Rep Power: 196

Hey all,

I have a few questions regarding Motegi Traklites. A set of four just popped up locally for $450 with 2 tires at 95% and 2 at about 70%. This seemed like a good deal to me considering the wheels are ~$280 each new and tires are all expensive.

I searched, however, and found that a lot of people think Motegis are garbage. I actually have MR7's now and haven't had a problem. I also read that the Traklites were better than most other Motegis and the only wheels worth the money by Motegi. I was just wondering if anyone can weigh in to confirm this info? Do you think that price is worth it to upgrade from entry level wheels to some lightweight forged wheels?

One more question. What are my chances of destroying the traklites on potholes and the like? My MR7s have had the crap beaten out of them but have no bends, cracks, etc. I know forged is supposed to be stronger, but then again a "racing" wheel isn't necessarily designed for a fatty pothole.

Any info would be appreciated. I'm on the fence about the wheels at the moment.

 
Rep Power: 352

any kind of light rim will bend easier than a rim that is better inforced. now there are a lot of variables that go into that, but in general...

the tracklites are good rims. over at v6p, a few people run them without any problems.

but if u hit a pothole (and you have low profile tires), you better be damn sure ur gonna bend those or any other kinda rim in its arena

 
Rep Power: 196

Alright I appreciate the info +1. That's what I was thinking would be the case.

I can afford the wheels, but not costly repairs or replacements for bends so I might have to pass as much as I want them. The roads where I live suck.

Thanks again!

 
Rep Power: 352

^how big are the rims? (what size)

if you have crappy roads, i suggest going NO bigger than 16" because 205/50/16 will give you significant tire cushion and save ur rims more than 17"

 
Rep Power: 196

They're 17's, same as my MR7s. I'm running 215/40/17 tires and for most of the roads it works, but I've had a few teeth jarring run ins with potholes that would probably destroy the traklites. Fortunately being heavy helps, and the MR7s have survived to this point.

I think I'll go for 16's like you said if I ever get something nice and forged and awesome like that lol.

 
Rep Power: 294

Dude, I've been rolling on two sets of Traklites for nearly 8 years. I got the the first consumer set of 19s in the U.S. (perhaps, the world - haha). I was on a waitlist for 9 or 10 months. Yes, I am pretty much a self-admitted brand junkie (I chuckle every time I see a set of cheap wheels, Motegis included)

BUT...

You will never find a better set of lightweight, forged (we're talking full forged, not wanna be forged barrels with high pressure cast centers) wheels for the money. PERIOD. Trust me on this.

Yes, Work Advan, BBS, SSR, Volks, Rega, Spoons are all great, but are only affordable if you you ball or are a wheel ***** with lots of money.

I just picked up a set of used 16" SW388s, for $1800. The best wheel ever made, in my very humble opinion. I still don't have a problem rocking the Lites - they're that good. No you won't win any car shows, but you have a virtually indestructable, light weight, FORGED wheel for little or no cost. Cast wheels are a dime a dozen, for a reason. Don't know the differnece? Google samurai sword process.

Motegi = JUNK. Traklites = Solid. Forged is Forged. Can't change the process that much, no matter what the label says.

Back on topic. I've bent only one of the 8 traklites (my fault, potholes are a MF, but that was one month in, learning to drive w/ new 19s). It was only a slight bend, at that. Still held air, repaired the rim, for asthetics. Motegi replaced it because I complained, a lot. A cast wheel would have broken or cracked under the same circumstances. 2nd point, had a tire sidewall separation at 70mph (due to under-inflation). Rolled on the carcass and rim for 5 miles (at 10 mph) to the nearest tire place - no damage to wheel at all.

Nuff said. Buy the wheels.

 
Rep Power: 196

Wow, that's good to know. It turned out the set the guy was selling were the wrong size so they wouldn't have fit well anyway, but if I get the chance I might have to give the traklites a go.

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 294

Good luck. There's a reason that that these wheels still hover at $900 to $1200 for a set of 16"s set on eBay. They get used on the track. If something has a bad rep for breaking (i.e. Konig Heliums), they'd die a quick death. Word of mouth goes a long way. 8+ years, and they still maintain a high asking price. People get often get hung up on names (me, included). I hope you can find a set.