Need new wheels for your bike? Spoke wheels are a popular option among classic motorcycle enthusiasts for their nostalgic, old-school design. As their name suggests, they feature a central hub connected to the outer rim by tensioned wire spokes.
If you're interested in this type of wheel, but aren't sure what to look for when shopping for a set, let's look at 10 things to consider when choosing spoke wheels for your motorcycle. You'll want to think about your budget, style, maintenance commitments, and more.
1. Understanding Your Riding Style
Before you even look at a catalog, you have to be honest about how you ride. Are you cruising down the highway on weekends, or are you hitting some rougher back roads? Spoke wheels are famously tough—that's why off-road bikes use them. They flex under impact, which saves the rim from bending or cracking if you hit a pothole or a bump.
But if you're strictly a track racer or need absolute rigidity for high-speed cornering, you might find the slight flex of a spoke wheel feels different than a cast wheel. Knowing your primary use case helps you decide if the durability of spokes outweighs the stiffness of other options.
2. Setting A Realistic Budget
We all want the best gear, but our wallets don't always agree. Spoke wheels can range from affordable to incredibly expensive, depending on materials and branding. You can find basic steel spoke sets that get the job done, or you can drop serious cash on high-end aluminum rims with stainless steel spokes and custom nipples.
It's important to factor in more than just the rim price. Set aside cash for new tubes (if needed), rim strips, and potentially labor costs if you aren't lacing and truing them yourself. It's better to get a high-quality set of mid-range wheels than to blow your whole budget on flashy rims and skimp on the tires.
3. Tube Vs. Tubeless Designs
Traditionally, spoke wheels require inner tubes because the air would leak out through the spoke holes in the rim. Tubes are great for durability, but fixing a flat on the side of the road is a real pain since you have to take the wheel off to patch the tube.
Nowadays, you can get tubeless spoke wheels. These have a special sealing system inside the rim or spokes that attach to the outer edge of the rim rather than the center. Tubeless setups are easier to plug if you get a flat, but they tend to cost more upfront. Decide how much roadside convenience matters to you.
4. Maintenance and Truing Requirements
Here’s a reality check: spoke wheels need more love than cast wheels. Over time, spokes can stretch or loosen, especially if you ride hard. This can make the wheel wobble, which is definitely not what you want at 60 mph.
You will need to check your spoke tension periodically. "Truing" a wheel—tightening the spokes so the wheel spins perfectly straight—is an art form. If you aren't comfortable doing it, you'll need to pay a shop to handle it. If you want a "set it and forget it" part, just know that spoke wheels require a little more attention to keep them safe and rolling smooth.
5. Material Quality Matters
What material will you choose for your wheels? You have plenty of options available. The rims of spoke wheels are usually made of steel or aluminum. Steel is strong but heavy and can rust if the chrome flakes. Aluminum is lighter and handles better, but it can be more expensive.
For the spokes, stainless steel is usually the best bet because it resists rust and stays strong for years. Cheaper chromed steel spokes might look good on day one, but if that chrome chips, rust sets in fast. It is worth paying a little extra for materials that won't turn orange after one rainy ride.
6. The Number of Spokes
When you’re shopping, you'll see wheels with different spoke counts—usually 36, 40, or even fat spoke designs with fewer, thicker spokes. Generally, more spokes mean a stronger wheel because the load is spread out over more points. But fewer spokes can be lighter and easier to clean.
"Fat spoke" wheels are a huge trend right now because they look tough and custom, but they can be heavier than traditional wire wheels. You have to balance the strength you need with the look you want.
7. Weight And Handling
Unsprung weight—the weight of everything not supported by the suspension, like wheels and tires—can affect how a bike handles.
Aluminum rims with lightweight spokes can make your bike feel snappier and more responsive compared to heavy steel OEM wheels. If you switch to a massive, heavy custom spoke wheel, you might notice the bike feels more like a tank. It's just something to keep in mind if performance is high on your priority list.
8. Hub Compatibility
You can't just grab any cool-looking wheel and slap it on your bike. The hub has to fit your axle size, your brake rotors, and your sprocket or pulley. If you’re buying a universal wheel, you might need spacers or adapters to make it work.
The easiest route is buying a wheel specifically made for your make and model year. Make sure the hub width and bearing sizes match your specific motorcycle before you click "buy."
9. Cleaning and Aesthetics
Spoke wheels look amazing when they’re clean, but getting them clean is a chore. Brake dust hides between those spokes, and getting a rag in there takes time and patience.
If you hate detailing your bike, a 40-spoke wheel might drive you crazy. You can get special brushes to help, but it's still more work than wiping down a solid wheel. On the flip side, nothing really beats the shine of a freshly polished spoke wheel in the sun. You just have to decide if the elbow grease is worth the aesthetic reward.
10. Finish Options
Finally, think about the finish. Chrome is the classic choice and pops on cruisers and retro bikes. Black powder coat is super popular right now for that murdered-out, modern look. You can even get colored spokes or nipples to match your paint job.
Just remember that powder coat is generally tougher than paint and easier to maintain than chrome in wet climates. If you live near the ocean, salt air eats chrome for breakfast, so a quality powder coat or polished stainless setup might save you some headaches down the road.
Upgrade Your Ride
These are 10 things to consider when choosing spoke motorcycle wheels. These wheels offer a blend of timeless style and functional performance, but only if you get a high-quality set that won't fail you on the road. Don't be afraid to look around at different options to find one that fits your budget while still being a safe and durable choice for your ride.
At DNA Specialty, we sell traditional spoked Harley wheels for bikes made after the 2000s. These wheels have a classic, fat-spoke look, while performing reliably on the road. Get them in chrome or a custom powder coat finish of your choice; we also have smooth lip options for riders that want a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. Customize your order today!
