Upgrading motorcycle wheels is a common modification, as they can potentially improve handling, braking, and acceleration. Plus, motorcyclists may want to upgrade to a specific wheel style. However, if you want to install aftermarket wheels but they are a different size from the OEM, you may have some questions.
Is it possible to install motorcycle wheels with a different diameter from the OEM? The answer is yes–you can install them, but only with the right adjustments to your bike. You'll need to consider a few different factors to install your new wheels correctly.
We'll go over why motorcyclists need to consider diameter size before purchasing new wheels. Additionally, we'll explain how you can install different-sized wheels on your bike by taking into account issues like electronics and tire clearance to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Why Are Wheel and Tire Sizes Important?
Wheels and tires are an essentially important part of the motorcycle. They influence significant aspects of the riding experience, including acceleration, braking, handling, and more. Since wheels are a major part of a bike's performance, many motorcyclists choose to upgrade their wheels. When the upgraded wheels have a large diameter than the stock option, motorcycle owners will need to adjust their electronic system. They may also need to adjust their fenders if the wheels don't have enough clearance for a smooth ride. Making these adjustments ensures that motorcyclists stay safe on the road and keep their bikes in great condition.
How Do You Install Motorcycle Wheels With a Different Diameter From the OEM?
For many motorcycle owners, upgrading their wheels is an important modification because of the notable performance and style improvements. However, deciding on a set of wheels can be confusing. Can you actually change wheel sizes without an issue? Depending on the change in size, you may be able to simply install the new wheels without any problems.
Typically, any diameter changes up to 1% should be fine to install without any other changes to the bike. However, if you decide to upgrade your wheels to a larger set (usually more or less than three inches), you'll need to make some adjustments to your motorcycle, as other aspects of your bike may be affected. Some of the areas that may be affected by drastic changes in wheel diameter include the speedometer, traction, and braking.
Consider the Electronics
The diameter of the wheel plays a major role in the motorcycle's electronics. From the total diameter size, the electronic system of the bike calculates speed. While the electronics don't know the size of the rims, the overall diameter of the wheel (including the tire) is taken into account. So, if you were to change your wheel size by an inch, you could potentially change the tire size to keep the same overall diameter.
If the overall diameter of the wheel changes in size dramatically, you'll need to reprogram your bike's electronic system. You may want to consider taking your bike to a professional technician to recalibrate your speedometer, as they'll be able to adjust for your bike's slightly different wheel and tire sizes.
Consider the Clearance
Another aspect that will need to be considered is clearance. When the diameter of your wheels changes, you may have to get custom fenders to allow for enough clearance. Tires and wheels that are too large for the proper fit may cause issues with other parts of your bike, including the swingarm and fenders. If you're intent on changing your wheel diameter from the stock size, you may need to invest in custom fenders to allow for the size difference.
Choosing New Wheels
Are you considering buying new wheels for your motorcycle? When choosing new wheels, you'll have a lot of different options to consider. From the type of wheel to the size of the tires, choosing the best option can be challenging. However, it's important to carefully choose the right options, as wheels can greatly impact performance and safety.
If you're interested in upgrading your wheels from the stock parts, you'll have to choose the type of rim you want. Motorcycle wheels typically have a couple of different types of rims–spoke or solid. Spoked wheels are noted for their durability, which makes them popular options for rough terrain. If you're looking for a spoke design, you might want to consider Kineo wheels, as they are a high-quality option. Solid wheels, like carbon, offer riders a speed boost due to their lightweight. BST carbon wheels are an ultra-lightweight option that has the potential to improve a bike's performance and overall efficiency.
You may also want to upgrade your tires, as they can have a big impact on a bike's performance. You'll want to consider a few different factors when choosing tire size. You can determine the ideal tire size for your bike by considering factors such as width, aspect ratio, speed rating, and construction.
There are many reasons why motorcyclists may want to upgrade their bike's wheels, including performance and style improvements. However, it's important to consider whether the upgraded wheels match the OEM wheels' diameter length. Though you can certainly install wheels that vary from the stock's diameter length, you may need to recalibrate the bike's electronic system to accommodate wheels with a different sized diameter than the stock option. Additionally, you may need to install custom fenders so that your bike has enough clearance and doesn't damage the surrounding parts of the bike. If you're searching for new motorcycle wheels, take a look at our wide selection of wheels, tires, and other accessories.
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