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Rison Titanium Washers Applications,GR5 titanium flat rings application in Motorcycle
1. Key Advantages of Titanium Washers
- Weight Reduction: 40-45% lighter than steel washers (e.g., a Grade 5 Ti M10 washer weighs ~2g vs. steel at ~3.6g).
- Corrosion Resistance: Immune to rust, salt, and chemicals—ideal for off-road or coastal riding.
- High Strength: Grade 5 titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) offers tensile strength of ~900-1000 MPa, comparable to mid-grade steel.
- Thermal Stability: Retains strength at temperatures up to 400°C (752°F), suitable for exhaust systems.
2. Common Applications in Motorcycles
① Engine and Exhaust Systems
- Location: Cylinder head bolts, exhaust flange joints.
- Purpose: Reduce heat-induced expansion mismatches (titanium’s thermal expansion coefficient is closer to aluminum than steel).
- Example: Titanium exhaust gasket washers in Ducati Panigale V4 prevent galvanic corrosion with aluminum heads.
② Suspension Linkages
- Location: Pivot points on swingarms or shock mounts.
- Benefit: Lower unsprung weight improves suspension responsiveness.
- Upgrade Kit: Öhlins TTX suspension systems often include titanium washers for racing builds.
③ Brake Systems
- Location: Brake caliper mounting bolts or rotor spacers.
- Technical Note: Anodized titanium washers (blue/gold) avoid galling with steel bolts.
- Caution: Avoid using in high-shear zones without steel inserts.
④ Fairings and Bodywork
- Location: Fasteners for carbon fiber fairings or windscreens.
- Aesthetic Use: Colored titanium washers (PVD gold/black) for custom builds.
⑤ Handlebar and Control Mounts
- Location: Clamp bolts for handlebars, levers, or footpegs.
- Weight Savings: Replacing steel washers across 20+ fasteners saves ~30g.
3. Technical Considerations
① Material Compatibility
- Galvanic Corrosion: Use anti-seize compound (e.g., nickel-based) when mating titanium with aluminum/steel.
- Load Distribution: Titanium’s lower modulus may require thicker washers vs. steel for equivalent clamping force.
② Surface Treatments
- Anodizing: Adds color but reduces friction (e.g., blue anodized washers for calipers).
- PVD Coating: Improves wear resistance (e.g., TiN-coated washers in high-abrasion areas).
③ Fatigue Resistance
- Dynamic Loads: Grade 5 Ti washers outperform aluminum in high-vibration zones (e.g., engine mounts).
4. Limitations and Challenges
- Cost: Titanium washers cost 8-12x more than steel (e.g., M8 steel washer: 0.2𝑣𝑠.𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑢𝑚:0.2vs.titanium:2.5).
- Galling Risk: Titanium-on-titanium contact requires molybdenum disulfide lubricant.
- Shear Strength: Not recommended for primary structural joints (e.g., frame bolts).
5. Industry Use Cases
- MotoGP: Teams like Repsol Honda use titanium washers for engine covers to save weight and resist heat.
- Adventure Bikes: KTM 790 Adventure R rally kits include titanium spacers for crash protection.
- Custom Builds: Brands like Roland Sands Design use colored Ti washers for aesthetic detailing.
Titanium vs. Steel Washers Comparison
| Parameter | Titanium Washers | Steel Washers |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 40-45% lighter | Heavier |
| Corrosion Resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★☆ (prone to rust) |
| Max Temperature | 400°C | 250°C (mild steel) |
| Cost per Piece | $$$ | $ |
| Best For | Racing, corrosion-prone, or high-heat zones | Budget builds, non-critical areas |
Installation Tips
- Torque Carefully: Titanium requires 10-15% lower torque than steel to avoid thread stripping.
- Anti-Seize: Always apply nickel-based anti-seize to threads and contact surfaces.
- Inspect Regularly: Check for wear in high-load areas (e.g., suspension pivots) after 5,000 km.
Upgrade Recommendation Table
| Motorcycle Part | Titanium Washer Benefit | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust Flange | Heat resistance, no rust | ★★★★★ |
| Handlebar Clamps | Weight savings, aesthetics | ★★★★☆ |
| Engine Mounts | Vibration damping | ★★★☆☆ |
| Brake Calipers | Corrosion prevention | ★★★★☆ |
For high-performance or custom motorcycles, titanium washers offer a strategic blend of weight savings and
durability. Focus upgrades on heat-exposed or corrosion-prone areas to maximize ROI. Always prioritize
safety-critical fasteners (e.g., frame bolts) with manufacturer-approved materials.
We have M3-M12 titanium washers in different colors, you can click Titanium Washers to check if you need
any titanium rings, also we can custom made any titanium washers if you need.
What’s more, if you need to know more about Titanium washers bolts nuts , pls feel free to click Here.
Rison Titanium is a very professional company ,we are specialized in the production of Titanium more
than 13 years. As well as we are the American Titanium Industry Association Member.
Our taitanium washers Quality Inspected Before Shipping and our company Manufacture
in Strictly Accordance with ISO9001:2015& AS 9100 :2018.
If you have any questions or suggestions, pls free to contact us.
