Excel Rims

 

1.  Why do motorcycles no longer have spoked wheels?


Motorcycle wheels have come on a long way in the last 25 years and there are many different designs now on offer.  One of the problems with spoked wheels is that they are quite heavy and this can reduce the overall efficiency and performance of the bike.  Spoked wheels are not as strong as some of the newer designs and this means they could buckle under extreme conditions.  Modern motorbike wheels cast in one piece and are very strong and light.  They are typically made from aluminium or in some cases magnesium (high performance race bikes).  You do still see spoked motorcycle rims on custom and retro bike designs (and of course older classic bikes) and these are used mainly for the unique classic look.

 

 

2.  What is misalignment?


Alignment between the front and rear wheels is essential for motorbikes in order to create precise, reliable handling.  Misaligned wheels can be very dangerous and can prevent the rider from maintaining sufficient control over the bike.  Even if your wheels are only slightly out of alignment this can cause problems such as excessive wear on the tires and motorcycle rims.  You can align wheels yourself by referring to the owner’s manual or you can ask your garage to check alignment for you.

 

 

3. How do I remove the wheel from my bike?


Each model of bike has a slightly different method for removing the wheel so it is important to check the owner’s manual first.  This should be a fairly straightforward job but you must make sure you have fully secured the bike before you start.  You may need to completely disconnect other parts such as the speedometer and brake system.  Make sure you understand how this all goes back together again so you can replace it safely when you have finished re-fitting the wheel.

 

 

4. How do I care for spoked motorcycle rims?


If you do have an older bike or custom built option with spoked wheels then you will need to carry out regular maintenance.  Spoked wheels are strong and durable but the individual spokes can get damaged and come loose from their fixings over time.  Make sure you check your spoked motorcycle rims thoroughly every 2 months (or 2,500 miles). Use a metal tool to gently tap each spoke. You should hear a clear sound.  If the sound is dull then the spoke could be damaged or need tightening.

 

 

5.  What are the advantages of a magnesium wheels?


Some top end factory race bikes will come with magnesium wheels as standard. You could also think about upgrading your bike with aftermarket options if you are interested in high performance.  Modern magnesium wheels are very light and strong and can give you the extra edge out on the track.  However these wheels are expensive and will not stand up to everyday road conditions as well as standard aluminium wheels.

 

 

6. What are wheel weights used for?


Wheel weights are used on all vehicles including motorbikes to balance out the wheels and ensure a smooth, controlled ride.  Wheel weights can fall off so it is a good idea to make a note of your weight spread and check every now and then to make sure they are all still in place. Balancing wheels is a fine art which is best left to the professionals.

 

 

7. What maintenance do I need to carry out on my motorcycle rims, tyres and wheels?


Wheels, tyres and motorcycle rims should be checked as part of your regular bike maintenance.  You should be checking tyre pressure, tyre wear, wheel bearings, spokes (if applicable) and motorcycle rims every 2 months or so to make sure your bike is in good riding condition.  Always check over tyres and wheels thoroughly if you have not used your bike for a few months. If you ride in winter conditions look out for signs of corrosion on the metal parts.

 

 

8. Why do lightweight wheels make such a difference?


Motorbike performance is all about the weight to power ratio.  The lighter your bike is the more acceleration and power you will be able to harvest from the engine.  Race bikes make use of the lightest weight materials available in order to reduce track weight and gain a competitive edge in race conditions.  Race wheels are often made from magnesium or the lightest weight aluminium on the market and can weigh as much as 5 kilos less than standard wheels.  Any reduction in weight for a motorbike is relative to the velocity and as you increase speed the weight savings you have achieved will increase exponentially.  Lighter motorcycle wheels not only boost performance but they can also improve the handling and braking capabilities of your motorbike and this can make a big difference to the overall feel of the bike.

 

 

9. What types of chrome wheels are available?


Chrome motorcycle rims and wheels are a popular choice for cruisers and custom bikes as they offer a very stylish, sleek finish.  Chrome wheels are available both as one piece cast wheels and also spoked wheels and there is a lot of choice around so you should be able to find the perfect look for your bike.  Chrome motorcycle rims are not all of an equal quality so you will need to be careful when making your choice.  Inferior chrome can start to pit and peel after just a few months and this can spoil the look of your bike.   When you buy a chrome wheel make sure you check it over thoroughly for any signs of bubbles or wrinkling.  These defects can occur in the chroming process and will cause early wear.

 

 

10.  How do you care for Chrome motorcycle rims?


Chrome wheels can look amazing but they do need a bit more care and attention than standard wheels.  You will need to polish chrome at least every 2 months (or after each time you wash your bike).  This will help to remove any contaminants and replenish the protective layer on the chrome.  Only use polish designed for chrome parts as other products can be too abrasive and this can wear away the top layer of chrome causing it to dull and become more prone to peeling and pitting.
 

 

 

RAD Wheel Sets

 

 

1.  What type of dirt bike rims are available?


In the past dirt bike rims were made from steel with a layer of chrome coating but these could be weak and prone to bending under stress.  Modern dirt bike rims are made from alloys which are lightweight and strong and provide a good all round option for recreational riders.  It is a good idea for competitive dirt bike riders to upgrade their dirt bike rims and wheels with aftermarket options.  These will be even lighter and typically come with heavier gauge stainless steel spokes that are offer better overall strength and improved handling.

 

 

2.  What is the best tyre for dirt bike riding?


Dirt bike tyres are designed with ‘knobbly’ tread patterns which provide additional traction in muddy and dirty conditions.  There are a variety of different knob patterns and rubber compounds and this can make choosing the right tyre for your needs tricky.  You will need to assess the type of terrain you typically ride in and then compare this with the manufacturer's guidelines.  Most of the big names such as Dunlop, Bridgestone and Michelin produce affordable dirt bike tyres so you will have a lot of choice available to you. Be sure to fit the tyre to the size of the bike you are riding.  If you put a tyre that is too large on a 50cc or 125cc bike it can weigh the drive section down and reduce overall performance.  If you want to ride your bike on the road then you will need to fit road legal tires and you may also need to fit  road bike wheels as well for a more comfortable and safe ride. Get as much professional help as you need from manufacturers, experienced riders and salesmen to help you pick the right tyres.

 

 

3.  What does it mean by ‘trueing’ your wheels?


By adjusting key spokes on your wheels you can subtly change the ‘roundness’ of the wheel.  This is known as ‘trueing’ and it is a useful technique to help you fine tune your wheels.  You can true wheels whilst they are still on the bike and you can do this by putting it up on a stand and carefully pulling the brake pads free so that the wheel turns freely.   This will help you to test your adjustments. Be sure to remember that even small adjustments can make significant changes to the wheel so only adjust in small increments at a time.

 

 

4.  Should I change dented dirt bike rims?


It can be too easy to dent dirt bike rims when you are riding in rough conditions on stones, rutted tracks and hard terrain.  You should replace dented rims as these can affect the integrity of the spokes and weaken the wheel.  This can cause a loss of braking and handling performance.  You can replace dirt bike rims yourself and lacing a new rim with spokes is a straightforward job.  If you are lacing your own rims then make sure you tighten them carefully as it can be difficult to get this stage right.  You can tap the spokes to check they are correct. If they ring brightly they are right but if they ring dully then they will need further adjustment. You cannot use the tapping method if you have any bent spokes as they will lean against adjacent spokes and affect the noise made when you tap them.

 

 

5.  Can I replace damaged spokes on my wheels?


You can replace damaged spokes yourself and this is a useful technique that could save you the costs of completely replacing your wheel if you do a lot of off-road riding. If the old spokes are seized then you can try squirting a little WD-40 onto the spoke and leaving it for a few minutes to help loosen it.  If you are going to carry out maintenance on your dirt or road bike wheels that is not covered by the owner’s manual then you do need to invest in a proper service manual for your bike.  This can provide you with all the in-depth information you need on the correct bike settings and is invaluable to help you get things right the first time.

 

 

6.  Why does my dirt bike hub keep cracking?


Dirt bike hubs can crack for a number of reasons but if this keeps occurring then it could indicate that the bearings have not been correctly aligned inside the wheel.  You can check this by removing the wheel from the bike and looking at the fitting of the spacer tube.  The bearings should be aligned so they just grip the spacer tube as it turns inside the inner races.  If this is not right then excessive pressure is forced onto other parts of the wheel resulting in problems like cracked dirt bike hubs.  If you do need to replace a damaged hub then there are a good range of RAD hubs available to suit most models of bike.

 

 

7. How do I know what bearings to buy for my wheels?


If you want to replace wheel bearings then you can cross reference the type of bearings you need by looking at the old ones on the bike.  These should have some numbers on them which you can then use to order the right parts.  If there are no numbers then as long as you have the model number of your bike (and your wheels are standard) then you should be able to order the right bearings.  You could also use the old bearings to take measurements to guide you on your next choice.  Opt for double sealed bearings when possible as these last much longer and provide consistent, reliable performance.

 

 

8. What type of lubricant should you use when servicing RAD wheels?


If you want to service your RAD wheels then you do need to be careful when using lubricants not to get them on the rubber compound of the tyre.  If you are trying to remove spokes then WD-40 is useful at cutting through rust and grime.  To help fit new parts a good quality silicone spray lubricant is best as it will be virtually ‘mess-free’ and easy to work with. Silicone lubricant is also resistant to high temperatures that can affect wheels under excessive speed and load.

 

 

9.  What wheels are best for enduro racing?


Enduro racing exposes the bike and rider to a wide range of different challenging conditions.  You will need a tough, durable wheel that can stand up to hard, rocky terrain, sand, mud and hidden obstacles such as tree roots and stones.  Select the more durable high grade stainless steel spokes when applicable as these are stronger and more durable.  If you need to ride on both road and off-road conditions then opt for semi-knobbly tyres that provide a compromise between traction on muddy conditions and slick road surfaces.  There are a wide range of RAD wheels available for many different road and race conditions.

 

 

10. What tyres do I need for soft sandy terrain?


If you are going to be riding on sand you need a hard rubber compound tyre with taller knob tread patterns.  These will be more effective at flinging the sand away from the wheel to provide more traction and grip in these difficult conditions.
 

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