The Perfect Balance of Safe and Strong – Blackstone Tek’s New Wheels
Blackstone Tek has launched its hollow-spoke Black Mamba wheels at EICMA and another new wheel that is at its preproduction stage. As the premium manufacturer of carbon fiber motorcycle wheels, it will be hard to be unimpressed with what they’ve got. The only question is, what has changed and is it for the better?
The elegant 5 split spoke Rapid TEK wheel personifies the slogan “Technology made Beautiful”. It has an edgy new look, and also showcases BST engineering with its super lightweight and the unique high pressure forged carbon hub areas.
It’s a direct replacement for the OEM wheels making it easy to use. The wheels have been subjected to the same rigorous testing as all the BST wheels with the rear wheel offering interchangeable parts so that a rider can swap wheels when he changes his motorcycle.
Its front wheel tips the scales at 5.9 pounds while the rear weighs between 5.2 and 5.7, which varies with the fitment and minus a sprocket carrier. The reduction in weight and rotational inertia gives instant gratification in a significant performance advantage through improved handling, later braking and quicker acceleration.
The additional benefit of interchangeable hubs also increases the life span and value of the wheels. They are not only delightful eye candy, but are extremely durable.
At the moment, Rapid Tek model wheels are available in two sizes—3.5 x17-inch front and 6.0 x17-inch rear—with fitments covering current BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, MV Agusta, Suzuki, and Yamaha sportbikes.
Rear wheels are available with both standard and offset mounting. The standard mount offers good versatility due to the availability of interchangeable parts for the hub, sprocket carrier, and brake disc carrier.