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- Alexis
- Tutoriels Supermotard
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The rims, basic elements when transforming an enduro or cross into a supermotard can prove to be a headache for the less seasoned. Indeed, between the different brands (Excel, SM Pro, Faba, Royal, Kite) but also the different parts of a rim (hubs, hoops, spokes) or even the different sizes (3.5x16, 5x17) of rims can be a block before buying.
Here, we are going to advise you and help you make the best choice when choosing your Supermotard rims.
Royal Motorbike is both a workshop specializing in the shelving of rims of all brands and also a rim retailer. We distribute worldwide, SM Pro, Excel, Royal, Kite or Talon products, all different in terms of price, materials used, color, etc.
Let's find out together what the different parts of a spoked rim are.
- The rim
First of all the rim, part on which the tire is in direct contact. Available in several aluminum alloys according to the manufacturers and in several sizes and colors.
Firstly the manufacturers, here we find several manufacturers, the best known Excel (which only manufactures strapping), SM Pro, Royal (our own brand), Kite or even Faba.
Rims (or hoops depending on the name) are available in many colors, whether anodized or painted in a plain or two-tone with a clean cut or gradient, everything is possible.
The rim size is an important choice, for the supermotard, there are the following sizes: 3.5x17 - 3.5x16.5 - 3.5x16 - 4.25x17 - 4.5x17 - 5x17 and 5.5x17
The first number determines the width of the rim in inches, while the second which expresses the diameter of the rim (16 or 17 inches here)
For the front there are 3 possibilities (3.5x17 - 3.5x16.5 - 3.5x16). We always keep the same width 3.5 inches but several diameters are available (17 inches or 16.5 inches or 16 inches)
The first is the most common because only the 3.5x17 allows the fitting of tires ideally approved in 120/70/17 such as Continental Attack SM, Michelin Power 5 or even Slick Metzeler Racetec SM (only Supermoto slick available in 17 inches )
But for the track, several options are available to us in order to reduce the dribble during the attack on the circuit (3.5x16 or 3.5x16.5) We find a more lively motorcycle and more inclined on the front which allows a more offensive position on the bike. Here we find ranges of slicks from Michelin (Power Supermoto in range A or B or C) or even Metzeler (with its Racetec SM).
For the rear, we have 4 possibilities (all in diameter 17 here). From widest to narrowest: 4.25x17 - 4.5x17 - 5x17 and 5.5x17
The 4.25x17 and the 4.5x17 must be fitted with 150/60/17 tires and the 160 wide is not recommended because the tire will be too domed. It is the ideal mount for small displacements (in order to keep a motorbike lively, I am thinking in particular of 125cc, or for old Yamahas or Kawasakis with a narrow swingarm.
The 5x17 is the most widespread, it goes on the majority of motorcycles and allows the fitting of road and slick tires in 160/60/17. It passes easily on KTM, Husqvarna, Yamaha (recent), GasGas ect.
The 5.5x17 is recommended only for Supermotard swingarms or widened otherwise be careful not to rub.
- The hubs
The hubs are available from several brands such as SM Pro, Royal, Talon, Haan Wheels, Kite or Warp 9.
By selecting hubs for your motorcycle, at Royal Motorbike the rims will be delivered to you plug and play with spacers, spies and bearings to mount your rims directly on your motorcycle.
By selecting your motorcycle, you will be able to mount your original discs and crown if necessary. In order to avoid buying a new sprocket or a new rear disc, a larger diameter front disc is of course recommended.
For the front, depending on your bike, there are hubs with the speedometer trainer to keep your original speedometer (I am thinking in particular of the WRF from Yamaha)
For the rear, there are two types of hubs. Those with torque dampers and those without.
A torque damper (fitted as standard on 690/701 and on the large-displacement market) makes it possible to limit jolts in the transmission via silent blocks installed between the hubs and the crown support. This limits the wear of the chain but causes a loss of power when transmitting to the wheels.
They too can be anodized, powder coated or Cerakote.
- The spokes
Available in several colors (black, white or aluminum, see any color on order in our workshop) allow to maintain the hubs and the strapping together.
Just like a bicycle, these spokes must be tight during tightening, which is called the shelving phase.
During this step, we can shift the strapping so as not to touch the chain, for example. This is an important and mandatory step.
It is important to control the play of its spokes and prevent any of them from becoming loose.
- The spoke heads
Spoke heads, also called spoke nipples, maintain the link between the strapping and the spokes via their thread.
Unable to be painted (under penalty of damaging the paint when tightening the nipples), the nipples of the spokes must be anodized.
It is also possible to mix them at your request during assembly.
For all your questions, do not hesitate to send us a message on our social networks or directly here in the comments
Royally
Alexis
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