Motegi wheels ?

[What could go wrong]

Yes, yes, I know there are a couple of threads that already exist on this topic. However, the latest one I could find was in 2010, most are from 2006-8, and they mostly go like this:

Anybody know anything about these Motegi guys?

Yea, they are all super heavy, so they suck

Yea but the traklites are like 14lbs each right?

Uuuuuhh

And then the thread dies.

I am primarily looking at the MR131s but I'm looking for information on these guys in general. I've looked at a few fourums and I can't seem to find any information, or anybody that runs them at all for that matter.

I am asking because If I see a wheel that looks good, is lightweight, and pretty cheap, my brain infers they will explode and kill four people the second I hit a pothole... figuratively of course....

Anybody have experience with the traklite series? Any problems/ horror stories? Are they really fantastic and everybody should own four sets ? Let me know! Any help is much appreciated!

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

[Jsc421]

They're just cheaper wheels, lesser build quality than name brands or more expensive wheels. They would be fine for normal driving but wouldn't personally track with them.

[GoFrogs]

Originally Posted by Jsc421

They're just cheaper wheels, lesser build quality than name brands or more expensive wheels. They would be fine for normal driving but wouldn't personally track with them.

I'd much rather destroy a $140 wheel than a $700 one. Of course, having sufficient tire sidewall should be considered.

Worst case if you don't like them, and you bend a wheel; you sell the three good ones to get some of your money back...or make end tables out of them and sell a few to get some money back to put into different wheels.

All comes down to the "2 out of three" >> Fast - Cheap - Reliable

[STIposer]

Originally Posted by Jsc421

They're just cheaper wheels, lesser build quality than name brands or more expensive wheels. They would be fine for normal driving but wouldn't personally track with them.

This advice here is what you'll commonly hear from your local street meet at In N Out. Umbrella terms that are mostly based on this brand being better than that brand due to perceived higher quality based on popularity, price, or damn good marketing. None of it is based off real experience or even an explanation as to why this is better than that.

Motegi has been around the import scene since late 90s. They were once a very popular brand. Here is a link to a video done by Fitment Industries who have done some research for you:

THE TRUTH ABOUT MOTEGI RACING WHEELS - YouTube

THE TRUTH ABOUT MOTEGI RACING WHEELS - YouTube

The wheel you have in question seems to be of good quality. They are flow formed, which many brands (even the so called high end brands that are of "higher quality") use as their method of making wheels. A brand is just a brand, but casting techniques and metallurgy are the root of what you're after when it comes to wheels. Motegi wheels have the same safety stamps JWL and VIA certifications that all quality wheels have. The 18x9 +35 Motegi MR131 weighs 19 lbs. I'd say you won't be making a bad choice in Motegi wheels.


Why not give Motegi a call yourself and ask them questions? Or maybe give a call to a Motegi dealer who has experience using the wheels and see if they have run across any issues. Check out their website: https://www.motegiracing.com/
Also, pay attention to their race team link, their warranty policies, and even their FAQ section will help your decision.



Hope this info can help you decide on whatever brand you go with.

[Patrick Olsen]

Thank you to GoFrogs and STIposer for reviving this 3+ year-old thread. I'm guessing "What could go wrong" has been waiting and waiting for some responses to this thread so he can finally buy some damn wheels!

[STIposer]

Oops, newb mistake. I didn't even bother to check when it was posted. Now he can feel validated with his Motegi wheel purchase after all these years.