International Dealer News IDN 152 December 2019/January 2020 | Page 46

PRO GuIDe Forged carbon wheels by Rotobox Slovenian carbon fibre specialist Rotobox has extended its carbon motorcycle wheel product line by unveiling the Rotobox Bullet at EICMA - a new thin- spoke, ultra-light forged carbon wheel. Rotobox is one of the leading European manufacturers of lightweight high-performance carbon automotive wheels, and its entry into the motorcycle wheels sector some years ago did much to open up availability and popularise use of the high-strength, lightweight material for street bike wheels. Challenged to develop a new technology of solid spokes and a light alloy-like wheel design, the Rotobox R&D has delivered. The result is a unique, top performance, one-piece carbon wheel with a daring appearance. Available in a number of configurations as an upgrade to any model of motorcycle, the Bullet wheel (for racing and road applications) is "designed to meet the highest level of performance and, due to one-piece carbon cast construction, develop a safe and controlled speed advantage, providing the lowest moment of inertia and the lowest gyroscopic effect - with 50% less weight, more riding performance, more design and more technology to accentuate the sportiest side of each motorcycle". The Rotobox carbon Bullet wheels conform to the JASO T203-85/ISO-8644 safety standard and have passed all tests according to the TÜV Road Traffic No. 287 standard, Section 30StVZO 2018, without preconditioning. To create solid thin spokes, Rotobox uses special high- grade carbon fibre yarn, specifically developed for military use. Because of the extreme mechanical properties of the fibres used and high-density forging process, they have been able to develop an industry first, small and compact carbon spoke. Rotobox advanced composite technology makes variable wall thickness possible enabling a flat edge rim as seen on modern wheels. This modern feature contributes to cleaner design and better aerodynamic properties of the wheel. The wheels are produced using a unique 3-component composite rim technology - combining carbon, epoxy and stainless steel. The stainless 2.5 mm steel wire is integrated in each side of the carbon rim, increasing the impact resistance of the rim edge, whilst keeping the rim edge ductile and meeting the latest industry safety standards. The bolt-less wheel hub is locked into the carbon centre part with a pentagon shape for ultimate transmission of torque. Prior to Rotobox, Gregor Bizjak worked in the luxury industry and was a tool supplier among others for Akrapovic, KTM and Alba. Both experiences helped to create a passion for attention to detail and a better understanding of the tough demands of the high- performance automotive industry. Since its very first day, Rotobox has striven to take the performance of carbon fibre wheels to a new level. By continuously pushing the boundaries of creative engineering, Rotobox products set industry standards for lightness, stiffness, design and premium quality. Whether on the track or on the road – the racing DNA of the Rotobox team is not only reflected in the wheels but can be felt with every metre driven. It is clear that the Rotobox team loves what they do, and it is this ambition that delivers the best experience wherever the Rotobox wheel takes you. ROTOBOX Sentjur, SLOVENIA Tel: [phone] [email protected] www.rotobox-wheels.com