I. Introduction: The Foundation of Performance
The GasGas 700 series, featuring the agile SM 700 supermoto and the versatile ES 700 enduro models, has carved a niche for itself with its potent performance and engaging ride experience. At the heart of both machines lies a robust 693cc LC4 single-cylinder engine, renowned as one of the most powerful singles on the market. This powerhouse delivers a commanding 74 hp and 73.5 Nm of torque, characterized by remarkably smooth power delivery, precise fueling, and a free-revving nature that belies its single-cylinder configuration. Advanced rider aids such as an up/down quickshifter and lean-sensitive traction control further enhance control and accessibility, making these motorcycles adept at tackling diverse riding conditions.
While the engine provides the muscle, the true magic in translating that power into a superlative riding experience often comes down to a critical, yet frequently underestimated, component: the wheels. Wheel technology forms the very foundation of a motorcycle's performance, profoundly influencing handling, acceleration, braking, and overall rider comfort. For a high-performance machine like the GasGas 700 series, understanding and optimizing wheel technology isn't just an upgrade; it's a strategic enhancement that unlocks the bike's full potential.
II. The Science Behind Wheel Performance: Unsprung Mass and Rotational Inertia
To truly appreciate the impact of advanced wheel technology, it's essential to grasp two fundamental concepts: unsprung mass and rotational inertia.
Defining Unsprung Mass
Unsprung mass refers to all the components of a motorcycle that are not supported by the suspension system. This includes the wheels themselves, tires, brake discs, calipers, axles, and the lower sections of the forks and shocks. Essentially, these are the parts that move directly in response to road irregularities, without the immediate cushioning effect of the springs and dampers.
Impact of Reduced Unsprung Mass and Rotational Inertia
Reducing unsprung mass, especially by investing in lightweight wheels, is considered one of the most effective performance upgrades for any motorcycle. The benefits cascade across several key areas of performance:
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Improved Handling and Steering: With less weight for the suspension to control, the wheels can follow the road surface more intimately, maintaining better tire contact over bumps and undulations. This translates directly to more precise steering inputs, quicker turn-in into corners, and an overall more responsive and crisper handling feel. Furthermore, lighter wheels reduce the gyroscopic effect, making it easier for the rider to lean the bike and change direction with less effort, enhancing agility. The GasGas SM 700, already praised for its razor-sharp handling and flickability (weighing under 150 kg), only stands to gain further from such enhancements.
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Faster Acceleration and Braking: Wheels represent a significant portion of a motorcycle's rotating mass. Reducing this mass, particularly at the rim, lowers the rotational inertia. This means the engine requires less energy to spin the wheels up to speed, resulting in noticeably faster acceleration. Conversely, lower rotational inertia also allows for quicker deceleration, significantly improving braking performance and reducing stopping distances.
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Enhanced Suspension Performance and Rider Comfort: When wheels are lighter, the suspension components (springs and dampers) have an easier job managing their movement. This leads to superior bump compliance, allowing the bike to absorb impacts more effectively and maintain greater stability over uneven surfaces. The reduced bouncing of the wheels ensures more consistent traction and can also lead to a more comfortable ride, lessening rider fatigue on longer or more aggressive outings.
III. Advanced Wheel Materials: Optimizing for Performance and Durability
Manufacturers employ sophisticated materials and processes to create wheels that deliver the maximum performance benefits of reduced unsprung mass and rotational inertia.
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Carbon Fiber Wheels: These are the pinnacle of lightweight performance, often up to 60% lighter than standard cast aluminum wheels. Leading brands like BST (Blackstone Tek), Dymag, and Rotobox produce carbon fiber wheels that drastically reduce rotational mass. For instance, a BST carbon front wheel can weigh as little as 2.2-2.4 kg, with the outer rim being approximately 1.1 kg. This significant weight saving results in dramatically quicker handling, improved acceleration, enhanced braking, and superior cornering ability, often leading to faster lap times on track. Carbon fiber also boasts excellent vibration damping characteristics.
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Magnesium Alloy Wheels: Offering a compelling balance of lightness and strength, magnesium wheels are typically 20-30% lighter than their cast aluminum counterparts. Brands like Dymag offer magnesium wheels that significantly reduce unsprung mass and moment of inertia, contributing to improved agility and responsiveness. While magnesium is lighter than aluminum, it requires specific care due to its reactivity and susceptibility to galvanic corrosion.
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Forged Aluminum Wheels: Forged aluminum wheels represent a significant step up from standard cast aluminum. Created by compressing a solid block of aluminum under immense pressure, the forging process realigns the metal's grain structure, resulting in a wheel that is both stronger and lighter. This offers an excellent balance of weight reduction, robust strength, and durability suitable for a wide range of riding. Marchesini, known for supplying Ducati models, and Core Moto are prominent brands in this segment. Forged Marchesini rear wheels, for example, can be significantly lighter than OEM cast wheels.
IV. Specialized Wheel Setups: The 17-inch Supermoto Advantage
The GasGas SM 700 embodies the "S1" Supermoto spirit, designed for a blend of on-road agility and off-road capability. This design philosophy is particularly relevant in the context of events like the Supermoto of Nations (S1oN), where countries like France have historically showcased strong performances, with events even taking place at circuits near Paris. A defining characteristic of the SM 700, and supermoto bikes in general, is its specialized 17-inch wheel setup.
The adoption of 17-inch wheels on mixed-terrain supermoto bikes like the SM 700 offers a multitude of benefits:
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Enhanced On-Road Performance: The 17-inch diameter allows for the fitment of wider, high-grip sportbike tires. These tires provide superior traction, stability, and precise control on paved surfaces, crucial for aggressive street riding and track days. They also facilitate better braking performance due to a larger contact patch and significantly improve cornering ability, enabling faster turn-in and predictable lean angles, maximizing the SM 700's inherent agility.
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Improved Agility and Handling: The reduced diameter of 17-inch wheels lowers the motorcycle's overall center of gravity, which enhances stability during high-speed maneuvers and aggressive cornering. This configuration also sharpens the steering geometry, leading to faster and more responsive steering with less effort required to initiate leans and change direction quickly. The reduced gyroscopic effect compared to larger off-road wheels further contributes to enhanced steering precision and flickability.
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Wider Tire Selection: The 17-inch size opens up a vast catalog of high-performance sport-touring and supersport tires. This extensive selection allows riders to tailor their tire choice precisely to their specific mixed-terrain needs, balancing maximum grip with longevity and versatility.
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Versatility for Varied Surfaces: While optimized for pavement, 17-inch supermoto wheels maintain a remarkable degree of versatility. Supermoto bikes are built for this hybrid role, seamlessly transitioning from city streets to light dirt paths. While larger off-road wheels excel at absorbing big bumps and clearing obstacles on hardcore trails, the 17-inch setup offers a surprising level of adaptability and can even provide improved "float" in sand and loose river rock compared to street tires on stock dirt rims.
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Rider Confidence and Stability: The combined benefits of enhanced grip, powerful braking, and agile handling characteristics instill greater confidence in the rider. This allows for more aggressive riding on paved sections and provides a more planted, stable feel at higher speeds, empowering riders to push their limits with greater assurance.
V. Customization for the GasGas 700 Series
For GasGas 700 owners looking to personalize their ride or fine-tune performance for specific applications, custom wheel sets offer an unparalleled opportunity. Taking PiscesRacing as an example, the options for customization are extensive, allowing for both aesthetic and functional personalization.
PiscesRacing offers a variety of front wheel sizes, including:
- 21x1.60 and 21x1.85 (OEM) for enduro applications
- 19x2.15 and 19x2.50 for a middle ground Rear wheel sizes include:
- 17x2.50 and 17x3.50 for supermoto setups
- 18x2.15 and 18x2.50 (OEM) for enduro versatility
It’s important to note that certain rim widths (1.85" and 2.50") and Elite 7050 Series rims are exclusively available in black.
Beyond size, the aesthetic customization is vast, with options for:
- Hubs: A spectrum of anodized colors including Silver, Blue, Green, Gold, Magnesium, Orange, Purple, Red, and Teal.
- Spokes: Stainless Steel Silver or a wide range of powder-coated colors such as Army Green, Baby Blue, Blue, Coyote Tan, Flo Yellow, Nardo Grey, Orange, School Bus Yellow, Teal, White, Black, Green, Red, and Yellow.
- Nipples: Stainless Steel Silver or anodized aluminum colors like Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Magnesium, Orange, Purple, Red, and Teal.
- Rims: Standard 7000 Series and Elite 7050 Series anodized aluminum, with some width and series black-only restrictions.
This level of customization ensures that GasGas 700 owners can create a wheel set that not only performs optimally for their riding style but also reflects their personal flair.
VI. Essential Wheel Maintenance for Longevity and Performance
High-performance wheels, especially those made from advanced materials, demand diligent maintenance to ensure safety, preserve their integrity, and sustain peak performance.
General Maintenance and Safety
Regular inspection and cleaning are paramount. Before and after each ride, visually check for any signs of damage: cracks, bends, dents, or loose spokes. For spoked wheels, routinely check spoke tightness to prevent imbalance and structural issues. Inspect wheel bearings for unusual sounds or play, which signal wear and potential replacement. When cleaning, always use mild, pH-neutral soaps and soft cloths; avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or high-pressure washers, which can damage finishes and accelerate corrosion.
Material-Specific Considerations
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Carbon Fiber Wheels: These require gentle care. Clean with mild soap and water using a soft microfiber cloth, avoiding petroleum/alcohol-based products or abrasive cleaners that can damage the resin. After any impact, meticulously inspect for cracks, scratches, or delamination. Store carbon wheels in a dry environment away from direct sunlight to prevent UV degradation. If equipped with rim brakes (less common on modern supermotos but applicable to some custom setups), use carbon-specific pads and modulate braking to prevent heat buildup.
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Magnesium Wheels: Magnesium is highly reactive and susceptible to galvanic corrosion. Avoid cleaning products containing chlorine or strong acids. Regularly inspect for pitting and seal any scratches promptly. Always use zinc-plated fittings and appropriate anti-seize compounds (e.g., Mastinox 6856K) when dissimilar metals contact magnesium. Forged magnesium is generally more durable than cast, but both benefit from periodic crack testing. Verify DOT/ECE certification and check with your insurer, as some policies may classify them as "racing equipment."
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Forged Aluminum Wheels: While more robust than magnesium or carbon fiber in some respects, forged aluminum wheels still benefit from consistent general cleaning and inspection to maintain their finish and structural integrity.
Balancing Weights
Unbalanced wheels are a common cause of vibrations, uneven tire wear, compromised handling, and increased stress on suspension and bearings.
- When to Balance: Balance wheels whenever new tires are installed, after any tire repair, or if you detect abnormal vibrations, especially between 50-70 mph. Rebalancing every 3,000–5,000 miles is a good preventative measure.
- Types of Weights: Adhesive (stick-on) weights are common for cast wheels, while clip-on weights are standard for spoked wheels. Bead balancing, using internal ceramic or steel beads, is an option for off-road or heavy cruisers but offers less precision for high-speed road use.
- Process: Professional dynamic balancing identifies heavy spots and applies weights opposite them to achieve smooth rotation. Excessively heavy weighting (over 1 ounce/28g per wheel) may indicate issues with the rim or tire itself.
Tire Pressure
Correct tire pressure is fundamental to safety, handling, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
- Checking Pressure: Always check tire pressure when tires are "cold" – meaning the motorcycle has been stationary for at least three hours or ridden less than a mile at moderate speed. Tire pressure increases as tires heat up during riding.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Adhere strictly to your motorcycle's owner's manual for recommended PSI, which are for cold tires.
- Consequences of Incorrect Pressure: Underinflated tires lead to poor handling, reduced traction, uneven wear, higher running temperatures, decreased fuel efficiency, and an increased risk of tire failure. Overinflated tires reduce traction, cause a harsh ride, and increase the risk of blowouts.
Cold Weather Considerations
Cold temperatures can significantly affect both tire pressure and wheel material integrity.
- Tire Pressure Drop: Air pressure decreases by approximately 1 PSI for every 10°F (5.5°C) drop in temperature. Regular adjustments are essential during colder months.
- Reduced Traction: Colder road surfaces offer less grip, and tires take longer to reach optimal operating temperatures, further reducing traction.
- Material Effects: Carbon fiber resin can become less impact-resistant below -10°C, increasing susceptibility to cracks, and material contraction can stress spoke tension. Magnesium corrosion is accelerated by moisture and road salt prevalent in winter conditions.
- Lubrication: Bearing grease can thicken in the cold, potentially increasing rolling resistance. Use temperature-appropriate lubricants and consider seasonal hub servicing.
Consulting a trusted professional for mounting, balancing, and advanced inspections is always recommended, especially for specialized wheels.
VII. Beyond the Wheels: Drivetrain Considerations
While the focus remains on wheels, it's worth noting that issues seemingly related to wheels or riding comfort can sometimes stem from other components, particularly the drivetrain. For instance, a "neutral gear problem"—difficulty finding neutral—while not directly caused by wheels, can impact the overall ride experience.
Severely worn cush drive rubbers in the rear wheel hub, though not a direct cause of transmission neutral issues, can lead to excessive play in the rear sprocket. This might manifest as a "snatchy" feel during throttle application and deceleration, affecting overall drivetrain harmony. Therefore, checking for excessive play in the rear sprocket/wheel hub is a good practice during any wheel inspection.
Other common issues that affect shifting and can sometimes be confused with wheel-related problems include improper clutch adjustment or condition (a dragging clutch makes finding neutral difficult), or issues within the gear shifting mechanism itself (e.g., bent shift shafts, damaged shift forks, or incorrect chain tension). Ensuring all these drivetrain elements are in optimal condition contributes to a smoother, more predictable ride.
VIII. Conclusion: Elevating Your Ride
The GasGas 700 series offers an exhilarating platform for both supermoto and enduro enthusiasts. However, to truly elevate the ride experience and maximize the bike's potent capabilities, a deep understanding and thoughtful optimization of wheel technology are indispensable. From the scientific principles of unsprung mass and rotational inertia to the performance advantages of advanced materials like carbon fiber, magnesium, and forged aluminum, every detail contributes to a more responsive, agile, and ultimately, more engaging motorcycle.
The specialized 17-inch supermoto wheel setup on the SM 700 exemplifies how tailored wheel choices can unlock specific performance profiles, offering enhanced on-road grip, sharper handling, and versatility for mixed terrain. Beyond initial selection, diligent maintenance—including material-specific care, precise balancing, and correct tire pressure—is crucial for ensuring longevity, safety, and consistent peak performance.
For GasGas 700 owners, exploring wheel upgrades and committing to diligent care isn't just about speed; it's about refining the connection between rider, machine, and road. By making informed choices and adhering to best practices, you can transform your GasGas 700 into an even more formidable and satisfying machine, ready to conquer any challenge the road or trail presents.