So later after I ordered, Matt at Motowheels called me back to let me know that they actually  have these near-new Marchesini Mag wheels also available (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=65753.0).  They pulled them from a project bike and so he let me know in case I wanted a lighter wheel at roughly the same price as the Oz I ordered.

I am wondering whether to get them or not.  I don't do a lot of track days (maybe 1/yr) but also don't ride city much.  I mainly do country roads and the like on weekends.  Is this too much wheel for me?  I've read some web discussions about mags not being strong enough for street use (i.e. potholes), but I'm not convinced that it is a real concern (else there would be uproar and lawsuits, no?).

Thoughts from the educated peanut gallery?  Stick w/ Oz Forg AL or go with March Forg Mg?

Oh man--- DO IT!!!!!

IMO it's a wash as far as the weight thing goes.

If the used wheels are perfect then I'd go for them. If they're unpainted with just the chromate coating I'd pass and get the OZ. Chromate is not very durable. Magnesium also corrodes very quickly so if the chromate, or paint is chipped it might be a problem down the road.

I've been told that Magnesium wheels can be high maintenance, as any scratches in the finish need to be repaired asap. Someone who knows more can chime in...just something to think about.

Personally I'd go with the OZ.

I've run my *cast* Mag Marchesinis for ~40k miles on California roads (which are not bad).

They're still round and true.

Thanks for not all agreeing!  

Seriously though, I think it comes down to used versus new.  I'll chat with Matt tomorrow about exactly what the provenance of the wheels is and if there are any doubts, I'm going with the Oz.  In either case, major weight savings from OEM (I have the heavy 3-spoke Brembos) so I'm going to enjoy whatever I end up with.

Quote from: SpikeC on January 27, 2014, 03:14:16 PM
Oh man--- DO IT!!!!!

I DO find enthusiasm a convincing argument, though.  


For the record, does anyone know the weight difference between the two?  I see Oz is 7.5/12.0 F/R; can't confirm but March is (maybe) 6/9ish?

Some weights:

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=47036.0

Quote from: 1.21GW on January 27, 2014, 06:28:22 PM
<snip>  In either case, major weight savings from OEM (I have the heavy 3-spoke Brembos) so I'm going to enjoy whatever I end up with.

<snip>

^^^^^
This.

Went with the OZ.

I elected to go with new wheels, given the noise (most of it likely wrong) about effects of scratches & wear on Mags.  As noted, the weight loss is substantial (~9 lbs from OEM, equivalent to ~36 lbs sprung weight) and given that I don't have a ton of experience (2 years, 6000 miles) and only do about 1 track day a year, I think the OZ is more than enough for my level. 

Thanks again, folks. 

Congratulations!  Those should make you quite happy.  I am hoping to get some new wheels as well so I watch these threads pretty carefully.  Although I have to admit getting anything other than the CF BST wheels may be difficult.

Quote from: 1.21GW on January 28, 2014, 11:19:05 AM
Went with the OZ.

I elected to go with new wheels, given the noise (most of it likely wrong) about effects of scratches & wear on Mags.  As noted, the weight loss is substantial (~9 lbs from OEM, equivalent to ~36 lbs sprung weight) and given that I don't have a ton of experience (2 years, 6000 miles) and only do about 1 track day a year, I think the OZ is more than enough for my level. 

Thanks again, folks. 

Never saw a set of corroded mag wheels eh?

I would not likely buy another set of magnesium wheels as I had them on my Buell.  Went over a bad expansion joint on a bridge on Highway 18 once and the hit bent the front wheel so badly it immediately flattened the front tire.  When the back hit the wheel bent badly enough to peel the back tire halfway off the rim.

The result was that at 70mph I went across two lanes of oncoming traffic missing both vehicles by not more than a few feet.  Ended up sitting on the tank as the bike flew over the downhill median at Waterman Canyon.  Somehow I got it stopped right before hitting the mountain.  Funny thing is that road was my own backyard and usually I took the turn much faster.  I was on the way to dinner and wearing bluejeans so I was just cruising up and took a different line than usual.

Scared the piss out of me.  But in the end I swore I would never ride mags again.  I am not sure if CF BST wheels would have fared any better.  Caltrans never paid for the wheels either as they claimed it was an unreported defect.  Liars!  My CHP riding buddy had reported that crack six months previous when he flatted out both tires on his R-1.  He did not however bend the wheels so I can't convince myself that lightweight Mag wheels are good for a street bike.

Sorry for the long story. However, I am interested in hearing other peoples thoughts on this.

Quote from: Skybarney on January 29, 2014, 10:33:46 AM
~~~SNIP~~~

Sorry for the long story. However, I am interested in hearing other peoples thoughts on this.

Which magnesium wheels did you have on the Buell?

The stock ones.  XB9R came with Brembo made magnesium wheels.  Due to the single brake disk there was no alternative to using them.

Ok guys, I need to order tires for the new wheels.  I've done my reading and am going to get the Pilot Road 2.  Can someone help confirm the tire sizes I need to order?

What I think I need is:

Rear = 180/55/17

Front = 120/60/17