What real gains would there be to getting a set of lightweight wheels? Here are the official weight specs:

Apex-6 ZX14 Front: 7.51 LBS
Apex-6 ZX14 Rear: 11.21 LBS
Apex-6 ZX14 Complete set: 18.72 LBS
OEM ZX14 Complete set: 31.24 LBS
-12.52 LBS savings / 40% lighter than OEM

So ~13 pounds of rotational mass removed from the bike. Easy to assume the rear wheel would accelerate/decel faster. But so what? Maybe 2 horsepower more on the dyno? Besides tracking a bike or real drag racing, can anyone justify lighter wheels?

I haven't ridden a bike more than 100 yards with aftermarket wheels. This one had carbon wheels, which weigh even less, but I didn't notice a difference in feel versus OEM that would entice me to drop $3,000 on CoreMoto wheels or $6,000 on carbon wheels.

I am looking for the last 10% of upgrades I want to do to my bike. Things to make it more aesthetically pleasing. It's got all the goodies: turbo, maxxecu, etc etc. But it needs some more personality. Aftermarket wheels look neat and have supposed obvious gains over OEM, I am just having a hard time justifying the cost. For $3-4,000 I could get an AGM 3/4 Carbon Front fairing and some other carbon bits, and drop almost the same weight. Or I could just not spend that kind of money at all and hop on Ozempic for a month and lose 10 pounds that way!

Anyone have experience here?

* Last updated by: danmin on 4/29/2026 @ 9:49 AM *

Besides tracking a bike or real drag racing, can anyone justify lighter wheels?

For $3-4,000 I could get an AGM 3/4 Carbon Front fairing and some other carbon bits, and drop almost the same weight. Or I could just not spend that kind of money at all and hop on Ozempic for a month and lose 10 pounds that way!
Anyone have experience here?

You're not rotating mass so the ozempic would mean a bit less than shedding 10 lbs.

I have the lightest wheels Carrozeria ever made for the ZX-14. They were so light, they stopped making them for our bike. I truly think I got the last set ever to come off the CNC for a ZX-14. I actually think the guy made them to fulfill my order to a supplier who accidentally left the Tri-R up for sale for the ZX-14. They're too light for the torque this bike makes. They're lighter than the Apex wheels made by Core Moto who bought Carazzeria. Glad I have them, had zero issues with basic mods, would probably not use them on a turbo ZX-14.

Did my Carrozzeria Tri-Rs enable me to corner faster?...absolutely not. Did they feel less stable...absolutely, this is a big bike. I got used to it, still don't think I cornered any faster than the rock solid OEM wheels.

Did I feel a difference in acceleration? YES. As much as a +4 rear sprocket, no. The light weight wheels do make a noticeable difference in straightline acceleration though. With a turbo, I imagine your turbo is making way more difference than wheel weight. Pretty much anything you do to enhance power is going to play short shrift but if you go for the details, light weight wheels will be worthy. Without ever riding a turbo 14, I'd say you can wait. There isn't anything yu can do to that's going to open your eyes as much as the turbo. ...everything else is details.

I did lots of weight loss mods. Minus 85 lbs, not bad, hey? I felt the stock exhaust compared to a full system. felt the +4 rear sprocket. I also felt the forged aluminum wheels. There's a list of things I didn't feel. I'd still do them but I'm in no hurry.

so Dan, I would put the wheels at the top of the list but just trying to imagine what it's like to have turbo, I'm imagining everything else pales by comparison. CoreMoto isn't going anywhere. They've been there about 17 years now and still are offering the same (albeit excellent) wheel for the 14. I would consider waiting and research the BST CF wheels made for turbo. In all honesty, they're not good looking but spend a thousand more and get what is reliable for the power you're making plus they're a little lighter. As mentioned, I think you already overshadowed everything you're going to do with the bike by going turbo. There's no real hurry to get lighter fairings or lighter wheels. Just stick around, buddy. You kind of already did it darned near as well as it can be done.

You've got some good points. I would agree that the turbo kit is where the bike really shines. I don't think the lightweight wheels would add much value to the riding experience. I think I am mostly looking for appearance improvements, but I think CoreMoto and AGM Fiber fairings aren't the right move. Too pricey and not enough reward-- especially with the turbo already in the bike...

Thanks Rook.

For appearance alone, yes the Core Moto wheels will make a difference for you. I'd try to lighten up a turbo bike as much as possible but no big hurry. There was a discussion here many years back about the effect of weight on horsepower. A few pounds doesn't make an impressive difference. Rotating mass makes some difference. On a five-hundred hp bike, the weight loss will be minuscule. ...but I'd do it anyway when you have some spare cash laying around.