Since 1970, Weld Wheels have been used by some of the most successful teams in the automotive racing industry. Strength, durability, and design have been key ingredients to the success of the company's products. This is good news for those who live on two wheels as well! According to company founder and president, Greg Weld, "Weld Wheels are #1 across the country, and now we have taken our car racing technology to motorcycles." Greg's son, Taylor, is the Vice-President of Research and Development for the company. His enthusiasm for the business has been a life-long experience. Taylor says that he enjoys the "mechanical" side of the business and his love for the industry comes from the fact that he has been in it all of his life. He also noted that people don't realize the company has been building motorcycle wheels for more than 16 years!

What makes Weld Wheels #1 is their commitment to quality. Greg told us that all forging, heat treating, and polishing is performed in-house. The durability of their motorcycle wheels goes back to the innovations they have made in the automotive racing industry. Another secret to this superior line of wheels is the single-unit forging process. The difference is simple: most motorcycle wheels are welded together, but Weld Wheels are forged from a single piece of raw aircraft-quality virgin aluminum. Taylor went on to describe a bit about the process beginning with telling us that Weld purchases 200,000 lbs. of billet aluminum logs each week! Each log is then cut into "biscuits" weighing 40-80 lbs. Each biscuit is then heated to a temperature of 940° F. Finally, the forging process begins where the aluminum is forged by 2,400 to 3,200 tons of pressure. That's more than 7 million pounds! This final process is what forges the aluminum into a wheel, and the results are strength and durability. Taylor put it to us in these terms concerning the difference between cast and forged wheels: "A forged wheel is like oak, while a cast wheel is like particle board." That's a convincing comparison. In addition, Weld's chrome plating process is so good that they guarantee it for five years! Their wheels are tested and built to withstand more than 50 hours in a high-speed situation.

We have more good news from Weld. They are currently applying their state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to a broad line of chrome parts for motorcycles, including brake calipers, rotors, and pullies! Greg went on to say that attention to detail and quality will always be the bottom line at their 300,000 sq. ft. Kansas City facility. Taylor further demonstrated dedication to the business and their products when he told us, "We eat, live, and breathe this stuff. It is what keeps me up at night, and that's a good thing."

If you would like to learn more about the full line of wheels and products from Weld, you can visit them on the web at www.weldracing.com .

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