Ducati Monster Forum

Rather than put this in Accessories & Mods, I figured I would ask this group since Nichols is a local business. So, does anyone here have any experience with their flywheel? I saw them in person and they look like top quality pieces. It's a decent price for a torque/hp increase, but I was wondering how much I should really expect to see.

Talk to Desmoto about that. They often give people a choice between the Nichols flywheel and a machined stock flywheel (which I run).

I have one.  It will not increase hp/tq much if any, and is not the best bang for the buck mod due to installation costs.  If you can install it yourself then maybe.

The most noticeable difference is that it allows the motor to spin through the RPMs faster.  This kinda feels like more hp.

However, if you can spare the $$$, i say go for it.

as the nichols flywheel reduces rotational mass by a large amount, the engine does spin up faster, you notice more engine breaking (as there is less rotational mass still spinning), and you will also notice turn-in is a lot easier, as there is less gyroscopic effect from the flywheel.

contrary to what has been posted above, the installation is not too difficult ... it is time consuming, but an easy 2-3 hour afternoon project.

a presto,
johnc

This sounds almost identical to Nichols own write-up!

I've sen several Nichols flywheels fly apart... well, the aftermath anyways. [bang]  I'd recommend running a cut down OEM flywheel. While it's not as trick as a Nichols is...but who is gonna see it anyway?... it's dead on reliable, and you can get them relatively easily. Desmoto has them in stock, most of the time, and I believe the do a "core" type deal on them. Don't quote me on that, but I think that's what was discussed when I was looking for a flywheel for my 916.

Bottom line: use a cut down OEM. No fancy schmancy alloys and steel bits to pull apart and wreak havoc in your alternator housing. [thumbsup]

Brilliant  [thumbsup]

Desmoto did this for my Supersport, and the result has been very good.

Ditto. The machined down stock flywheel is also cheaper, although with the labor costs, it's not like you'd notice

Thanks for all the info, everyone. I'll probably look into a modified stock flywheel if I ever feel like paying a ton of labor fee's.  [thumbsup]

i wrote it for them  [thumbsup] ... but more importantly, it's true  [thumbsup]

really?  might have been due to the installer not running the nichols flywheel nuts, as the stock nut (singular) can back out, even with a stock or dp flywheel.

I'm not sure who/where the flywheels were installed. I only saw the carnage after they were brought in for me to service.

But seeing as both Munroe's and Desmoto have moved away from the Nichols units, in favor of the cut down OEMs, that says something. They'll both put one in for you, if that's what you absolutely want, but they recommend the cut downs for reliability.

I've never run the Nichols flywheel. I know, overall, they make high quality products, but based on what I have seen first hand, I'd rather not risk my motor. This of course is just my two cents.  :)

FrankieC runs one and swears by it. at least he did until he swapped the 750 for a 900. He said between the flywheel and the FCR carbs it made it, a whole different bike.