OBSESSION ENGINEERING’S EXPERIENCE WITH DYMAG® UP7X WHEELS…
DYMAG® develops wheels that deliver a real-world performance advantage – not just in theory, but on the road and track. We were especially pleased to see Dave from Obsession Engineering put our UP7X wheels to the test in a proper back-to-back track comparison.
Watch the full video by Obsession Engineering here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3SRnXdwIfg
Obsession Engineering is an expert tuning, servicing and development outfit based in the UK. They specialise in preparing performance bikes for racing and spirited road riding, with years of hands-on experience and technical insight.
Below, we’ve broken down the key benefits they experienced after fitting a set of DYMAG® UP7X wheels to their Aprilia RS660 – in their own words and observations.
1. Weight Savings That Matter
One of the first things Obsession Engineering highlighted was how much weight was saved when switching to DYMAG® UP7X wheels – over 2.5 kg across both wheels, representing more than 10% of the bike’s unsprung mass. The Aprilia RS660 already has lightweight wheels as standard, so these weight savings have the potential to be much more significant on less track-focused models.
“That’s a big saving – and that’s going to have a knock-on effect on pretty much everything.”
The RS660’s new DYMAG® UP7X wheel setup shaved around 4.65% off the front and a significant 14.39% off the rear assembly. These figures aren’t just interesting on paper – they’re what help transform how the bike performs in every situation, from acceleration to braking to handling.
2. Faster Acceleration, Easier Braking, Sharper Handling
During testing at Blyton Park, even with the engine still running in, Dave noted a 1-second improvement in lap time. And this was without pushing harder, he commented that the bike felt easier to ride, with smoother transitions, quicker steering response and improved acceleration.
“The most surprising part is how much difference it makes across the board – you can feel it everywhere.”
The lighter rear wheel allows the engine to spin up quicker, giving a noticeable improvement in throttle response and drive out of corners. The same drop in mass helps the brakes slow the bike more effectively as there’s less rotating inertia to overcome.
3. Stability and Confidence Over Bumps
Another interesting benefit highlighted by Obsession Engineering was the suspension performance. Reducing unsprung mass makes it easier for the suspension to keep the tyres planted on the tarmac, especially over rough or bumpy surfaces.
The bike settled faster after hard braking, tracked more consistently through corners, and offered more feedback and grip at the front end. For track riders, that means more confidence. For road riders, it translates to improved comfort and stability.
4. Effortless Direction Changes and Reduced Rider Fatigue
Thanks to the reduction in gyroscopic effect, the bike could be tipped from side to side with noticeably less effort. Obsession Engineering described it as feeling “more alive” and “more connected” – making fast chicanes and mid-corner corrections far easier to manage.
“It’s not just faster – it’s easier. That’s what surprised me the most.”
Less rider effort over a full session means reduced fatigue, improved consistency and more enjoyment – whether you’re racing or just pushing on during a Sunday ride.
5. Forged vs Cast – Why Forging Wins
Obsession Engineering also took time to highlight the construction differences between forged and cast wheels. Rather than being poured into a mould, forged wheels are compressed under high pressure to create a denser, stronger structure with less material.
This means a DYMAG® forged wheel can be lighter and stronger than a cast equivalent, without compromising durability or safety. In the video, Dave even praises the visible build quality of the UP7X, including the hollowed spokes and precise machining, all done to maximise strength and weight savings.
“You can see the attention to detail – it’s not just lighter, it’s better made.”
6. First Impressions – Straight Out of the Box
Before even turning a wheel, the Obsession Engineering team shared their reaction to unboxing the DYMAG® wheels. The first thing mentioned? The finish, the quality, and the attention to detail.
That impression carried through from the packaging, to fitting, to the first laps on track, where the performance benefits were immediately felt and clearly measurable.
Final Verdict from Obsession Engineering
To quote Obsession Engineering directly:
“This might be the best modification you can make to a bike after suspension. And that is high praise indeed.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Lighter forged wheels don’t just reduce weight – they amplify everything that matters to a rider: sharper handling, better control and more confidence.
Credit:
This test and all performance insights were provided by Obsession Engineering.
Find out more about their work here: https://obsessionengineering.co.uk
Watch their full review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3SRnXdwIfg
50 Years of Performance Momentum
For half a century, DYMAG® has been at the forefront of wheel innovation, producing high-performance wheels that combine cutting-edge technology with unparalleled craftsmanship. From our pioneering days to our current status as industry leaders, DYMAG® remains dedicated to delivering the best in strength, lightweight design, and superior performance.