A motorcycle's wheels are its most noticeable features. Riders can change the wheels to achieve a new look or improve handling, and should replace badly damaged wheels for safety. Whether you own a vintage bike or a newer model, you have many options available when replacing your Triumph motorbike wheel.
Buyers can choose from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket wheels. Considering the range of wheels available, understanding their differences is essential to making an informed choice.
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) make a vehicle's original parts. Triumph makes roadsters, cruisers, adventure motorcycles, and classics, which means that many types of OEM wheels are available. Some wheels have spokes, while others are solid. Buyers should purchase the correct wheel for their particular Triumph model to ensure a perfect fit.
OEM wheels do not change the look of a motorcycle. Since they are nearly identical, they also offer the same performance and handling characteristics of the original wheels.
Aftermarket wheels are products made by a third party company, rather than the OEM. An aftermarket wheel may or may not be similar to the original wheel. For example, even if a motorcycle's original wheels have spokes, some aftermarket options might be of solid cast alloy. Some aftermarket wheels are lighter and stronger than OEM wheels, to improve performance and handling. Others let owners simply change their motorcycle's look. Buyers should purchase aftermarket wheels that fit their particular Triumph.
OEM and aftermarket wheels both fall into one of two categories: spoked or solid. Solid wheels are often made by "casting". Other types of solid wheels include billet wheels and carbon fibre wheels.
Type of Wheel
Rim and hub are held together by spokes
Generally use tyres with tubes
Spokes flex under stress
Can withstand rough road conditions
The wheel is one piece
Can be made in different shapes
May crack under stress
Use tubeless tyres
Some Triumph motorbikes use spoked wheels, while others use solid wheels. The sections below discuss both types of motorcycle wheels in further detail.
Several Triumph models are factory fitted with spoked wheels. Spoked wheels consist of three separate parts: the hub of the wheel, its rim, and spokes. The spokes connect the rim to the hub. When laced and tensioned correctly, spokes keep the rim circular and stiff. Spoked wheels are common on classic motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, and adventure motorbikes. This is because the spokes have a certain amount of flex that allows them to absorb the shock of rough surfaces.
Spoked wheels require occasional tensioning and trueing to return them to their proper shape. They are also more difficult to clean. Spoked wheels are normally only for use with tube tyres, but you can use tubeless tyres if the wheel is sealed. Buyers can improve the strength of the wheel or achieve a new look by adding new spokes. Owners of vintage Triumph motorcycles can consider custom-made spoked wheels if they cannot find wheels that match the original look of the motorcycle.
Solid wheels differ from spoked wheels because they consist of one solid component. They are easy to clean and maintain, and buyers can use tubeless tyres. The three most common types of solid wheels are cast (or forged) wheels, billet wheels, and carbon fibre wheels.
To make cast alloy wheels, manufactures cast the entire wheel, usually in aluminium. Magnesium is also common. Cast alloy, or forged, wheels are often lighter than similarly sized steel spoke wheels. Cast wheels subjected to a severe shock, such as riding into a pothole rapidly, can crack. Manufacturers can cast alloy wheels with different designs.
Billet motorcycle wheels are carved from a single block (or "billet") of high-grade, extruded aluminium. Manufacturers design billet wheels using computers, and mill them with CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines. This process facilitates highly customised designs.
Carbon fibre wheels are comprised of carbon fibre composites. They are extremely light and strong, but also expensive. Commonly used in applications where performance is important, carbon fibre wheels are not as available as other types of motorcycle wheels. Carbon fibre wheels improve performance and handling.
A few basic guidelines can ensure that buyers choose the correct wheel for their Triumph motorbike. Buyers should first ensure they are choosing the correct wheel. Front and rear wheels are not interchangeable. The new wheel and the parts of the motorcycle it should connect to must match. Aftermarket wheels designed for a particular motorbike should fit perfectly. However, if buyers are not certain, they should contact a respected mechanic, the makers of the wheel, or the motorbike's manual.
Buyers should also ensure that they are buying tested and certified wheels. Wheels that are certified by the Japanese JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Association) certification, or the German TUV (Technischer Uberwachungs-Verein) perform safely.
Finally, buyers should also consult their local authorities and find out if any approvals are required before replacing their Triumph motorbike wheels with aftermarket components.
Owners of Triumph motorcycles can change their motorbike's wheels to replace a damaged wheel, or to achieve a new look. They can choose from OEM wheels or aftermarket wheels. Both OEM (depending on the Triumph motorbike model) and aftermarket wheels can be either spoked or solid.
Buyers can find Triumph motorbike wheels online on eBay. They can use the search bar to list all motorcycle wheels on the site. Buyers can narrow results down by choosing from different criteria, including the condition of the wheel, its location, and price range. They can also find regular deals on motorbike components. Buyers should also ask sellers any questions they may have about a wheel and, if the seller agrees, can arrange for a local pickup to reduce shipping costs.