CAN A HEAVY FLYWHEEL MAKE A BIKE FASTER?
Yes. But only if the engine characteristics are too snappy, powerful or explosive for the rider’s style or track’s terrain. A bike with an engine that’s too explosive will accelerate quicker with a heavier flywheel weight. Why? Because the weight smoothes and broadens the transfer of power to the ground. The power is delivered more consistently and in more of a conservative manner. The bike is more hooked up off the line and less volatile on the course. QUESTION NINE: CAN A HEAVIER FLYWHEEL CHANGE A BIKE’S HANDLING? You bet. Toning down the abruptness of the power delivery makes the chassis less susceptible to sudden bursts of acceleration, excess wheelspin and engine stalling. Adding flywheel weight will make a bike feel less twitchy. If the tires stay hooked up, with less bounce or spin, the bike is easier to control.
