SIP forged aluminium rim for Vespa GTS
PRO GuIDe
German specialist SIP Scootershop has released the first forged rim from its SIP Performance programme- available for all modern Vespa GTS models. " In co-operation with a rim development professional, we have succeeded in reducing the weight, compared to comparable 13 ' rims," says CEO Ralf Jodl, " but above all we achieved a strong design that fulfils national and international strength and durability standards. " Weighing in at around 3000 grams, the lower weight means more agile driving behaviour and a an extremely complex and uncompromising development process has resulted in a dynamic design- this has made it the lightest SIP 13 ' rim for modern Vespa models." Approved for wide tyres up to 140 / 60- 13 ' and shipping to dealers with the necessary ABE Approval( general operating license), " our aim was to bring a forged rim onto the market at an affordable price. Other forged rims available on the market for Vespa GTS models usually cost twice as much- and are often without approval. " The use of forged rims offers several advantages. The special forging process makes the material particularly dense and robust, which makes it possible to design the rims to be significantly lighter than conventional cast rims. " This weight saving has a direct effect on vehicle dynamics- lower unsprung masses improve the response behaviour of the chassis, increase agility and ensuring more precise steering. At the same time, high stability is maintained, making them perfect for demanding driving conditions. A forged rim therefore combines lightness and exceptional resilience- a real advantage for performance and riding enjoyment. " Two-wheelers fitted with our MK II rim feel noticeably more agile and react more precisely on the suspension side due to the lower unsprung weight. Visually, the slim five double spokes signal that neither material nor installation space has been wasted. " For the first time in comparison to any SIP or Piaggio design, the centre of the rim has been made deeper than the outer edge. This concave shape is visually appealing, almost as if the rim had a positive offset." The MK II rim can be fitted to both front and rear and, theoretically, all tyres up to a width of 140 will fit- but the bushing is required to mount the rim as a rear wheel. Vehicles with ABS and the tone wheel for the ABS sensor can be converted with an SIP mounting kit. Vehicles with ABS must be recalibrated after a tyre change.
SIP SCOOTERSHOP GMBH Landsberg, GERMANY Tel: + 49( 0) 8191 9699969 martin @ sip-scootershop. de www. sip-scootershop. com
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