Whats wrong with Rota's?

[mastaofdisasta]

So lately ive been hearing alot of people catching flak for having rota's? Whats so wrong with Rota's. Is it the fact that they take famous wheels made by mugen or spoon or volk or other fancy JDM companies and produce a cheaper lightweight good looking copy? Hey that doesnt seem like such a bad idea to me....:iono: im all for saving money and looking good in the process...

[Sabretooth]

Cheaper lightweight copy, doesnt always mean that they are as strong as you need them to be.

People flak them mainly because they buy them, expect them to be as good as the regular rims. When they push them constantly for too long, too hard. They break. Hence why people hate Rotas.

I dont think that a Yaris can abuse a Rota into submission, at least in a track day. Maybe several seasons of autocross, then you might have a problem with cracking and possible breakage.

[largeorangefont]

Nothing is wrong with them, they are great wheels. Expensive lighter wheels break and bend just as easily as Rotas. Wheels dont just break for no reason. They break because you drive over or run into things.

There are only 3 qualities you can have in a wheel -

Light Strong Cheap

Pick 2 and live with your choice

[Pitt Yaris]

Yea, I'm not trying to spend $800 on a set of wheels that there's a possibility can get bent due to potholes or curbrash. I'd rather spend 400-500 on "knockoffs". Then again, I'm not a performance guy, just a daily driver.

[Malaya1221]

none...just some snubbish crowd who likes to own jahPANIS made wheels...don't mind rockin it anyday...

[mastaofdisasta]

Nothing is wrong with them, they are great wheels. Expensive lighter wheels break and bend just as easily as Rotas.

There are only 3 qualities you can have in a wheel -

Light, Strong, Cheap.

Pick 2.

I dont think anyone could have put this better sir.

I do autocross, and i see a loooaaaddd of peeps with them at the course, so rota must be doing something right...


ps. i hope i didnt start world war 19 on yaris world

[Pitt Yaris]

I dont think anyone could have put this better sir.

I do autocross, and i see a loooaaaddd of peeps with them at the course, so rota must be doing something right...

ps. i hope i didnt start world war 19 on yaris world

I've wondered the same thing for the past couple weeks hearing all this talk about "wheel noobs and knockoffs"

[Sabretooth]

Rotas arent bad, mine have held up great over 1.5 years, but I have yet to hit the track with them, but plenty of spirited backroads driving.

I just think that people break them, dont realize the fact that they spent $500 on the whole set of rims. They want the quality of a $1500 set, thus would rather blame poor craftmanship.

[mastaofdisasta]

I've wondered the same thing for the past couple weeks hearing all this talk about "wheel noobs and knockoffs"

true automotive enthusiasts would not say that, as true auto enthusiasts are few and far between...Then again, i guess their is always a fine obscure line between conniseur and asshole. To put it simply some peeps like me just cant afford the real thing, and i aint gonna lie, if i could afford em, id get volks, or be throwing on a set or mugen nr10's on my honda, but for now at this point in my life, i am much more than appreciative to be getting Rotas on my car in a few weeks. Much love Rota, one of the best things to come outta the Phillipines ever

[Malaya1221]

Much love Rota, one of the best things to come outta the Phillipines ever

offtopic: thought it was manny "pacman" pacquiao.:biggrin:(sorry, could not resist)

[Pitt Yaris]

I plan on purchasing a set of knock offs soon. Either rota or konig most likely.

[Pitt Yaris]

offtopic: thought it was manny "pacman" pacquiao.:biggrin:(sorry, could not resist)

One of the best posts correcting someone.

[ChinoCharles]

If Rotas were "cool" JDM fanboys would have no reason to tout their $2500 wheels.

[2006fronty]

I don't see anything wrong with "fake" wheels, I'm on my second set of Konigs and have never had a problem. Don't get me wrong I would love to be able to AFFORD some forged high dollar wheels some day, but in the meantime until I win the lotto, I'll happily putt around on my cheapo "fake" wheels:biggrin:

[cali yaris]

none...just some snubbish crowd who likes to own jahPANIS made wheels...don't mind rockin it anyday...

LOL, says the guy who just laid down some serious bank on REAL JDM Bride seats.

[SpeedwayPerformance]

I run Rotas on both my road racing and street cars. I have never had a problem. If you looking to compete at a high end modified car show I wouldn't recommend them. But if your looking for a performance wheel and tire package for track use you and your planning on spending 3k on your wheels you should really give you head a shake. If its a street car then its even less of a issue IMO.

[YarisSedan]

I had some cheap rims once. Drove over pothole and they broke. End of story.

[BLAZINBLUEVITZ]

I plan on purchasing a set of knock offs soon. Either rota or konig most likely.

i must have fell off if KONIGS are knockoff's now:laugh:

[Loren]

Nothing wrong with Rota wheels. I bought a set of Rota Circuit 8's for my Saturn back about 1999. Autocrossed them, street drove them, they saw ice, snow, road salt, etc. They went on my Miata for another 3 years of street, autocross and track use after I sold the Saturn and moved back to FL. Sold them to another Miata guy, he ran them for a few years, then sold them to another Miata guy... and I still see those wheels every time I go to one of the local Miata club meetings.

Rota is "cool" in same way that a freakin' Yaris is cool! It's not the highest performance option, but it is inexpensive, fairly light weight and gets the job done!

[HTM Yaris]

The reason why peeps hate Rotas are b/c there are a couple of vids out there showing the Rotas breaking completely off the hub . It turned out to be an isolated incident .

[Russelt3hPirate]

Rotas suck ass b/c they blatantly steal their designs from reputable manufactures to cater towards the individuals who want the "look" of expensive wheels but don't want the spend it (for whatever reason, viable or not).

I'd be 100% less pissed off at Rota if they actually designed their own shit, instead they steal from other companies to make a $$.

Although if Rota actually spent $$ designing wheels they wouldn't cost $70 a pop. :lol:

they have their place in our market b/c people love cheap knockoffs, doesn't make me "snobish" b/c I respect intellectual property.

My attitude goes towards all knock off companies not just Rota. Drag, Konig are two examples more popular on here.

Will your Rotas suddenly esprode while driving? no.

Look into wheel manufactures who are less expensive but still design their own shit, stop supporting the knock offs!!

/rant

:D

[Tamago]

Team Dynamics All THE WAY!

[enviri]

i love my rota circuit 8s...running thru shitty mass/ct/ny roads full of potholes on the highway makes me cringe, and they are TPMS friendly :thumbsup: lol
sure there are some signs that visual quality isnt good, or very smooth (take close look at pic)...but its a solid wheel. i did have to take a hammer once or twice to fix a couple booboos, though. :cool:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/xienji/Picture005.jpg

[Russelt3hPirate]

Team Dynamics All THE WAY!

or Enkei, or the Work Emotion Series or GramLights

:)

[Loren]

I can't speak for everyone else, but I didn't buy my Rotas because they were styled like another wheel. In fact, I didn't even realize that the Circuit 8 was a knock-off wheel when I bought it. I bought it because it was cheap, light and I didn't hate the way it looked.

As was said earlier in this thread: Cheap, Light, Strong... pick 3. With Rota, you're picking cheap and light.

And I don't buy the "stolen intellectual property" bit. I owned a set of actual Volk CE28N's after the Rota Circuit 8's. While the design is "similar", it is absolutely NOT the same. Rota simply made a wheel that had a similar appearance. It is designed BY ROTA to work with Rota's casting methods rather than Volks forging methods. Compare the "same" wheel in the same size, you'll find the Volk is about 2/3 the weight of the Rota. That's not magic! There's less aluminum in the Volk wheel to make it lighter, the strength is retained by careful design and the forging process. It would be impossible to "copy" that design and make a HEAVIER wheel... if Rota were to copy it and just cast it, they'd end up with a wheel that weighed about the same, but was VERY weak.

[Russelt3hPirate]

I can't speak for everyone else, but I didn't buy my Rotas because they were styled like another wheel. In fact, I didn't even realize that the Circuit 8 was a knock-off wheel when I bought it. I bought it because it was cheap, light and I didn't hate the way it looked.

As was said earlier in this thread: Cheap, Light, Strong... pick 3. With Rota, you're picking cheap and light.

And I don't buy the "stolen intellectual property" bit. I owned a set of actual Volk CE28N's after the Rota Circuit 8's. While the design is "similar", it is absolutely NOT the same. Rota simply made a wheel that had a similar appearance. It is designed BY ROTA to work with Rota's casting methods rather than Volks forging methods. Compare the "same" wheel in the same size, you'll find the Volk is about 2/3 the weight of the Rota. That's not magic! There's less aluminum in the Volk wheel to make it lighter, the strength is retained by careful design and the forging process. It would be impossible to "copy" that design and make a HEAVIER wheel... if Rota were to copy it and just cast it, they'd end up with a wheel that weighed about the same, but was VERY weak.

the Circuit 8's are not CE28N knock offs. they are knock offs of a Mugen wheel.

http://i28.tinypic.com/16atp1z.jpg

:bellyroll: you need to look more at the Rota "lineup"

they steal every wheel from someone else, if you don't think so you just aren't familiar with the wheel they stole it from haha.

If you'd like examples of this i'd be more than happy to give you them, but there is no way you can't "buy" the intellectual property bit b/c it's 100% true.

All the other arguments against Rota have been beaten like a deadhorse, Generally if I were to get into an accident I'd prefer the wheel to stay attached to the hoop.....:drinking:

alot of manufactures use "similar" designs but they make subtle changes to be able to call it their own. Rota takes these subtle changes and adds them to their wheels so they "Look" the same. haha.

[Tamago]

While the design is "similar", it is absolutely NOT the same. Rota simply made a wheel that had a similar appearance.

It would be impossible to "copy" that design and make a HEAVIER wheel...

if Rota were to copy it and just cast it, they'd end up with a wheel that weighed about the same, but was VERY weak.

sorry to say this, Russelltheirate, but he's right..

[Russelt3hPirate]

Strange how similar the Mugen and the Rota are visually.....:vomit:

[Tamago]

Strange how similar the Mugen and the Rota are visually.....:vomit:

YES, visually..

and the buck stops there.

i think that toyota could sue subaru for copying their front ends since 1996 (compare corolla to impreza) if we all lived by the "visual property is the same as intellectual property" rule..

[Russelt3hPirate]

sorry to say this, Russelltheirate, but he's right..

so they add a little extra metal so the wheels don't explode, they sure as shit use the EXACT same visual design.

If you'd like I can go back and add the word "Visual" to all of my previous posts.

and Rota has had a few "issues" with wheels that were cast too "light" and they straight fell apart. :bellyroll:

[Russelt3hPirate]

YES, visually..

and the buck stops there.

i think that toyota could sue subaru for copying their front ends since 1996 (compare corolla to impreza) if we all lived by the "visual property is the same as intellectual property" rule..

haha see, this proves the point of taking a design and making subtle changes.

for example.

Advan RG2, and GramLight 57Maximum both basic 6 spokes with a bit of concave built into the shape.

but the RG2 has slightly skinnier spokes and doesn't have the (pain in the ass while cleaning) nipples on the hoop like the 57Maximum does.

:)

[Tamago]

haha see, this proves the point of taking a design and making subtle changes.

for example.

Advan RG2, and GramLight 57Maximum both basic 6 spokes with a bit of concave built into the shape.

but the RG2 has slightly skinnier spokes and doesn't have the (pain in the ass while cleaning) nipples on the hoop like the 57Maximum does.

:)

57maximums are for ricers anyway..

[Russelt3hPirate]

57maximums are for ricers anyway..

hey now.

[severous01]

Rotas suck ass b/c they blatantly steal their designs from reputable manufactures to cater towards the individuals who want the "look" of expensive wheels but don't want the spend it (for whatever reason, viable or not).

I'd be 100% less pissed off at Rota if they actually designed their own shit, instead they steal from other companies to make a $$.

Although if Rota actually spent $$ designing wheels they wouldn't cost $70 a pop. :lol:

Look into wheel manufactures who are less expensive but still design their own shit, stop supporting the knock offs!!

/rant

:D


wow...so what you're saying is that u hate rota because they copy? a lot....actually most rims i see that are popular now are knockoffs of Eagle-alloy's wheels from the early 90's when people wanted something better for their mustangs and camaro's. just about any 5-star or 6-star, twist design or 3-star wheel is some sort of eagle design...

plus there's only so much you can do with a wheel....it's a freakin circle with cut out design on it...and there's only so much that will actually look good when it's all said and done. so if someone can do it cheaper than the factory and the high-end companies, i'll take it. they may not use t-6061 billet or run an extreme polish on it, but i can deal with that. and powdercoat will chip like paint, so i would rather have painted wheels so i can blast and re-coat them. also, some alloys can't be repaired, the cheaper wheels can be with simple welders and a guy who knows what hes' doing.

[Russelt3hPirate]

wow...so what you're saying is that u hate rota because they copy? a lot....actually most rims i see that are popular now are knockoffs of Eagle-alloy's wheels from the early 90's when people wanted something better for their mustangs and camaro's. just about any 5-star or 6-star, twist design or 3-star wheel is some sort of eagle design...

plus there's only so much you can do with a wheel....it's a freakin circle with cut out design on it...and there's only so much that will actually look good when it's all said and done. so if someone can do it cheaper than the factory and the high-end companies, i'll take it. they may not use t-6061 billet or run an extreme polish on it, but i can deal with that. and powdercoat will chip like paint, so i would rather have painted wheels so i can blast and re-coat them. also, some alloys can't be repaired, the cheaper wheels can be with simple welders and a guy who knows what hes' doing.

There are plenty of variations a company can do to make their wheels different.

look at RPF1s and Kosei K1TS's

basic split six spoke with slight changes.

All I'm saying is Rota would have significantly less sales if they didn't steal their designs and therefore they'd be more expensive and the people who buy them b/c they are cheap wouldn't b/c they wouldn't be cheap anymore.

Nothing wrong with a wheel getting "inspiration" from another wheel, but an exact knock off? come on now, oh well. Nothing I can do. I was just answering the OP's initial question. :thumbsup:

[ChinoCharles]

All I'm saying is Rota would have significantly less sales if they didn't steal their designs and therefore they'd be more expensive and the people who buy them b/c they are cheap wouldn't b/c they wouldn't be cheap anymore.

The way I see it, those overseas companies would make MORE money if they offered some middle-of-the-road choices. I'd love to rock some Volk's, but I'm not spending $400 a corner when I can get wheels for $100 a corner that work just fine.

Nike makes $45 shoes, you know. :laugh:

[BLAZINBLUEVITZ]

Nike makes $45 shoes, you know. :laugh:

BUT you don't want to be seen with them on though.......:laugh:

[ChinoCharles]

Why not? I'm usually left arguing that the people w/ the $200 ones are morons.

And I buy New Balances... and Konigs. :laugh:

[BLAZINBLUEVITZ]

im DSW myself but rims are like sneakers its all about the brand name. buy some cheap knock off and throw the real deal center cap on it and its all good.....

[Russelt3hPirate]

im DSW myself but rims are like sneakers its all about the brand name. buy some cheap knock off and throw the real deal center cap on it and its all good.....

ahaha, the wheels might as well match your fake rolex and oakleys too. :bellyroll: ;)

[Tamago]

Nike makes $45 shoes, you know. :laugh:

nike = rota

[Russelt3hPirate]

The way I see it, those overseas companies would make MORE money if they offered some middle-of-the-road choices. I'd love to rock some Volk's, but I'm not spending $400 a corner when I can get wheels for $100 a corner that work just fine.

Nike makes $45 shoes, you know. :laugh:

$100 a corner isn't middle road. ahaha.

what size wheel are you looking at getting? there are $250 a corner wheels from Rays, and there are PLENTY of non-knock offs out there that don't cost a testicle (or two...haha).

[ChinoCharles]

There was a set of gun blue wheels from either Volks or Rays that I would have LOVED to own, but the price was hilarious. +300 points if you can find what they are.

[Tamago]

There was a set of gun blue wheels from either Volks or Rays that I would have LOVED to own, but the price was hilarious. +300 points if you can find what they are.

vsxx ?

[Russelt3hPirate]

There was a set of gun blue wheels from either Volks or Rays that I would have LOVED to own, but the price was hilarious. +300 points if you can find what they are.

The Gun Blue is a gramLight color. If you were looking at 16x7 4x100 then it was the 57Maximum.

It was either the 57Maximum or the 57Optimise.

If I had to guess I'd say 57Maximum simply b/c that's the one available to view on TireRack :bellyroll:

57Maximum
http://ontherunmotorsports.com/catalog/images/gram%20Lights%2057%20Maximum.jpg


57Optimise
http://ontherunmotorsports.com/catalog/images/Gram%20Lights%2057%20Optimise.jpg



vsxx ?

that's a 3 Piece Work wheel, it is $$. :)

[BLAZINBLUEVITZ]

ahaha, the wheels might as well match your fake rolex and oakleys too. :bellyroll: ;)

THE CANAL STREET watch yes but the oakley's went out in the late 90's....

[Russelt3hPirate]

THE CANAL STREET watch yes but the oakley's went out in the late 90's....

LV wallet then? :bellyroll:

[ChinoCharles]

It was the second, and no, I don't shop TireRack you ass. :laugh: An old vendor here used to sell them. Needless to say he didn't last long.

How much are they?

[Russelt3hPirate]

It was the second, and no, I don't shop TireRack you ass. :laugh: An old vendor here used to sell them. Needless to say he didn't last long.

How much are they?

Only reason I don't the opti is only 6.5" for 15 and 16. otherwise they are sweet.

I shot you a PM.

[mastaofdisasta]

ordering these tonight, what are they a knockoff of????

http://www.rotawheels.ca/images/Rota-Attack-Bronze.jpg

[Pitt Yaris]

i must have fell off if KONIGS are knockoff's now:laugh:

That's the response I got when I asked others if I should buy a set of Konigs. Like I said, I'm a wheel noob and I go by what others here say.

[BLAZINBLUEVITZ]

That's the response I got when I asked others if I should buy a set of Konigs. Like I said, I'm a wheel noob and I go by what others here say.

ive been under the impression this whole time since my first set in 1996 that KONIG was KING........

[Pitt Yaris]

ive been under the impression this whole time since my first set in 1996 that KONIG was KING........

Maybe it depends on the model. I searched konigs and found a lot of 800+ wheels, then I found a lot of 400 set wheels. Who knows. I'll probably end up getting a set of the $400 konigs.

[Russelt3hPirate]

Maybe it depends on the model. I searched konigs and found a lot of 800+ wheels, then I found a lot of 400 set wheels. Who knows. I'll probably end up getting a set of the $400 konigs.

not all konigs are knock offs, all of the ones that look good are knock offs. :bellyroll:

[Russelt3hPirate]

ordering these tonight, what are they a knockoff of????

http://www.rotawheels.ca/images/Rota-Attack-Bronze.jpg

GramLight 57F

http://www.wheeldb.com/images/Gramlight-57f.jpg

[BLAZINBLUEVITZ]

OUCH.....

[mastaofdisasta]

haha i knew they were a knockoff of somein, i just didnt know what

Now i just gotta pick up some gram light center caps from ebay and hell ill be good to go :thumbup::bellyroll:

[Russelt3hPirate]

haha i knew they were a knockoff of somein, i just didnt know what

Now i just gotta pick up some gram light center caps from ebay and hell ill be good to go :thumbup::bellyroll:

good luck with that.

[Tamago]

they're not identical. it's not a knock off

[Russelt3hPirate]

they're not identical. it's not a knock off

technically.

Visually rota stole the aesthetic design of the wheel to cater towards individuals who wanted to look the part of a better/more expensive wheel, or exploit the ignorance of the uninformed, and since that worked so well were able to sell wheels for cheap catering towards the frugal minded who know the design (visually) was stolen yet prefer to spend their hard earned money on a less expensive wheel that meets their needs.
:wub:

[Russelt3hPirate]

EDIT: sorry I didn't waste anymore time finding a photo of the exact size/color wheel. :)

[Tamago]

EDIT: sorry I didn't waste anymore time finding a photo of the exact size/color wheel. :)

still not identical, i'm not talking about size and color

[Malaya1221]

he frugal minded who know the design (visually) was stolen yet prefer to spend their hard earned money on a less expensive wheel that meets their needs.
:wub:

reason why it's popular....

so as using p2p programs to download songs, movies and some porno flicks...:smile:

[Russelt3hPirate]

reason why it's popular....

so as using p2p programs to download songs and movies...:smile:

that's a biproduct of them being popular for the first reason, if they didn't sell as many for the first reason they wouldn't be cheap for the 3rd reason. haha.

oh well, most people have already chosen sides. :D

[Malaya1221]

what saddens me the most is, rota not "copying" hayashi, techno and other old school rare wheels...:biggrin:

[Russelt3hPirate]

what saddens me the most is, rota not "copying" hayashi, techno and other old school rare wheels...:biggrin:

why not just buy a set used. :)

there a few quality Used JDM wheel suppliers.

[mastaofdisasta]

i like rotas because i also want to be able to afford tires, along with my wheel purchase

[Russelt3hPirate]

i like rotas because i also want to be able to afford tires, along with my wheel purchase

tires are the most important thing, hopefully you're not skimping on those.

[mastaofdisasta]

heh thats why im gettin rotas so i dont skimp on tires. Im taking my time tryin to get this setup right

[ChinoCharles]

Im taking my time tryin to get this setup right
Best advice you can give on something like this. Don't be brash.

[Nagoya_TRD.]

Rotas are reverse engineered, subpar cast wheels = fail

Expensive japanese wheels are usually forged or use cold spun forged drums with cast center disks. American wheels like CCWs, or Fikses are full forged. Forged > Cast anyday of the week.

Rota does not have the tooling required to make proper 2 and 3 piece wheels. They do not have the tooling to make forged wheels. That would raise the price. Low pressure casting is the absolute bottom rung of wheel manufacturing technology which is what Rota uses.

80 percent of expensive japanese wheels are anodize finished and clearcoated and/or have a anodize lip. Anodize > Clearcoated or powdercoated finishes. Anodized finishes do not peel, or fade and hold up to scratches much better. They are sensitive to acid based wheel cleaners, that's about it (use only soap and water)

Without originators, rota and other knockoffs are fucked. That speaks volumes. They are the equivalent of automotive leeches.

Tell me when rota starts making wheels for formula cars and full sanctioned race quality wheels. Then i would consider them safe enough for my street car.

Every wheel goes through heat and stress cycles when they get raced, which is why teams buy multiple sets of wheels and cycle them frequently. After 1-2 years, they get sold off or throw away. Any wheel can crack from such stress cycles. Wheels that are forged, semi-solid forged, etc or have real research and development put into them will last quite a bit longer.

Looks and style are only skin deep.

[Tamago]

Tell me when rota starts making wheels for formula cars and full sanctioned race quality wheels.

and this is why i love Team Dynamics :)

[2006fronty]

and this is why i love Team Dynamics :)

I was surprised that Team Dynamics wheels are really affordable

[Mouse]

I think there are a couple of race teams in Thailand or the Phillipines that run rotas.

Team Dynamics + BTCC = Awesome wheels

If they can take the punishment of the BTCC....They can take anything. Plus they're cheap.

[Tamago]

pssssssssssssssssssssssst they're cast wheels

[jkuchta]

I've got a set of Rota J Mags mounted with Falken RT-615's for sale cheap in the "for sale" section!

[Tamago]

I've got a set of Rota J Mags mounted with Falken RT-615's for sale cheap in the "for sale" section!

too bad they're insanely heavy hahaah

[Nagoya_TRD.]

Not all of the TRDynamics wheels are cast. They have forging and anodizing technology under their belt, and can make forged and cast wheels just like Enkei. It speaks volumes about the company that stands behind the products they sell.

[Malaya1221]

(1970'S)Chrysler-Mitsubishi, Ford, Daihatsu, Toyota, Datsun, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Opel and Volkswagen would not use ROTA for their oem wheels if they're not of quality wheels.

[Tamago]

(1970'S)Chrysler-Mitsubishi, Ford, Daihatsu, Toyota, Datsun, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Opel and Volkswagen would not use ROTA for their oem wheels if they're not of quality wheels.

lol yeah because 1970's cars were of top quality :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Thirty-Nine]

lol yeah because 1970's cars were of top quality :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

That's not true. There were plenty of decent vehicles in the 1970s. And so what? Rota was an OEM supplier.

Then again, this is just another thread bashing Rotas ... why do these threads keep popping up all the time?

[Malaya1221]

they were!:wink::biggrin:

[Tamago]

That's not true. There were plenty of decent vehicles in the 1970s. And so what? Rota was an OEM supplier.

Then again, this is just another thread bashing Rotas ...

i agree with you completely, there were plenty of DECENT vehicles in the 70's

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[jkuchta]

too bad they're insanely heavy hahaah

They're not that bad...and the sidewalls are stiff as hell....perfect for a mid-speed autocross course!

[Tamago]

They're not that bad...and the sidewalls are stiff as hell....perfect for a mid-speed autocross course!

i'm a fan of the RT-615 for autocross for sure.. but mounted to a rota, it's kind of like a diamond ring on a little piglet lol

[Thirty-Nine]

...it's kind of like a diamond ring on a little piglet lol

Some might say any high-end wheel on a Yaris is the same thing. :wink:

[Tamago]

Some might say any high-end wheel on a Yaris is the same thing. :wink:

i completely agree.

i never said i'm pro jdm fanboi wheels. i just think that there are PLENTY of options out there that don't involve rota/drag/sportmax/xxr JUNK wheels.

[Thirty-Nine]

i completely agree.

i never said i'm pro jdm fanboi wheels. i just think that there are PLENTY of options out there that don't involve rota/drag/sportmax/xxr JUNK wheels.

I understand. I guess you just have to define what "junk" is, and just about everyone's definition is different. :smile:

I know people who think the Yaris is junk ...

[Nagoya_TRD.]

It's true, some OEM manufacturers IN THE PHILIPINES used Rota as oem wheels. Simple reason for this: OEM products are designed to cut costs to keep car costs low. They are not supposed to be nice and were never designed to be pushed (all the manufacturers who used rota as oem wheels used them on economy cars or commuters). These Rota wheels were never designed to be used on hard sports cars. Rota was a local company that was dirt cheap that would suffice for these OEM applications and maximize the profit for the big car manufacturers.

That is the main reason why most oem "alloy wheels" are gravity or low pressure cast.

Did Nissan ever use Rota for their OEM skyline GT-R wheels? No, they used BBS.

Does Mitsubishi use Rota for their OEM EVOLUTION wheels? No, They use BBS and Enkei.

Does Nissan use Rota for their Nismo 350Z, Nismo 370Z, 370Z, and R35 GT-R wheels? No, they use Rays engineering.

[Tamago]

did ROTA used to build Konig wheels?


yes they did

[Thirty-Nine]

It's true, some OEM manufacturers IN THE PHILIPINES used Rota as oem wheels. Simple reason for this: OEM products are designed to cut costs. They are not supposed to be nice and were never designed to be pushed (all the manufacturers who used rota as oem wheels used them on economy cars). These Rota wheels were never designed to be used on hard sports cars. Rota was a local company that was dirt cheap that would suffice for these OEM applications and maximize the profit for the big car manufacturers.

That is the main reason why most oem "alloy wheels" are gravity or low pressure cast.

Did Nissan ever use Rota for their OEM skyline GT-R wheels? No, they used BBS.

Does Mitsubishi use Rota for their OEM EVOLUTION wheels? No, They use BBS and Enkei.

Does Nissan use Rota for their Nismo 350Z, Nismo 370Z, 370Z, and R35 GT-R wheels? No, they use Rays engineering.

You're 100% right. And when I'm shelling out that kind of money for a car, I would expect it to have BBS, Volks, Enkei, and such kinds of wheels. But you just said it in bold above. Like I said, a low-pressure, gravity-cast aluminum wheel is going to be fine for most people, and that includes most Yaris owners. Most people putting custom wheels on their cars are driving them to work, to the grocery store, and such. I'd bet the number of wheels that get pushed to limits where a forged wheel would actually make a difference are less than 1%, and probably even less so on a Yaris.

[Nagoya_TRD.]

http://www.koenig-specials.com/bilder/bilder600px/600px/ak-koenig-felge-ersatz.jpg

I like those Koenig Wheels.

http://www.codezero.org/pt/transformation/pics/konig%20hotswap.jpg

Those i can do without.

[Tamago]

http://www.koenig-specials.com/bilder/bilder600px/600px/ak-koenig-felge-ersatz.jpg

I like those Koenig Wheels.

please dont confuse koenig with konig

[Tamago]

koenig=serious fabrication

http://www.koenig-specials.com/Fuchs%20Fotos/Carrera%20GT%20-%20sport%201.jpg

konig = rebadged rotas

http://www.japanesesportcars.com/galleries/data/media/288/toxxin-v2.jpg

[Thirty-Nine]

Or this Konig:

http://www.impex.co.nz/Images/konig_ludwig_beer.jpg

[Nagoya_TRD.]

You're 100% right. And when I'm shelling out that kind of money for a car, I would expect it to have BBS, Volks, Enkei, and such kinds of wheels. But you just said it in bold above. Like I said, a low-pressure, gravity-cast aluminum wheel is going to be fine for most people, and that includes most Yaris owners. Most people putting custom wheels on their cars are driving them to work, to the grocery store, and such. I'd bet the number of wheels that get pushed to limits where a forged wheel would actually make a difference are less than 1%, and probably even less so on a Yaris.

Even then, not all wheels are round. Each manufacturer has a different casting procedures, and strengths for the materials that they use. Using Rotas to putt around town is different from using Rotas for "driving". A cast racing dynamics or enkei wheel is not going to have the same strength as a Konig/XXR/Rota wheel.

When i shell out cash to "upgrade" my wheels, i want an UPGRADE, not something that is the same as the OEM wheels, just with a different LOOK. Just my .02

But, i think this thread pretty much explains why most serious performance teams/drivers/owners don't really care much rotas for performance.

[Thirty-Nine]

konig = rebadged rotas

Does Konig really resell Rota products or are they simply similar? I don't know if Konig actually makes any wheels, though. They're all coming out of a few factories in Asia. Rota produces in The Philippines; a lot of Konig products come out of Taiwan (at least mine did).

[Tamago]

Does Konig really resell Rota products or are they simply similar? I don't know if Konig actually makes any wheels, though. They're all coming out of a few factories in Asia. Rota produces in The Philippines; a lot of Konig products come out of Taiwan (at least mine did).

i have a set of konig wheels circa 1998 that are stamped ROTA on the rear face

[Tamago]

tamago koenig = :laugh:


not sure what that means but koenig = serious fabrication geniuses.

[Thirty-Nine]

Even then, not all wheels are round. Each manufacturer has a different casting procedures, and strengths for the materials that they use. Using Rotas to putt around town is different from using Rotas for "driving". A cast racing dynamics or enkei wheel is not going to have the same strength as a Konig/XXR/Rota wheel.

When i shell out cash to "upgrade" my wheels, i want an UPGRADE, not something that is the same as the OEM wheels, just with a different LOOK. Just my .02

But, i think this thread pretty much explains why most serious performance teams/drivers/owners don't really care much rotas for performance.

And I concur. When I upgraded from my steel wheels to my 15" Maxxims (Konigs) they were alloys instead of steel, and weighed significantly less than my steel wheels.

And you're right: Rota and other inexpensive wheels are fine for putt-putting around town, which is what most wheels see.

If I were building a serious race car, I'd invest in a set of higher quality wheels; no doubt about it. Until then, my orange Maxxims work just fine.

[Thirty-Nine]

not sure what that means but koenig = serious fabrication geniuses.

I'd love to see more from them. Do you have a Web site address?

[Tamago]

I'd love to see more from them. Do you have a Web site address?

http://www.koenig-specials.com/homepage%20neu/navigation%20neu%20englisch.htm

[Malaya1221]

not sure what that means but koenig = serious fabrication geniuses.

nevermind....was looking at some other things...r they the same company as koenig competition?

[GnomeBody]

I hate to jump back so many pages but...

Rotas suck ass b/c they blatantly steal their designs from reputable manufactures to cater towards the individuals who want the "look" of expensive wheels but don't want the spend it (for whatever reason, viable or not).

I have to disagree. Rotas dont suck because they borrow a "look" from another company. Thats like saying you look like shit in a red t-shirt because I started wearing red t-shirts first.

If I were in the hat making business and my competition Started selling a very popular "Top hat" style, why the hell wouldn't I want to sell top hats too, especially if I could do it for cheaper. Im sure there are alot of "poor" people who would love to be able to afford the latest stlye.

If there is anything to be said about rota versus another company it should be about the construction quality VS. the price tag

[Russelt3hPirate]

I hate to jump back so many pages but...



I have to disagree. Rotas dont suck because they borrow a "look" from another company. Thats like saying you look like shit in a red t-shirt because I started wearing red t-shirts first.

If I were in the hat making business and my competition Started selling a very popular "Top hat" style, why the hell wouldn't I want to sell top hats too, especially if I could do it for cheaper. Im sure there are alot of "poor" people who would love to be able to afford the latest stlye.

If there is anything to be said about rota versus another company it should be about the construction quality VS. the price tag

AHAHA :clap:

lets take a very detailed product and compare it to a single color T-shirt. :thumbup:

ultimately Rota still sucks b/c they can't come up with their own "VISUAL" designs. :bellyroll:

[schleppy]

I don't know why everyone craps on Rota all the time. Being a former Subaru guy, I'm used to hearing more good than bad about Rota. Rotas were immensely popular with the Suby guys. Between myself and my friends we've run at least 10+ different sets of Rotas without a single issue. I personally ran three different sets.

Are there stronger/lighter/better wheels out there? Sure. Are Rotas absolute crap? In my experience, not at all. For the price they are great.

Just my 2c

[Russelt3hPirate]

I don't know why everyone craps on Rota all the time. Being a former Subaru guy, I'm used to hearing more good than bad about Rota. Rotas were immensely popular with the Suby guys. Between myself and my friends we've run at least 10+ different sets of Rotas without a single issue. I personally ran three different sets.

Are there stronger/lighter/better wheels out there? Sure. Are Rotas absolute crap? In my experience, not at all. For the price they are great.

Just my 2c

10+ isn't a very good global sample set, but honestly I'm glad nothing happened.

when a wheel "fails" it's supposed to stay in one piece. it hurts to see the photos of the wheels where the hoop separates.....

[GnomeBody]

lets take a very detailed product and compare it to a single color T-shirt.

What? you dont like red?


well anyway, the point was that no one has exclusive rights to a style.

Frankly, I think Rota is business smart for recreating 'Popular' designs and selling them at reasonable prices( assuming there not breaking patents or copyrights) Rather than wasting money on R&D for a custom line that might not sell as well.

[FunctionSpec]

Support the companies that design and build products for the enthusiast.

DON'T support knockoff companies that try to undercut other companies that provide quality & original products into the market place.

Sooner or later those knockoff companies won't have companies to copy from.







Knockoff wheels support terrorism......

[Russelt3hPirate]

What? you dont like red?


well anyway, the point was that no one has exclusive rights to a style.

Frankly, I think Rota is business smart for recreating 'Popular' designs and selling them at reasonable prices( assuming there not breaking patents or copyrights) Rather than wasting money on R&D for a custom line that might not sell as well.

would you buy a "replica" yaris that was lower quality?

[Brad D]

Im going to buy Rota grids.. i would not spend 2G'2 for wheels on a yaris.. I have volks GT7's on my 98 240sx

they are 80$ and light.. and im sure a yaris would never brake them unless you hid a curb sideways at 50

[mastaofdisasta]

would you buy a "replica" yaris that was lower quality?


if they made a fake yaris kit car, with a toyota engine id be on that like white on rice

[mastaofdisasta]

not buying rotas because they are replicas is like not buying a yaris because it doesnt use the original design of the original combustion engine, because its just a copy

[supmet]

i would not spend 2G'2 for wheels on a yaris..

you don't have to :D

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/pts/1145055190.html

[Tamago]

Support the companies that design and build products for the enthusiast.

DON'T support knockoff companies that try to undercut other companies that provide quality & original products into the market place.

Sooner or later those knockoff companies won't have companies to copy from.



Knockoff wheels support terrorism......


you fail to realize that there are people who will NEVER spend ridiculous amounts of $$ on wheels. does it cost Volk 3X the money to design a wheel? hell no, they pay some entry level 3D cad guy minimum wage to design their shit, so why do we go on and on about it being the original design. it's a round cylinder with a center hub and spokes for god's sake.

i'm not pro-rota. but i am anti-waste. and $2000 wheels on a $9000 car is a waste, unless you can PROVE that said wheels increase the resale value of the car by $2000.

nope?


then give up. without knockoff wheels, there would be no market for "genuine" wheels. it gives you wheeleeetist assholes something to snub your nose at the rest of us for, and the fanbois something to save for 6months to be able to finally put on their econobox, followed immediately by them getting curbed to shit by a valet or your mom/sister/girlfriend (no sexist comment, just stating the way it's gone down in my past)

what's worth more, a curbed to hell volk or a curbed to hell rota?

[Tamago]

here's what i think about rota.

if you're buying wheels, and you CHOOSE a rota, you have no imagination. there are plenty of other quality non-jdm-fanboi-elite-asshole wheels out there that aren't direct knockoffs...

just stay away from XXR/herpemax wheels lol

[mastaofdisasta]

here's what i think about rota.

if you're buying wheels, and you CHOOSE a rota, you have no imagination. there are plenty of other quality non-jdm-fanboi-elite-asshole wheels out there that aren't direct knockoffs...

just stay away from XXR/herpemax wheels lol

I chose Rota because i like the wheels im gettin (slipstreams) im sure its a knockoff style but they are cheap and readily available. And ya i know everyone has this wheel, but i dont care because i like it, so what?? Its a proven wheel company and i hear more good than bad as far as performance goes.

[Tamago]

I chose Rota because i like the wheels im gettin (slipstreams) im sure its a knockoff style but they are cheap and readily available. And ya i know everyone has this wheel, but i dont care because i like it, so what?? Its a proven wheel company and i hear more good than bad as far as performance goes.

how exactly does a wheel perform?

slips are heavy as hell

[Nagoya_TRD.]

The market that the big names shoot for is a higher level/target than what rota can make. So the people buying knockoffs are not really hurting anyone.

Wheels are wheels, they are worth the same regardless of what car they are on. Cars depreciate, wheels depreciate. People who are smart, will sell their wheels separately.

[Tamago]

The market that the big names shoot for is a higher level/target than what rota can make. So the people buying knockoffs are not really hurting anyone.

Wheels are wheels, they are worth the same regardless of what car they are on. Cars depreciate, wheels depreciate. People who are smart, will sell their wheels separately.

agreed

but would you pay $1000 more for a used yaris simply because it had curbed Volks on it instead of curbed Rotas for $1000 cheaper total cost?

[Nagoya_TRD.]

I would do neither. If the car has curbed wheels, i would want stockers on it. I would not pay more for curbed volks over rotas.

My friend bought a set of Quality 3 piece full forged 17 x 9 + 20 BBS RS wheels used for a whopping $600 dollars. (not for a yaris). Shop around, and you can find quality, if that is what you truly seek. He actually bought a set of 6 wheels for $1000 dollars. 17 x 9 (4), and 17 x 8 (2). He sold the 17 x 8s for $400 dollars.

[Russelt3hPirate]

if they made a fake yaris kit car, with a toyota engine id be on that like white on rice

but it wouldn't come with a toyota engine and it wouldn't be a kit car. It would just "look" exactly like a yaris and it'd fall apart more (on avg), and be heavier

not buying rotas because they are replicas is like not buying a yaris because it doesnt use the original design of the original combustion engine, because its just a copy

AHAHA whoa whoa when did I ever say we were talking about the functions of a circle? we're talking about the visual design.


i'm not pro-rota. but i am anti-waste. and $2000 wheels on a $9000 car is a waste, unless you can PROVE that said wheels increase the resale value of the car by $2000.

nope?


when does any mod add the same value? never. :)


I chose Rota because i like the wheels im gettin (slipstreams) im sure its a knockoff style but they are cheap and readily available. And ya i know everyone has this wheel, but i dont care because i like it, so what?? Its a proven wheel company and i hear more good than bad as far as performance goes.

just for fun....(yes we know the dude hit something hard, you can't lie the wheel broke) :bellyroll:

A few "demotivationals" I made ages ago from a broken rota.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b244/wrx8xb/rotamotivation2.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b244/wrx8xb/rotamotivation.jpg

[Russelt3hPirate]

The market that the big names shoot for is a higher level/target than what rota can make. So the people buying knockoffs are not really hurting anyone.

Wheels are wheels, they are worth the same regardless of what car they are on. Cars depreciate, wheels depreciate. People who are smart, will sell their wheels separately.

exactly, which is why this is really just a thread to get people a stirrin.

:drinking:

[FunctionSpec]

you fail to realize that there are people who will NEVER spend ridiculous amounts of $$ on wheels. does it cost Volk 3X the money to design a wheel? hell no, they pay some entry level 3D cad guy minimum wage to design their shit, so why do we go on and on about it being the original design. it's a round cylinder with a center hub and spokes for god's sake.

i'm not pro-rota. but i am anti-waste. and $2000 wheels on a $9000 car is a waste, unless you can PROVE that said wheels increase the resale value of the car by $2000.

nope?


then give up. without knockoff wheels, there would be no market for "genuine" wheels. it gives you wheeleeetist assholes something to snub your nose at the rest of us for, and the fanbois something to save for 6months to be able to finally put on their econobox, followed immediately by them getting curbed to shit by a valet or your mom/sister/girlfriend (no sexist comment, just stating the way it's gone down in my past)

what's worth more, a curbed to hell volk or a curbed to hell rota?

What you failed to realize that in my post I did not mention anything about JDM wheels like VOLK or any other JDM company.
There are other companies out there that design and develop their own wheels for a reasonable prices
Support those companies that bring originality into this industry

[mastaofdisasta]

exactly, which is why this is really just a thread to get people a stirrin.

:drinking:


meh i just started it cuz i was curious

[mastaofdisasta]

how exactly does a wheel perform?

slips are heavy as hell

And i dont think that 12lbs falls under the category "heavy as hell". Considering the weight of the wheels on the car now...

When i start racing formula 1, ill be sure not to get rotas, but for autox i think they will be fine for now.

[Tamago]

What you failed to realize that in my post I did not mention anything about JDM wheels like VOLK or any other JDM company.
There are other companies out there that design and develop their own wheels for a reasonable prices
Support those companies that bring originality into this industry

followed with a retarded statement involving terrorism... lol

[Tamago]

And i dont think that 12lbs falls under the category "heavy as hell". Considering the weight of the wheels on the car now...

When i start racing formula 1, ill be sure not to get rotas, but for autox i think they will be fine for now.

Description:
# Size: 15x7
# Pattern: 4x100
# Offset: +35mm
# Hub Bore: 57.1mm
# Weight: 15 lbs

hey, the internet could be wrong lol

[mastaofdisasta]

# Size: 15x.6.5
# Pattern: 4x100
# Offset: +40mm
# Hub Bore: mm
# Weight: 13 lb

yes i know those are 15x6.5
(which is what im gettin)

Rota Slipstream Cast 15x6.5 11.9

another site...

Weight:
15" 12lbs
16" 13.5lbs

another site

Rota Slipstream Cast 15x6.5 11.9 lbs
Rota Slipstream Cast 15x7 12.9
Rota Slipstream Cast 16x7 14.5 lbs

ill weigh em for ya when i get em


Oh and if your wheels in your garage for your xA are up to date...

Pro Race 1, White
15x7, 23mm offset, weight 13.5lbs

Slipstream<pro race

But the internet could be wrong.

[scape]

Does anyone know the actual weight of the stock 15x5.5 steel rim without the tire? not all steel wheels are the same, nor are tires: the one on the corolla, prius, mr2, and yaris all have relatively the same size but different weights on many online charts, some of these charts don't have the correct size so I begin to doubt the weight.
but knowing if the weight is 16lbs or 13lbs is a big deal to me, cause that'd rule out many options-- I am only interested in going lighter with a fair bit of width more...

[Tamago]

Oh and if your wheels in your garage for your xA are up to date...

Pro Race 1, White
15x7, 23mm offset, weight 13.5lbs

Slipstream<pro race

But the internet could be wrong.

you're comparing apples to oranges buddy. 15X7 +23 is in no way the same as a 15X6.5 +40.. you do realize that lower offset wheels (and wider for that matter) always weigh more, right?

does the BTCC use Rota slipstreams on their touring cars? lol

[Tamago]

http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Part/61-0300.html

IMO a great looking wheel

[mastaofdisasta]

you're comparing apples to oranges buddy. 15X7 +23 is in no way the same as a 15X6.5 +40.. you do realize that lower offset wheels (and wider for that matter) always weigh more, right?

does the BTCC use Rota slipstreams on their touring cars? lol


ahhhh that is true

but i never said Rotas were touring car championship material

But as far as my opinion goes, i just the looks of the slipstream better, i think on hatchbacks like the yaris, a wheel with a little wider spokes look better. Thats just me, and ive heard alot more good than bad about rotas.

[eTiMaGo]

Somewhat on topic, Tamago, Russell, do you have any experience with Lenso wheels? While some of their designs are "inspired" by other brands, they now have quite a lot of bespoke (hehehe) designs. And they are a local company, I believe, so there's a certain price advantage.

I am looking particularly at these:

Lenso "Project D" 01
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/691356/cars/lensod01.jpg

15x7, ET38, 4x100 single drilled, but no idea about the weight...

[Tamago]

Somewhat on topic, Tamago, Russell, do you have any experience with Lenso wheels? While some of their designs are "inspired" by other brands, they now have quite a lot of bespoke (hehehe) designs. And they are a local company, I believe, so there's a certain price advantage.

I am looking particularly at these:

Lenso "Project D" 01
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/691356/cars/lensod01.jpg

15x7, ET38, 4x100 single drilled, but no idea about the weight...

iirc, lenso wheels are on the heavy side, but as we learned a few months ago, heavy = strong! :)

[GnomeBody]

$2000 wheels on a $9000 car

You know, I was thinkin this to myself earlier.

I would imagine most people who buy a Yaris are probably the kind of people who like to save a buck were they can.

If I were driving a Ferrari than Id spend the extra to get the high quality rims.

I think the real question is, how do the rotas hold up in comparison to other rims of similar price/weight

[Nagoya_TRD.]

Depends on what your definition of "holding up" is. Probably will hold up for putting around town. For serious racing? Probably not.

Heavy, not ALWAYS strong. Sometimes it can be.

[Russelt3hPirate]

Heavy, not ALWAYS strong. Sometimes it can be.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11990&highlight=Centerline

that's the tread where Tamago's "heavy = strong" comment came from.

:) he wasn't serious.

[Nagoya_TRD.]

I laughed reading that thread. A 15 x 7 should weigh around 9 - 10 lbs.

[mastaofdisasta]

I laughed reading that thread. A 15 x 7 should weigh around 9 - 10 lbs.

I hope thats sarcasm. Becuase i didnt know there was a set of prerequisites of what wheels should and shouldnt weigh

[Nagoya_TRD.]

Nope, not sarcasm. Sorry to burst your bubble but 13-15 lbs for a set of 15 x 7 wheels is better off used as gym weights than on your car. I don't think your Yaris will appreciate it especially if you are prepping it for AWESOME!!1!!!!!11!1

Hey at least it will be a cheaper gym membership than 30 bucks a month.

[mastaofdisasta]

dude. first off im gettin 15x6.5 second off they are 11.9.

Its a hella lot better than stock steel wheels.

[Nagoya_TRD.]

I was talking about wheels in the other thread (and the guy defending his wheels), i never even implied it to your case. But since you brought it up, i just ribbed you for a little fun. I have no idea what slipstreams weigh because everyone has their own number.

[mastaofdisasta]

ahhh darn u, right when i thought of the eprfect response

[mastaofdisasta]

Everyones wheels are now too heavy since this came up
http://www.carbonfibergear.com/weds-sport-full-carbon-fiber-wheel/

[Brad D]

The stock ones are 16lbs are they not? The 15's that come on the RS

Rota grid 15x6.5= 13 lbs
Volk TE37 15x6.5= 8.8lbs
Toyata yaris 15x6= 16lbs

[Nagoya_TRD.]

I know the SSR Type C weighs 8.7 lbs in 15 x 6.5 trim. I know the Rays wheels are heavier than that.

[Gideon]

Everyones wheels are now too heavy since this came up
http://www.carbonfibergear.com/weds-sport-full-carbon-fiber-wheel/

Pfft, mine aren't. :biggrin:

[derickveliz2]

Naive question...

Where do I buy Rota wheels? :iono: :iono:

Thank you?

[Russelt3hPirate]

junk yards, trash heaps, etc.

[Sabretooth]

jlbmotorsports.com is the only good place I found here in the US, cheapest prices.

[Thirty-Nine]

jlbmotorsports.com is good people. I've bought a couple of sets of wheels from them.

[ChinoCharles]

Ebay sells a LOT of Rotas.

[Nagoya_TRD.]

insert surfer voice "Try Wheeldude Breh".

The Subaru and Honda forums are infested with rotas as well.

[33OH]

LOL. Searched google for 'Yaris Rota' and this came up:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d130/skateesc/ROTA.jpg

[naossoan]

I was thinking about getting some 17" ROTA rims this summer because a friend mentioned them to me.

But everyone is saying they use shotty construction. I don't know much about wheels or cars really in general, I just want some nice (looking) wheels and tires.

What I think some people are failing to understand is not everyone can afford the 'real' enkei, bbs, whatever rims. I certainly can't. In those situations I have no choice but to go for the 'knock off' wheels if I want to have a good set of tires, which is mor eimportant than the rims themselves anyways.

I just want rims that will hold up in normal every day use with the occasional fast drive down some twisty roads. If ROTA's can't handle that, then I'll have to look elsewhere, but from what I've heard they will.

If another company that uses better contruction and 'original' designs has a large assortment of rims for less than $700/set then please, point me in their direction.

[Sabretooth]

Rotas are fine under normal driving conditions, people just put them on 300HP track cars and expect for them to hold up, all in the name of keeping costs low.

I dont think we will ever hear of a Yaris blowing a Rota, unless Garm throws a set on his car.

[Thirty-Nine]

All wheels can break:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/HREa.jpg
Broken HRE

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/brokenwheel.jpg
Broken Lotus Elise wheel

Unless you know the story behind the break, it's kind of pointless. We all know it's "fashionable" to bash Rotas, though ... but all wheels can fail.

[Tamago]

unless Garm throws a set on his car.

let's not count our chickens before they get paid for and hatched.

[Tamago]

for less than $700/set then please, point me in their direction.

are you talking about 17's?

because for $700 a set you can get TONS of awesome 15" wheels :D

[Sabretooth]

let's not count our chickens before they get paid for and hatched.

Well, I am just going off what we know from other 1nz motors built in the exact fashion that Garm is doing.

[naossoan]

are you talking about 17's?

because for $700 a set you can get TONS of awesome 15" wheels :D

Yes, I want 17's.

[Vinsanity]

none...just some snubbish crowd who likes to own jahPANIS made wheels...don't mind rockin it anyday...



LoL, that's true. hella people around my area always try to copp the most exspensive rims. But i dont really care about how good the quality is, as long as im happy wit my rims

[supmet]

But i dont really care about how good the quality is

I'm speechless.

[botchilah]

This thread is getting stupid. I'm a Filipino and I love ROTA's. Admittedly I don't admire their penchance to copy the design of a lot of JDM wheels. If you hate ROTA's for that, then it's an opinion which I'll have to respect. But calling them JUNK just because there are a number of incidents where the wheels broke and then calling ROTA's in general junk is plain stupid.

I've used ROTA's for over a decade on a variety of cars. including my previously 'caged Evo IV track, hill-climb and rally car. NEVER had a problem with 17' ROTA's. Sure it doesn't make for good random sampling, but hell, 2 or 3, even 4 broken sets of ROTA's also don't make for good sampling to determine that ALL ROTA's are bad.

I'm not cheap either (as some people might think I'm defending ROTA's because it's the only set I can afford), I've got a set of 18' TE37 FORGED MAGNESIUM wheels in my Supra that cost about U$7,000 for a set of four and had to be bought through a JGTC / Super GT 300 team because at that time Ray's didnt want to sell these wheels for non-motorsports use. I've also got 57 Motorsport wheels on my Yaris which cost me just over a thousand bucks. But I would have bought ROTA's for either of my cars if they had the design / look that I wanted.

Sure, the JDM stuff are better. No question. But are they so much better to justify the cost? IMHO, no.

If you ride the FIA approved curbing at your local tracks all the time, ditch hook the car at every corner (like Takumi's secret move using the rain gutters lol) in an SS or jump your car regularly (I used to in my Evo IV) at 80mph, and find that the wheels are not damaged at all, after years and years of abuse, heck these ROTA's must be quite good enough.

IME cars with ROTA wheels that get damaged usually have suspension issues i.e. the suspension isn't up to par holding up the car and when the wheels go throuh rough stuff, the suspension isn't able to absorb the shock and the wheel and the non-absorbing suspension components take the load and get damaged.

Here in the Philipines, almost every drifter I know runs ROTA's. Almost all of the rally guys I know run ROTA's. Almost all locally manufactured cars in the Philippines still use ROTA wheels (the others, like Honda use Enkei, but also made locally).

ROTA AFAIK is also a licensed manufacturer for Kosei wheels in the past, and for some Ralli-Art wheels which were exported too for the Pajero / Montero SUV. There are countless others.

Some people obviously think ROTA's are made in a freaking shed here in the Philippines. Ugh some people can be so very stupid.............

I've seen original TE37 wheels in an N1 Civic race car get its spoked ripped off a nasty accident on track. This car was owned and run by the local Rays distributor (Autoplus). I'm not knocking Ray's, but as some of the more enlightened ones have said, serious damage can happen to any wheel. I've seen a rare Porsche 993 RSR get its OEM 3-piece BBS wheels ripped off after an accident and trailered to the local Porsche dealership. Not knocking Porsche and BBS, but it can happen to these too. And the Porsche wasn't even going really fast, something like 100kmh or so. I've also seen Sportec wheels from Switzerland (U$4,000 set) get its spokes ripped off the hub of a heavily modified B5 A4 Turbo Quattro when it got into a disagreement with a big pothole in our highway. Or a good friend's Evo 5 which ran the curbing at our local track one too many times lose all the pressure in his tire because the wheel got bent. The Evo 5 had OEM OZ F1 wheels on Bridgestone SO2's back then. I can go on and on and on about expensive wheels that are 'supposedly' better than ROTA's get damaged just as easily as ROTA's, which ultimately means par for the course for all these wheels, regardless of brand / make / origin.

PS I know the main man at ROTA. Nice (very big but nice) guy. I've been to their factory a number of times too. It's a start of the art factory, ISO certified and looks way better than some sweat shops out there in the US.

You can HATE rota because they copy wheels from other manufacturers. But to call them JUNK because of a handful of cases is plain stupid. Here in the Philippines, I've yet to hear of any accident like that involving ROTA wheels. And yes we drive fast here. Faster than most guys in the US because we effectively have no speed limit i.e. cops don't care.

[regal]

I prefer OEM wheels, Scion has some that fit our cars. They look classy and are very well built no worrying about cracking on potholes

[Tamago]

I prefer OEM wheels, Scion has some that fit our cars. They look classy and are very well built no worrying about cracking on potholes

they're incredibly heavy though

[Tamago]

I can go on and on and on about expensive wheels that are 'supposedly' better than ROTA's get damaged just as easily as ROTA's

this statement makes me :laugh: .. just as easily you say? did you drive the exact same car thru the exact same pothole at the exact same speed?


hey, my chinese wheels will be here thursday (i'm not a jdm elitist) and i'm hapyp to report that they don't look like a copy of anything :)

[botchilah]

Tamago, in some cases YES. There are only a few places here in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila and Luzon in general where you can go stupid, 300++kmh fast. Everyone who has anything with motorized wheels will try to have a go, flat out regadless if his/er vehicle tops out at 60mph or 360kmh (look for Autoplus Ford GT video on Youtube) Road repair takes forever here, thanks to the best government money can buy. Everyone who remotely likes cars and driving cars fast will have gone through these very same roads. So in short, YES.

I never damaged my ROTA wheels on my Evo going over and over the same curbing on the same track as my friend's, at the same time we were both on track, on the same day, with same model suspension (TEIN RA's), tuned by the same guy (aligned and corner-weighted), with roughly the same ride height. In fact, my all-in weight was heavier since I'm far bigger than my friend. And we had the same model Bridgestone tires, same size (225/45R17's) same tire pressure settings on nitrogen. He went home with a spare tire, I went home and back to the track the following week.

The A4 Turbo Quattro that got its wheel ripped off? I went through the same huge pothole on our highway (NLEX to pinoys out there) a few weeks before his accident. I was a college student back then and money doesn't come easy out here so I remember the cost of the accident as I ended up buying a new set of wheels and tires. The A4 owner was my friend too. I badly bent my passenger side wheels (TSW Evo's on a Galant V6 a decade ago) rendering one completely useless. The Sportec wheels were ripped clean from the hub however.

Another example, a friend's Evo 9 had Gram Lights sized 18's and failed to see the ditch as he was driving at night, pitch black and raining hard. He fell into a ditch at a modest gait (about 70kmh) and the Gram Lights' lip was ripped off the spokes and hub. Freak accident, but it happens.

The point here is, ANY wheel, regardless of brand / make / origin, when subjected to ANY sort of abuse above the ordinary, will break badly.

[Tamago]

your argument is still unscientific but to say that a rota will hold up to abuse just as well as a forged wheel of the same design is simply.... not possible..

but hey, again, i'm not arguing rota's quality. there are simply too many other non japanese wheel manufacturers out there to be devoted to a copycat company :)

[botchilah]

I never said the ROTA's were better, or even comparable in absolute quality to RAY's wheels or other premium forged wheels. I simply said ROTA wheels aren't complete garbage, of low quality and unsafe to use as many people have said it is, basing this assumption on a few accidents / incidents reported on the 'net.

My other point was that ANY wheel (ROTA, RAY's, BBS, OZ, Speedline or whatever else brand there is out there), when subjected to extreme abuse, will get damaged really bad. Hit a rock the size of your fist at speed, go over an open manhole or a large pothole / ditch and it will break, regardless of brand / make or origin.

[derickveliz2]

PS I know the main man at ROTA. Nice (very big but nice) guy. I've been to their factory a number of times too. It's a start of the art factory, ISO certified and looks way better than some sweat shops out there in the US.



Could you tell him, to make a 16 inch G-Force, for my Yaris please. :wub:


.

[botchilah]

LOL someone I know once asked ROTA how much it would cost to make a custom wheel design / size. The figure given back then was 20,000 U$ to make the mold up to about 18' back about 7 years ago.