Longterm Test: 2010 Triumph Daytona 675 SE

Over the years I've heard mixed reviews about carbon fiber wheels, so I ordered a set to find out for myself what all the talk was about. Some complain that because the wheels are so light it throws their suspension out of whack, making it tricky to set it up. I've also heard some strength and durability concerns. My response to the former is to find someone who truly knows suspension set up and pay to have it adjusted properly. And for the latter-a lot of 600 HP drag bikes run BST wheels, and that alone should resolve any concerns regarding strength.

I headed to the dyno to compare the stock rear wheel versus the BST. The BST's significantly reduced weight over stock should mean that the motor can spin the rear faster, making the bike quicker in the time over distance measurement. From 30-130 mph the BST was consistently one tenth of a second quicker. Doesn't sound like much? That's a full bike length through the quarter mile; provided you can launch consistently you'd beat the stock wheels every time.

Cornering is where the BSTs really shine, particularly during direction changes through twisty sections of road. With less rotating mass the bike is easier to turn from side to side, reducing fatigue and allowing you to get through corners quicker with less muscle.

These exotic wheels are the ultimate understated bling mod to brag about at bike nights and barbeques, but they offer a performance improvement that the average rider will notice too. Not only is the bike's overall weight reduced, but it's been sliced from the all important area of unsprung mass-where it matters most.

Coming next month:
Whatever turns up!