Desmo Times Product 188 - Nichols Flywheel

A lightweight flywheel makes the engine spin up faster and slow down quicker. This gives the sensation of extra horsepower. Even though the bike won't generate more power, it will get to the meat of the powerband faster. The bike will also turn over faster during starts due to less rotating mass.

Because there will be less rotating mass, you'll have to slip the clutch a little more to get started. Some more engine vibration may be felt through to the frame, because the heavy stock flywheel also eliminates some vibration.

Nichols installation instructions are included. In terms of difficulty, I'd rate it a 3 out of 5 (1 is changing the oil and a 5 is dropping the engine and pulling the heads). My book covers alternator cover removal and installation. The Nichols instructions pick up from there.

Yes, Nichols makes 6 different versions of their flywheel to suit the different engine configurations.

Single Phase Carbed Pre-1998 models = $249
Triple Phase Carbed 1998 and up models = $289
Single Phase Injected models 748/916 and 1998 ST2 = $129
Triple Phase Injected models 1998 and up Monster, 748/996/998/749/999/848/1098/ST/MTS/Sport Classic/HM = $199
Single Phase Injected P8 computer and SPS models = $249
Triple Phase 996 SPS and RS - 1999 and up=$289

That's what I'm here for. Simply fill out the shopping cart order, indicating whether your Ducati is carbureted or fuel-injected, then tell me whether it has single-phase or triple-phase charging (see below) and then tell me the model, year and variant of your bike. My shopping cart will charge $1. Once I determine which flywheel you need, I'll apply the rest of the charges on my end.

It's easy to make a mistake and order the wrong flywheel. By telling me whether your bike is carbureted or injected, the phase of the charging system, and the year, model and variant of your Ducati, I'll be able to send you the proper flywheel. If your bike is a bitsa (meaning a different motor architecture than originally came in that year and model) contact me or fill out other clarification instructions in the "comments" box of the order.

1. Look at the wires entering your voltage regulator. If there are 2 yellow wires you have a a SINGLE-PHASE charging system. 3 yellow wires indicates a TRIPLE-PHASE charging system.

2. Look at the sight window next to the clutch slave cylinder on the alternator cover. If the sight window is close to the engine casing and sits well inside the slave cylinder , you have a single-phase charging system. If the sight window sticks out past the slave cylinder, you have a 3 phase charging system.

Above: A single phase alternator (left) on my '96 M900 and a three phase alternator on my Sport Classic (right).

Nichols Flywheel - $129-$289
Above - On the left is the 1999+ Nichols flywheel, which weighs a mere 6 ounces. On the right, the bulky stock flywheel, which weighs in at 4 pounds. That's more than a 3.5 pound reduction in rotating mass.

Charging System Variant Carbureted or Fuel Injected Year, Model and Variant of your Ducati Additional Clarification on Model or Variant NOTE: I will apply the correct charges once I determine which flywheel you need and will charge your credit card accordingly. No PAYPAL orders for this item. Visa / Mastercard / Mail Orders

Nichols Flywheel - $129-$289 FAQ 1. What are the advantages of a lightweight flywheel A lightweight flywheel makes the engine spin up faster and slow down quicker. This gives the sensation of extra horsepower. Even though the bike won't generate more power, it will get to the meat of the powerband faster. The bike will also turn over faster during starts due to less rotating mass. 2. What are the disadvantages of a lightweight flywheel Because there will be less rotating mass, you'll have to slip the clutch a little more to get started. Some more engine vibration may be felt through to the frame, because the heavy stock flywheel also eliminates some vibration. 3. Is the flywheel easy to install Nichols installation instructions are included. In terms of difficulty, I'd rate it a 3 out of 5 (1 is changing the oil and a 5 is dropping the engine and pulling the heads). My book covers alternator cover removal and installation. The Nichols instructions pick up from there. 4. Are there different versions of the Nichols flywheel? Yes, Nichols makes 6 different versions of their flywheel to suit the different engine configurations. 5. How much will my flywheel version cost? Cost is based on variant. Here's the breakdown: Single Phase Carbed Pre-1998 models = $249 Triple Phase Carbed 1998 and up models = $289 Single Phase Injected models 748/916 and 1998 ST2 = $129 Triple Phase Injected models 1998 and up Monster, 748/996/998/749/999/848/1098/ST/MTS/Sport Classic/HM = $199 Single Phase Injected P8 computer and SPS models = $249 Triple Phase 996 SPS and RS - 1999 and up=$289 6. How to I tell which type of flywheel I have? That's what I'm here for. Simply fill out the shopping cart order, indicating whether your Ducati is carbureted or fuel-injected, then tell me whether it has single-phase or triple-phase charging (see below) and then tell me the model, year and variant of your bike. My shopping cart will charge $1. Once I determine which flywheel you need, I'll apply the rest of the charges on my end. 7. Why don't you trust us to order the correct flywheel? It's easy to make a mistake and order the wrong flywheel. By telling me whether your bike is carbureted or injected, the phase of the charging system, and the year, model and variant of your Ducati, I'll be able to send you the proper flywheel. If your bike is a bitsa (meaning a different motor architecture than originally came in that year and model) contact me or fill out other clarification instructions in the "comments" box of the order. Methods of determining your type of charging system: 1. Look at the wires entering your voltage regulator. If there are 2 yellow wires you have a a SINGLE-PHASE charging system. 3 yellow wires indicates a TRIPLE-PHASE charging system. 2. Look at the sight window next to the clutch slave cylinder on the alternator cover. If the sight window is close to the engine casing and sits well inside the slave cylinder , you have a single-phase charging system. If the sight window sticks out past the slave cylinder, you have a 3 phase charging system. Above: A single phase alternator (left) on my '96 M900 and a three phase alternator on my Sport Classic (right).