What is the advantage or disadvantage of

[E-Fishin-C]

Having Spoke wheel vs mag wheels?

[flb_78]

I believe spoke wheels are supposed to weigh less, but most require tubes.

 

My Roadstar had spoke wheels. I'll never have another set on a road bike again.

[SilvrT]

Spoke wheels require "tuning" of the spokes to a) align the wheel, and b) ensure all spokes are of equal tension. Not to mention the work involved cleaning them. A real PITA. No advantage whatsoever over "solid" wheels IMHO.

[RedRider]

Spoke wheels will handle rought terrain better because they are more flexible than the mag wheels. That is why all dirt bikes and most dual sports have spokes.

 

RR

[SilvrT]

Spoke wheels will handle rought terrain better because they are more flexible than the mag wheels. That is why all dirt bikes and most dual sports have spokes.

 

RR

 

WOW ... I never knew that! Good point! Dang, ya lern sumpin new every day on this site eh!

 

Interesting tho... my prev comment was based on "tunnel vision" in that I only saw touring bike...never even thought about dirt bikes LOL

[Brake Pad]

another point, spoked rims, hold air longer, then mags

[GaryZ]

WOW ... I never knew that! Good point! Dang, ya lern sumpin new every day on this site eh!

 

Interesting tho... my prev comment was based on "tunnel vision" in that I only saw touring bike...never even thought about dirt bikes LOL

 

When I sold my last street bike with spokes (1972 Honda) and replaced it with a mag wheel Yamaha, I was amazed at the difference on the highway. The Yamaha would dance all over the rain grooves and hardly hold a straight line. I still will not go back to spoke wheels on the street. As was already said, they are a royale pain to take care of . . .

[RedRider]

When I sold my last street bike with spokes (1972 Honda) and replaced it with a mag wheel Yamaha, I was amazed at the difference on the highway. The Yamaha would dance all over the rain grooves and hardly hold a straight line. I still will not go back to spoke wheels on the street. As was already said, they are a royale pain to take care of . . .

 

Spokes are a pain to keep clean and adjusted. However, that was probably not the difficulty with the highway riding. Many of the older bikes and dual sports have skinnier and/or longer travel forks which make them somewhat spindly. A good fork brace will often stiffen them up for a better ride on the highway.

 

RR

[cecdoo]

My 85 suzuki has spoked wheels, never been adjusted and seem fine, if you keep after them they are not too hard to maintain, they do look great when shined up. They need a tube where as the mags dont, I am sure the mags are a more solid wheel all one pc, no adjustments. Craig

[Renne]

Just another "quip", spokes are real "purdy" all shined up,yep, BUT, as for spoke vs. mags for overall performance, especially for the road, MAGs are the way to go. Should one "up" horsepower, ie more torque, watch for the rear to "loosen" up! The spokes under increased torque will stretch resulting in very poor handling,,,not so with mags. As RSV's are a bit top heavy, you can imagine the "thrill" of some loose spokes when you least expect it! Just remember, "All that wiggles is NOT Jello"!

 

RENNE

[Squidley]

Get a nail in a spoke rim tire, instant flat, one in a solid rim can get you home. Spokes can be pretty, but a PITA for maintaining and reliability

[BEER30]

In your case Charlie .

Spoked rims are easier for you to place them playing cards onto the forks so you get that Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat as the wheels spin . Kinda makes you go faster Charlie ......doesn't it ? :stickpoke:

 

BEER30

[E-Fishin-C]

In your case Charlie .

Spoked rims are easier for you to place them playing cards onto the forks so you get that Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Tat as the wheels spin . Kinda makes you go faster Charlie ......doesn't it ? :stickpoke:

 

BEER30

 

 

I just have to be in front of you and let down the throttle and I would still be faster with all the hot air from your mouth You old fart:rotfl:

[Marcarl]

I really think spoked rims would be a better choice for you Charlie. It would require lots more cleaning time and so less opportunity to get yourself in some trouble.

[RandyR]

Easier to change tires on a spoked rim because you don't have to worry so much about seating on the rim (inner tube is what gets inflated).