For any vehicle whether it is two wheels or 4 wheels, the wheel is an element that comes into direct contact with the ground. There are several elements that are attached to the latter. We could mention a few such as the tire, the fork or the rim. However, as the title suggests we will instead focus on the rims. In the old days, there was an old rim design that was made of wood. A set of mechanism rotated it for a vehicle to move. Generally speaking, rims are made from metal material. In any case, the manufacturers make them in this appearance. We can now see some types of rims, monobloc, composite rims and finally spoke rims.
With these three kinds of rims, it is quite normal to wonder which one could suit us. In this swerve, you have to take into account a few configurations, the type of motorcycle you have and the type of use. You should know that the aesthetics of a rim does not play a big role in the choice of this one. In any case, this criterion is not fundamental.
Generally speaking, the material that a rim is made of plays an important role, the more iron the material is, the lighter the rim. This is ideal for sport type motorcycles or competition motorcycles. It is quite normal that this kind of rim is cheaper than the others. From this article we will guide you to choose the type of rim that corresponds to your type of use.
Types of motorcycle rims
One-piece rims
This type of rim was famous and was used in the old days several years ago. The rim is one and the same part. Which means that this one was made from one and the same material. The shape of this rim is therefore similar to that of a car rim. It is ideal for motorcycles which need a certain lightness in order to obtain a velocity. For this purpose, we can find this type of rim on scooters, sportsmen or super sportsmen. the advantage with this type of rim is lightness and rigidity. on the other hand, this kind of design is not made for off-road motorcycles. The rigidity can be a great handicap to counter the oscillations present on the tracks or the quarries.
Our recommended products:
Here is a selection of some motorcycle products that might interest you.
Motorcycle wheel rim for Kawasaki ZX6R 2005-2017, ZX10R 2006-2010, VERSYS1000 / lt year 2012-2018 models.
Front or rear motorcycle wheel rim, designed for Suzuki TL1000R.
Motorcycle wheel rim for Suzuki TL 1000R motorcycle models and equivalent with yellow sticker.
View all one-piece rim models on amazon
spoke rims
This type of rim is made for all terrain. Several rays intersect with each other and form a kind of triangle. This provides some flexibility and excellent resistance to shocks associated with high level differences. These spokes are made from a steel type iron. You will understand it, if you have a motorbike which circulates in the axes of road type countryside, track or quarries. This rim is for you. It does not fear the various shocks caused by the oscillations. However, it deserves to let you know that this kind of rim could not withstand more intensive use of the sports or super sports type.
Our recommended products:
Here is a selection of some motorcycle products that might interest you.
Spoke cover for motocross with front and rear spoke rim. Lot of parts color yellow.
Gearbox output sprocket for spoke motorcycle rim, Sherco 50 model, year 2014 to 2020.
spoke wrench kit for motorcycle rims. With 10 hardened tips reference 5.0 to 6.8.
See all spoke rim models on amazon
The types of materials used for the design of a rim
composite rims
This type of rim is made of a set of materials that make it light. It can be made with materials like carbon or magnesium. Thanks to its weight, the rim is ideal for sports or super sports use. Its lightness provides optimal power to your motorcycle. The advantage with this type of material is therefore its weight and its aesthetics. However, you should know that the rim is not yet very common. For this purpose, it remains expensive. It is hoped that in the near future the composite rim will gain ground and be cheaper.
Steel rims
This type of component is one of the most classic, it is also known under the name of sheet metal. The advantage with the latter is that it is not expensive and is easily found in the market. It is solid and remains well resistant over the years. However, you should know that this type of rim can oxidize easily knowing that the sheet is a derivative of the metal. Apart from that, it is necessary to take in Coptic its rather important weight. With all these configurations, it is quite normal that it is not ideal to use such a rim for a sports bike or even for off-road use. Classic use in the city remains the best suited.
Aluminum rims
For the latter type of material, at least for this article, we can say that it is ideal for almost any type of use. The aluminum rim is light enough for sports use and for driving around town. Roadster use is not to be ruled out. The advantage with the latter is its attractive price. The aluminum rim is therefore available for the mass. It should be added that it has a good quality / price ratio. However, be aware that this type of material can wear out quickly, especially if maintenance is lacking.
Our recommended products:
Here is a selection of some motorcycle products that might interest you.
Aluminum balancing weights for spoke rims. Total weight of the piece of 25g.
Dustproof valve caps for Yamaha YZFR6 YZF R6 motorcycle models, year 2017 to 2018.
Universal spoke rims front position in aluminum, size 12 inches.
View all one-piece rim component models on amazon
The characteristics of a good rim
The weight
This configuration is important for the type of sports-type use. The weight must be light enough to ensure good velocity and good performance. The aluminum or composite rim are therefore ideal in this case. In general, the weight of an aluminum rim can slightly exceed 15 Kg. On the other hand, those which are in composite can weigh less than 7 Kg. Beyond this weight the wheel could be too heavy and this will impact the performances of your motorcycle during a race. It is for this reason that if you want to gain power, it is best to invert for a composite rim.
Longevity, life expectancy
It is quite logical that when you choose a rim for your motorcycle it is not to replace it for a short time. You want to invest for the long term. To this end, you should know that the type of rim that you must choose is the spoke rim if you do not want to have power but endurance. Especially if you are driving on a fairly difficult and fairly rough road. On the other hand, if you are more for sports use, choose a composite rim, it does not oxidize compared to an aluminum rim.
The
For the motorcycle the price of the rim is lower than that of the car. This can be seen on the same type of material such as sheet metal or aluminum. By way of comparison for the car the price is between 50 to 900 euros depending on the dimensions or the size of the wheel. For the motorcycle it is between 80 to 400 euros. However, if we turn to another type of material such as composite, it can cost more and reach 2 euros. this means that for basic use it is more interesting to choose a sheet metal rim which remains the cheapest of all the selection.
Our recommended products:
Here is a selection of some motorcycle products that might interest you.
Protective kit for spoke motorcycle rim, yellow color, anti-corrosion and anti-rust.
Reflective tape sticker for motorcycle rim models Kawasaki Z650, Z800, Z900, Z1000.
Repair tool kit for two wheel or 4 wheel tubeless vehicle wheel.
see all motorcycle wheel items available on amazon
Our selection of the 5 best rims
Wheel rims, alloy front wheel rims
This totally new rim model is made from a 12 inch size aluminum alloy for motorcycle. High quality material resistant to rust and corrosion. One-piece rim imitating a spoke rim with its 4 rigid spokes. Compatible with 12mm center shaft hub, having 7cm fixing screw hole.
Akozon 2,50 to 10 inches 60 / 100-10 Rim
This rim model is designed from a stainless steel alloy, for 10 inch size wheels for Pit pro or Dirt bike. High quality material resistant to rust and corrosion. Total rim weight, 2,4 Kilograms. The wheel axle has a dimension of 12 mm. Easy to set up, take down and assemble.
Ladieshow Motorcycle Front Rims, Universal Motorcycle Front Wheel Rims
This red and black rim model is designed by the Ladieshow brand. Made from high quality aluminum alloy resistant to rust and corrosion. The dimension of the hub bearing is 330mm / 13mm. The wheel axle has a dimension of 12 mm. Easy to set up, take down and assemble.
Three T Motorcycle Rim Front Wheel Hub
This rim model is built by Three T brand. Ideal for Kawasaki ZX6R and ZX10R motorcycle models. The color used for painting the rim is dark gray. New material with high quality and good strength, aluminum alloy. The weight of the item is 5,7 Kilograms. Note that the rim does not include the rotor.
SIMSON-assembly-front wheel
This model of aluminum spoke rim is manufactured by the manufacturer MZA. Ideal for SIMSON type motorcycles with a compatible 16 inch wheel. The positioning is on the front part of the motorcycle. The color of the rim is gray. Composed of new material of high quality and good resistance in all circumstances.
The maintenance of your aluminum rims
To keep your alloy rims in good condition as long as possible, you must follow a few guidelines. Before cleaning a rim, you must wait for it to cool. never use acidic products on them, this can lead to premature wear. Also avoid products or tools that can attack the aluminum and cause scratches. If possible avoid using polish on rims that are painted. pay attention to high pressure washing, never exceed 1 bar.
Products or tools that can help you maintain your aluminum rim
Rim protector
To protect your rims against possible corrosion during disassembly or assembly, we advise you to use this tool which is made from aluminum alloy and rubber. These 3 spoons allow you to remove your tires safely and in all circumstances. Ideal for all rim sizes and all tire sizes.
Rim cleaner
To gain longevity on your aluminum rims, it is necessary to clean them. This product allows you to remove impurities without damaging the material. The brand claims that it is neutral. you don't even have to scrub when cleaning. The capacity of this solution is 5L which is more than enough for a while.
A special wheel cleaning brush
This kit of 3 brushes allows you to effectively polish and clean your rims and wheels. The materials they are made of offer you an optimal cleaning result. the bristles of each brush have been designed evenly and well organized. For this purpose your rims will be clean and will not wear out easily.
