The 16.5" wheels appeared in GP racing during the early 90's. I think Gary McCoy was one on the pioneers if my memory serves me correct. @Exige do your wheels have a speedo pickup on the front wheel? If so they are not the wheels that were used on the Factory and RS bikes. Factory and RS bikes do not have a speedo therefore the speedo tangs are missing. Marchesini's 1st version of Magnesium wheels did not have the re-enforced ribbing. The ribbing was introduced later due to so many riders bending them on the road. I researched all this useless information because I bought a 17" ribbed set for my SP3
@Leonlc see here... https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/916-996-998-mag-wheel-confusion-which-are-what.60770/
Yeah mine are cast also. One way distinguish is to look at the back side of the spokes. Inside the recess of the spokes you will see circle bumps from the mold where the air was allowed to escape during the casting process. The forged wheels do not have these little bumps. Forged wheels have a smooth machined finish.
Note to OP: Oz racing make some aluminium wheels that look similar, available in gold or black... for us lot without unlimited budget or uncooperative partners!
The race wheels are very different to the road wheels with larger hubs and the ribs are for road racing.Heres the Protwin special;-
So do I. TBH, they widen the rear tyre and make the bike turn a tiny bit slower, but compensated by the much lighter front which sped things up. All in all, they were my best 916 mod as it turns very quickly and is something you'll notice immediately. Ive had mine plastic coated to protect them from road shit etc. Marvic did it and xrayed them too. So I cannot tell whether die cast or sand cast or forged etc. Mine were deffo a race set WITH tangs and came off a race bike. They have the usual race marks and some pitting on rear.
