Are Dirt Bike Rims Universal?

Most dirt bike wheels are designed in such a way that the tires’ interchangeability is possible for different riding scenarios. As there is a standard rim size allotted for the same brand bikes, there are exceptions when a manufacturer decides to deviate from this standard size and width of the rims.

It should also keep in mind and always remember that the front and rear wheels’ width and length differ from each other. The front and rear wheels are not the same in width and height and are always different in each other’s measurements.

The only reason that a manufacturer can deviate from the standard rim size is if he/she believes that this change in size will enhance the bike’s performance.

What is a Standard Wheel?

The wheels of a dirt bike are manufactured in a factory mostly by forging aluminum in the wheel’s shape. These walky wheels are produced on a large scale, and hence, they are more likely to have a weak spot in them which can damage heavy impact. The rim life span depends on your riding style and the area you are riding in.

The rim size is according to the size of your dirt bike. The wheel’s standard size for a full-size motorcycle is 21 inches in diameter and 1.6 inches in the front tire’s width.

You can find the size of this rim written as 21×1.6 36; in this format, as explained above. In this explanation, 21 is the rim diameter, and 1.6 is the width, while 36 is the wheel spokes.

Now coming towards the rear rim of the same bike, it is generally smaller in diameter but has more width than the front tire. You can find the size of this wheel written as 19×2.15 36. In this format, 21 indicates the rim’s diameter in inches, 2.15 is the rim’s width, whereas 36 is the number of spokes on the wheel.

Most companies follow the front wheel’s standard wheel size compared to the rear wheel. The suspension of the bike is also dependent on the size of the rim.

There are many custom-dirt bike wheels available in the market.

What are Custom Wheels?

Dirt bike riders are preferring to custom the wheels of their bike more often now. This customization of wheels allows the riders to outrun the bikes with standard rims.

The main goal behind the customization is to get a competitive edge over the other riders. With the rise of technology, the riders prefer to customize their wheels because it can provide them with extra stability, comfort, and performance than the standard wheels.

Several components make a dirt bike wheel. These components are manufactured separately by the companies and hence are also modified separately. Modification of each part of the wheel provides a different upgrade in the performance.

Let’s have a look at the different components of the wheel and their modification:

Customized Rims:

Rims are an important part of the wheel. The purpose of rims is to provide more durability, performance, and stability to the bike. Alloy rims are the famous type of custom rims. Replacing standard rims with alloy rims can provide your wheel with more durability and high-performance.

Riders also customize their rims by applying powder coating on them. This customization of the rims provides more durability, shine, and color to your wheel. Also, this is used to style the bike.

The only thing universal of dirt bike wheels is the spokes. It means every manufacture is still making the rims with spokes.

Why There are Still Spoked Dirt Wheels?

In the early days, all the cars and bikes came with spoked wheels, but as the technology advanced, this style became outdated for many vehicles. Although, for dirt bikes, spoked wheels are still the preferable option.

Why is it so?

The main reasons for spoked dirt wheels are that spokes provide that extra flex to the dirt bike rims when driven on rough areas.  Additionally, the elasticity of the spokes allows rims to regain their shape after a heavy impact.

But like other material, spokes also have a limit at which they can damage the wheel. It works as a shock-absorbent of the rim but at a certain level of impact. Due to this feature of the spokes, the riders can enjoy a much comfortable and controlled ride in the rough areas and uneven terrains.

Spokes are installed one-by-one in the wheel, which provides every spoke with its tension. The spokes’ mechanism is that they contract and flex when the wheel is driven on a rough area. Because of this movement of the spokes,

The spokes can loosen up after each ride on a rough area. This loosening of the wheel can affect the functionality of the spokes. That’s why many riders recommend that spokes should tighten up after every aggressive ride.

Modern dirt bike rims without spokes that are being used in other vehicles are not suitable for dirt bikes. Dirt bikes are made for riding on rough areas, and modern rims can’t endure the impact and can be damaged easier.

Many companies are now using spokes wheel with tubeless tires to enhance the bike’s performance on a flat road. This combination allows riders to have a comfortable ride on both road and rough areas.

Conclusion:

Dirt bike rims are not universal if we look at the different factors. At the same time, many factors are being standardized by almost every manufacturer.

The front wheels’ dimensions are often kept the same by many companies to allow the wheel of bikes with different brands. The rear wheels are more likely to differ in size. Spokes of the rims are standardized by almost every manufacturer around. The reason for that is to provide dirt bikes with more stability and control in rough areas.

Kenneth

Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].