So, those of you who have done this mod appear to be very happy with it. Question is, Is there "more" or "less" engine braking. With my S2R, when I let off the throttle, I get that inertia thing where I get lurched forward. Not sure if I want "more" engine braking than stock. I think more engine braking would require cruzing in a higher gear to eliminate such. Which would also hamper "drivability". Would seem that fuel milage might suffer as well.
More engine braking. It definitely can be harder to ride smoothly with a lightened flywheel.
Here's a discussion that might help: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=12714.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=12714.0)
I think it is AWESOME.
I also have a fully lightened clutch (basket, hub, alu plates, pressure plate) which helps things rev up and down faster.
I also have a quickturn throttle from Euro Racing (Yoyodyne sells 'em, as does Sportbike Track Gear). This is the only real element that has made riding smoothly noticeably more difficult. I was able to adapt to the light flywheel (Nichols) and clutch immediately. It was pleasant all over.
Now. That being said, the addition of the quick turn throttle (and I'm using the mid-cam. Its a whole lot of go-fast really quickly in the turn of the grip), this has made smooth riding more "challenging". I like it, but the models available for your bike are better - they are progressive, slow through beginning of motion, then a whole lot as you open it up. This has made riding a little more interesting because if you hit a bump, the roll off the throttle, even if slight, is more exaggerated.
That's from the throttle change far more than from the light flywheel (and clutch) - they were done flywheel first, then later that day clutch (wanted to make sure i hadn't broke anything after each change - error elimination for problem solving if anything came up) and then a few months and several thousand miles later, the throttle.
I'd do the first two on every bike I own, they are great. The change in ride ability, for me, wasn't negative anywhere. The quick-turn throttle, well, its still new, and an adventure at the setting I currently have it at.
Less mass in the flywheel will produce LESS engine braking NOT more
less weight in the flywheel means the engine will respond faster, both accelerating and deaccelerating. so it has more engine braking as there is less resistance to changing rotational speed, and the braking effect comes from the pistons slowing the crank.
or, with a heavy flywheel the crank won't slow down as fast with the same deacceleration load from the pistons.
+1. Its got less inertia to keep the crank spinning, so it will slow down faster, thus more engine braking.
Theoretically there is more engine braking. What actually happens, when you down shift, it is much smoother. It is harder to lock up the rear wheel when down shifting. It will also accelerate harder. The inertia of a heavy flywheel makes changing the engine speed more difficult. For me, the lighter flywheel makes me a smoother rider.