(More on) Wheel and Tyre Weights

[jonhill]

I've just got some KN Minators fitted with RE720 tyres. I expected that wheel and tyre combination to be noticeably heavier than a part worn 032R on an SLR split rim. However they seemed to weigh about the same, and this was confirmed my bathroom scales, which read ~12 Kg for the KN/RE720 versus ~11.5 Kg for the split rim/032R.

 

So, is a 032R much heavier than a RE720? I would expect the opposite if anything. If not, why does a KN Minator at £55 +VAT weight about the same as a split rim ali @ £220 + VAT? Is it that the split rim is better quality and therefore stronger? Unless the KN packs up under stress this is not an issue, and no reason to spend 4 times as much on it. Caterham fit both types to different models, could it be an exercise in marketing?

 

Cheers,

 

Jon

 

 

[Graham Perry]

Strange, because the 720 is a heavy tyre due to it having very thick sidewalls. I would have thought the 720 on a Minator would be 2kg heavier given they were of the same size.

[jwyatt]

Took the scales into the garage the other day, and discovered that new RE720's and Yoko 32R's in 185/60/13 were about the same. CR500's in 175/55/13 were a kg or so lighter, and Avon race wets were 2kg lighter still. The race wets, on a wheel, are just soooooooooo light.

 

So I don't think 720's are that weighty... Yoko stuff is on a par.

 

Given that all the racing takes place on KN's - do you think they are likely to be weak? I've only seen them damaged in accidents, usually where the brake disc had been snapped in tow as well!!!

 

Edited by - jwyatt on 19 Feb 2003 16:20:34