Durbahn lessons

The DIGNITY of weight saving

But there's a order of Dignity of weight saving :

1: rotating unsprung mass ( i.E.: wheels /discs )

2 : rotating sprung mass ( i.E.: alternator /clutch)

3 : static but unsprung mass ( Brakes , Axles )

4: static and sprung Mass with sub-categories :

a- distance from center of gravity
- a1: volumetric weight + weight saving potential + possibility to get closer to this center
b- absolute height from ground
- b1 : volumetric weight + weight saving potential + possibility to lower the height Components

+ All Components need to be considered regarding the Partition of weight which they have regarding the whole Bike and regarding the weight of all the Parts summed up in their category

+ All Components need to be considered in conjunction with the Money to spend for a mod

So some kind of Explanation here in example :
A real gain you get , if you locate the Battery ( which has a ~ 8 Times higher volumetric weight than gasoline ) somewhere near the center of gravity of the bike , instead of using the space for a bit more capacity of Fuel . So if you'd like a Factor of dignity in Category 1 , then the Battery has the highest one ....well, lets say 10 ,because :

- it has most volumetric weight
- it has most weight saving potential
- it is easy to move it somewhere nearer to the center of gravity
...........high end Battery's cost 230$ for 1600gr weight saving , that's a rate of 14 Cent per Gram

A Carbon front Fender compared :

Is in category 3 ,
- has no high volumetric weight
- has no real weight saving potential
- is not able to relocate
- has no substantial partition in category 3 ( a rear fender even needs to be considered from distance of pivot , so even less dignity )
.......a well done Carbon Fender cost 170 $ for 300 gr weight saving , that's a rate of 0,56 Cent per Gram

THE CONCLUSION : it is 400% better to spend the dough into a lighter Battery , than into a Carbon Fender.

And these 400% are only the weight-side , not even mentioned the opportunity , to move the Battery closer to the center , and nearer to the ground .

"Naturam non facit super vacuum", as Aristoteles said, which means Nature does not do something superfluous, and this has been something like a guideline for me my whole Life. I.E. if you do not Brake very hard why go for Brembo-GP Calipers ?. They weight even more than standard Calipers !! So you say:
"I need them " ..... ? "I like them " - sounds like a good Reason.
But consider, in case you do not reach the stopping Potential of those Calipers, and considered they have even added some weight, you may have improved it all by the looks, but objective you've made it worse, due to the adittion of unsprung weight.
Those whole lotta Words just to say: it's moreless an individual thing what you choose, that's why I.E. Behringer is meanwhile producing Calipers and Master Cylinders in all colours which a Rainbow may have, but I also doubt, that this is the way to go.

w!M06

(c) Durbahn: Source