerodynamics
Carbon fiber is a highly customizable material. Due to its strength, aerodynamic designs that are almost unachievable with alloy compounds can be created. This means shapes and configurations that optimize airflow without sacrificing other performance aspects of the wheel can be developed.
Strength
Strength is not unrelated to stiffness, but it does deserve its own mention. Carbon fiber is about 13 times stronger than aluminum. This means you can expect it to hold up much better, even under the most strenuous driving conditions.
This has a built-in advantage the longer you have the wheels. While alloy rims might become susceptible to wear and tear with extended usage, you can expect carbon fiber wheels to hold up and perform like the day you got them for years down the road.
This also translates to greater confidence in your bike. You will find that you can push things to the limit when cornering at high speeds or during general handling. It can give you an edge that does not exist with standard alloy rims.
Lower Cost
It is worth stating upfront that carbon wheels are not cheap. However, innovations in design and production have kept the price tag of many carbon rims within reason.
More importantly, you will find that they are comparable in cost to other high-performance rims. In fact, in terms of buying wheels designed for exceptional handling and acceleration, the difference in cost between standard and carbon wheels is negligible. This becomes especially true when you consider the many advantages carbon wheels afford.
Find Carbon Fiber Rims From Brock's Performance
Now that you understand how carbon fiber wheels can improve acceleration and handling, you can determine which set is best for your bike. Such upgrades can make all the difference in motorcycle performance, safety, and comfort.
Brock's Performance carries a range of motorcycle components, including BST carbon fiber wheels. Our motorcycle maintenance experts can answer any questions you might have about specific wheels, or other parts, and how they can help you improve motorcycle performance. Reach out to us today to learn more.