Baldwin Hub Review

[Pappy]

After having a very bad expierence with aftermarket hubs in the past i was really looking forward to trying a set from Baldwin Motorsports. I made a phone call and was able to get Mark Baldwin himself on the phone. I explained my past troubles and dislike with a few other brands of hubs and asked him what made his different.


He quickly explained that his hubs were way far ahead of the majority of other manufactures in that he uses "DUAL BEARINGS" on the outer side of the hub. He went on to explain that during his expierence at Point de Vaux race they would be forced to replace front hubs atleast once during this 12 hour race. At some point it crossed his mind to remedy this and he did so by machining an area to add the other bearing. Since he has changed this in the design they have had no failures relating to hubs!

Another strong point he made and I for one was happy to know, was that Baldwin uses "Pressed" wheel studs, not a "Screw~in" design as found with other brands. The wheel stud is available in standard or extended. I chose the extended for easier wheel alignment during wheel installation. From my expierence this greatly speeds up tire changes in races that require a tire change.

The hubs are available in either honda or yamaha bolt pattern for the yamaha crowd to continue running thier honda rims.

The hubs included for me to test are for my YFZ but the honda hubs carry the same benefits as described above. The center caps are available polished or anodized red or blue.

I will be installing these on my yfz 450 and doing a long term evaluation regarding the overall durability of these items.

[Pappy]

I chose the all polished units with the extended wheel studs. The picture below is the set that was sent. Appearences may vary with application.

The hubs come complete with all bearings and seals and are ready to install.

[Pappy]

This is a close up picture of the extended wheel stud.

[Pappy]

This picture is a Baldwin hub installed on a 250r. The 400ex hubs are the same.

[Pappy]

The price usually deters alot of people from purchasing this type of product. Most racers will like the margin of safety that the dual bearing will add to the overall durability of thier machine. Fit and function are flawless. I was able to remove and re install a set on my 250r last month and i can relax knowing that these will be a breeze on my YFZ.

If its aftermarket hubs you are needing, maybe call Mark and see what he tell's you. It was a pleasure speaking with him and he was quite willing to answer any questions i had.

[crap-banshee32]

yep...these hubs are great.....ive had absolutly no problems with mine. there deffinitly worth getting


pappy, isnt mark a great guy to talk to. Thats where i get all my part.
great guy and great service.

Nick

[Hotdog]

what is tha actual benefit going to a aftermarket hub. I know that they are stronger due the material. But are they really worth the money?

[Pappy]

Id say for the average rider the expense out weighs any potential benefits. I myself didnt want to sell off all my honda front rims so the decision was easy.

For a serious racer who spends way more then what these hubs cost every season, the margin of safety over a part failure could be justified.

[Fleshwound]

can you get rear hubs for the yfz so you can use honda bolt pattern rear rims also?

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Fleshwound
can you get rear hubs for the yfz so you can use honda bolt pattern rear rims also?

im not certain about rear hubs. i dont believe baldwin makes them but RPM or LSR may. ill look into it for you. i have hipers and they can be used on the yfz so i didnt have to get new hubs

[XANDADA]

How do they compare to hardkor hubs?

[Pappy]

hardkore makes some kickass hubs also. the only real benefit i can see is the double bearing set up with the baldwin. i havent had any expierence with hardkore but i know that they are a top seller!!

[K_Fulk]

Hardcore uses a tapered bearing like rpm.

Which is better is hard to say. But there all better then stock.

[Fleshwound]

pappy how would it be any different with hyper rims?
that is what im looking at...

[K_Fulk]

Originally posted by Fleshwound
pappy how would it be any different with hyper rims?
that is what im looking at...

dual bolt patterns.

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Fleshwound
pappy how would it be any different with hyper rims?
that is what im looking at...

yep kfulk nailed it. hiper rear rims are dual pattern and will work on either honda or yamaha.

[simoniz]

What is the cost of these hubs??

[Fleshwound]

alright thats sick...
i never knew that.
i might just wait anyway though cause i would like to get the 8inchers with the integrated hub

[jlhughes750]

Nice review Pappy!!

The Hipers are dual pattern in the rear only. I decided to go with the Hardcores in the frt.. So far so good. I thought about the Baldwins for the extra bearing, but went with the Hardcore. I'll let u know how they hold up!!

[Pappy]

Installation took less then 30 minutes and everything fit like a glove:cool:

[AC 400 ex 02]

pretty sick, you gettin a 450r also?

[Pappy]

Originally posted by AC 400 ex 02
pretty sick, you gettin a 450r also?

thats the plan. i have to wait until the accountant give me the news for this year....then i have to decide if i need the 450r or a new building to work out of:( the ol' lady has stated a new building is needed so if thats the case the trx will be put on the back burner until fall:mad:

[racerx573]

Originally posted by Pappy
if thats the case the trx will be put on the back burner until
fall:mad:


You don't need the Honda, if anything get another YFZ :devil:

[AC 400 ex 02]

damn thats rough, what are you doing with your ex?

[Pappy]

i sold both my 400's back in september

[AC 400 ex 02]

damn i had no idea you did that, have any extra aftermarket ex parts?

[QuadRacer041]

pappy are all the baldwin hubs dual bearing??
and is what your saying that there are 3 bearings total in each hub?one on trhe back side and 2 on the front?
i dont remember seeing 3 in mine.

[Pappy]

quad041..

yes the hubs have 3 bearings. im not sure when he made this change or if he offers it both ways.

[muff]

they better be good cause I got a nice new set of em off ebay for $290 shipped...I was gonna go with Hardkor but I figured saving $85 would be worth it.