Generally, motorcycle wheels are manufactured in two categories spoked wheels and alloy wheels, both of which have their features and specialities. Spoked wheels are prototyped technology in manufacturing motorcycle wheels, before 1970s spoked wheels were employed in contemporary motorcycles alone. After the advent of alloy wheels spoked wheels lost their previous priority. Despite being an age-old technology there are couple of motorcycles that still employ spoked wheels because of their various positive aspect. If you are professional motorcyclist then you must go for alloy wheels but spoked wheels are perfect for off-road dirt bikes. So, it is too difficult to find any of them best because these two types of wheels are still manufactured and employed in motorcycles rather we may evaluate both of them.
Spoked Wheel
Spoked wheels are made of spoke and steel rim, this is a conventional prototype model but stronger and more durable than the latest alloy wheels. Spoke wheels are low-maintenance tyre and easily serviced by local mechanics, once spoked wheels were employed all motorcycles but nowadays this technology is seen in only off-road adventure bikes only. Indian famous Royal Enfield adopted spoked wheels in some of their cruise motorcycles, Hero XPluse, few models of Zontes feature spoked wheels.
Pros
- Spoked wheels are stronger and more durable than others
- Spoked wheels are very flexible and easily repairable
- Spoked wheels made with stronger spokes and heavyweight rims
- These types of wheels are low maintenance and cheaper
Cons
- Heavyweight and low fuel efficiency
- Designed for traditional tube tire
- Not preferable for all mainstream motorcycles
- Unable to fit for tubeless tire
Alloy Wheel
Alloy wheels are modern technology developed for tubeless to enhance motorcycle performance and make it comfortable. Alloy wheel comes from lighter materials like aluminum and magnesium that reduce motorcycle’s overall weight. The alloy cast is lighter than conventional spoked wheels so it gets two times more force during wheel spin which leads to better fuel efficiency. Alloy wheels used to equipped with performance-oriented sport bikes but currently lower cc commuter bikes are decorated with alloy wheels.
Pros
- Alloy wheels are made with lightweight materials and have multiple color variations
- Alloy Wheels deliver maximum speed and more stability even at the highest speed
- Its materials are heat conductors which frees its rust and corrosion
- Sleek appearance enhances motorcycle’s looks
- Being tubeless tire free from puncher hassle
Cons
- Alloy wheels are high maintenance and more fragile than spoked wheels
- Alloy wheels cost 50% higher than typical spoked wheels
In a nutshell, having few back draws alloy wheels is preferable to traditional spoked wheels. Motorcycle brands have embraced alloy rims to increase bike performance and provide comfortable riding experiences. On the other hand spoked wheels are suitable for specific models of bike, especially for off-road dirt and cafe-racer bikes.
