Spoked Motorcycle Wheels & Rims

Spoked motorcycle wheels have a storied history in the motorcycle world. They were the rim of choice for decades until the one-piece alloy wheel was mass produced. That being said, you will still find spoked rims on certain styles of new bikes. For one, they are unmatched in offroad riding and are found on dirt bikes and many ADV and Dual Sport motorcycles. And second, it’s hard to build a classic styled motorcycle without using spoked motorcycle wheels.

The largest practical advantage of spoked motorcycle rims is their ability to absorb impacts. The spokes bend and flex and disperse the impact throughout the wheel. Spoked wheels also tend to bend or twist instead of cracking, which allows the rider to reshape the wheel enough to get home This makes them the ideal choice for dirt bikes and offroad-biased ADV motorcycles. You will find, too, that they are much lighter than most one-piece wheels, providing a more agile feel.

The second reason why riders choose to go the spoked route is for style. There is no doubt that spoked wheels offer a unique styling that cannot be had with one-piece wheels. When you’re building a custom motorcycle in the style of a 70’s or earlier machine or restoring a bike of that vintage, there is no substitute for spoked rims. These were the standard choice and speak to that era. Plus, riders can choose from various spoke patterns, finishes, and colors to personalize their motorcycles and create a unique look.

Spoked motorcycle wheels are often made from steel, though lighter, aluminum options are also available. Different finishes like chrome, powder coat, ceramic, and gloss black provide the rider with a variety of style choices to match their build.

Installing spokes and truing the wheel are an art form. It can be done at home with a spoke wrench and some know-how. If you are uncomfortable with installing the spokes and hubs yourself, many of the spoked wheels we carry come pre-assembled. But you should also be aware of the maintenance these wheels require. From time to time, spokes can loosen. To catch this, it’s a good idea to check spoke tightness every time you wash the wheels (or more often if your cleaning schedule is lax). You can quickly check spoke tension by grabbing a handful at a time or by tapping each spoke and listening for a sound change. A spoke torque wrench will give you the most accurate tension measurement. Most spoked motorcycle wheels will require a tube, though there are some tubeless options available.