Tech | Testing & TUV Approval
Each Performance Machine Wheel and Brake is designed and engineered to specific standards and thoroughly tested. Starting with computer simulated stress analysis, our engineers assess each design. We do not stop there, though, as we quantify our findings with data from physical testing in our sophisticated in-house test department. PM tests to strict world wide standards such as JASO and TUV.
Cornering
Test
Performance Machine's physical testing begins with our
cornering test where we reproduce the incredible stress
created during cornering on a motorcycle. Each wheel design
is subjected to this mechanical torture and then evaluated for
damage. The wheel is tested at 2.25 times the maximum tire
load for 1,000,000 cycles. If a wheel does not survive this test
or any other test, it is scrapped and redesigned.
Radial Load
Test
Next, the wheel is loaded on our giant Radial Load Tester
which simulates a load on a tire/wheel assembly in a vertical
riding condition at 2.25 times the maximum tire load for
100,000 cycles on a front wheel and 500,000 on a rear wheel.
The wheel is spun up to speed during these cycles then
checked for flaws before enduring the next physical test.
Torsional Load Test
The third test in the PM repertoire is the Torsion Load
Tester which simulates what a wheel would endure if you
were shifting at wide open throttle or hitting the brakes to
the point of skidding for 100,000 cycles with the heaviest
and most powerful production bike. Load sensitive rams
cycle back and forth replicating real world style torture in an
attempt to rip the hub out of the rim. Each wheel design
is given this torture treatment before moving on to its final
physical test.
Impact
Test
The fourth physical test sends each PM wheel design to our
massive Impact Testing unit which simulates the pot holes
and road hazards that a wheel is subjected to in the real world.
We wrap each wheel design with a tire and replicate a hard
edged hit; the wheel must retain air pressure for a specified
amount of time in order to pass. If a wheel passes this final
test it lives to see another day and moves into production.
Brake
Test
Stock V-Twin motorcycles are coming out of the factory with more horsepower
on tap than ever, rarely does it stay that way, though and the bulk of these
bikes are upgraded with high performance pipes, cams, and carbs and other
go fast parts. In an effort to increase performance riders overlook the very
system designed to bring it to a stop. In-house dyno testing ensures that PM
calipers maintain proper pressure, do not flex, provide superior stopping
power, and all functioning parts hold up to daily use to bring your motorcycle
to a stop in a safe distance.
Euro Compliant
As the industry leader in the motorcycle aftermarket,
Performance Machine has been testing our wheels in-house
using TUV standards for decades. TUV is the European
standard for testing and although the Performance Machine
La Palma, CA facility has received TUV certification from the
testing entity, each wheel has to be tested by a European facility
in order to be approved for street use throughout Europe.
Each wheel design and size, ranging from stock replacement up to 23 x 3.5 and
18 x 8.5 undergoes rigorous tests for cornering, impact, torsion, and radial load
before receiving TUV certification. TUV designs include Hooligan, Wrath, Gasser,
Riviera, Element, Heathen, Torque, Luxe and Diesel wheel designs with matching
discs and belt sprockets.