We can’t deny that in a motorcycle market like ours, we got close to alloys quite late when compared to others. It was around a decade ago that we actually started seeing alloy wheels as common when motorcycles like Karizmas and Pulsars came equipped with them. So, it was natural for us to lean more towards alloys than spokes. But the question is, how many of us actually know the differences between alloy and spoke wheels, and their advantages.
I bet, you will be surprised to know that a spoke wheel is, in fact, sturdier than alloys; and this is the main reason leading to usage of these in adventure and off-road motorcycles. Generally, these bikes are used rough; say, the dirt bikes literally jump from building heights. So these wheels need to be flexible, and at the same time, strong enough to hold the bike together.
Spoke wheels are sturdy, heavy and more flexible than alloys. When a bike lands, the shock absorbing duties are performed in various parts of the bike. First, the tyres do the work of absorbing the shock, which is then transferred to wheels, then transferring the blow to suspension. If the wheels are not flexible enough to absorb the bump, then they might bend and on a stronger blow may even break.
According to the road conditions we have in India, all the motorcycles should be equipped with spokes. But as I mentioned earlier, we being obsessed with alloys, have alloy wheels in almost all the bikes, including even in the cheapest commuter ones. But simultaneously, alloy wheels are also light weight, which helps in weight reduction hence boost performance and fuel economy in a way.
At this time you must be thinking if spoke wheels are this strong then why these are not used in sports motorcycles? I haven’t seen a single sports bike with spokes on. Make sense, right? But that’s where the alloys come in. Alloys are generally made under the process of casting or forging (for higher strength), and light weight metal alloy (mostly aluminium or magnesium) are used in the making of alloy wheels.
Alloys are comparatively lighter and when it comes to sports bikes, they are engineered to shed as much weight as they can because it is important to be light to be fast. And at the same time, alloys provide greater stability at higher speed which spokes lack, and this is the main reason why sports bikes are equipped with alloys and dirt bikes with spokes. There is one quite a big advantage of alloys; Spoke wheels cannot pair with tubeless tyres while alloy wheels can.
If you live in an area with bad roads or love to jump off roads on your bike, I suggest you to switch to spokes instead of alloys. Alloys might look cool, but you won’t have to worry about breaking your wheels with spokes on. Not just this, spokes are cheaper, spokes will make your off-road rides better and you won’t need to empty your pocket for the alignment as it will be cheaper than alloys. Let’s pretend, you spent your last weekend going bonkers while off-roading and bent your wheels. In case you have alloys, nothing can be done. Spoke wheels can be serviced quite easily at your nearest mechanic centre.
Prashant Singh
He has ridden solo across the North India on his beloved KTM, and is planning on competing in Raid-de Himalayas. He is thrilled at wheelies and stoppies, and donuts, drifting, and burnouts, and sometimes even suicide burnouts. You may have read his feature stories and expert reviews on Bikeportal.com. With an off-the-track mind he is drawn more to off-roading. He just loved the two-wheeled vroomer right from the moment he saw it for the first time. That’s Prashant.
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