The (first) hollow and (later) ribbed versions of the (mostly gold) Marchesini magnesium rims for the 748/916/996/998 range are, and have been over the years, a matter of much discussion. There is an inclusive school of thought contending that both are indeed race versions, not approved for road use (DOT markings absent), with the ribs distinguishing nothing more than a later (in time) factory production line. There are certain other claims that the ribbed versions were introduced as matter of necessity by Marchesini himself to address a structural issue of the rear rim which failed (cracked) in reported race track incidents. The ribs added to the mass and structure of the rear magnesium rim making it much less prone to cracking (if at all). These rims are conversationally referred to as the “street version mags” as they are considered more tamed and suitable for moderate road use conditions. Both versions are indistinguishable and look equally as good on the right model (even though I would be much reluctant, purely as a matter of safety concern towards magnesium as a construction material, to ride these days on twenty year odd mags on the street or track). To add (by evidence) to this discussion, I attach a close-up picture of the ribbed version I came across the other day on a sales listing from a reputable seller, which appears to have a DOT marking engraved on the exposed (right) surface of the rear rim, adding – what seems to be to me – a solid argument to the ‘street version’ camp.
I find this discussion very interesting as I own a non-ribbed set. Forgive me but how can one say they are visually indistinguishable? From the left the rear has a completely different look. These pics are of a ribbed set on a bike up for online auction right now. Are we certain those DOT markings are engraved? They look painted to my eye. The ribbed set on the auction bike don’t say DOT. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-ducati-916-13/
My bad in not clearly setting out that they are indistinguishable in terms of performance, as I thought that this would be a surplus given the post's heading. As for the DOT markings (at least on the set uploaded by me), the seller has supplied close-up pics showing that they are indeed engraved (at least to my eye).
Sorry to be so pedantic. Yes the ribs could only add a few ounces which surely could not be felt on the road or track. When I pulled my set for some carbons I weighed the 6” mag rear. It came in at 8.58 lbs vs 6.5 for the BST. I would love to have my old mags refinished in the proper gold for a 998 I have coming my way.
No worries mate. As for an identical alternative to the original "Marchesini gold" colour, I have to note that it remains largely elusive and unobtainable by most (if not all) who have tried, with the end result coming out either a dark tone gold or bright yellow finish. Haven't tried myself but I am sure that there will be plenty of advice (and advisors) here, should you open a post dedicated to that, that would be more than content to share their experience (and colour codes they 've tried).
I also recall something of the like, yet even there opinion was split between Citroen 'shogun gold" and Citroen 'satin gold'. I remember some reporting to have approached Marchesini factory direct for the correct colour code but never received a response. If it were me, I think I would follow the direction of a good colour shop with knowledge of how the colour is likely to show on the material it will be applied (as not all colour codes show the same on all materials).
