What roads can I ride my dirt bike on? Any dirt biker is going to ask this weird question today or tomorrow. This would have made life much easier for riders if this were true.
No one is going to argue that dirt bike rims are an important part of your dirt bike. They provide the traction you need to stay on the bike, as well as steering and stopping power. You can’t even expect a good ride without a good rim.
Because they are so important, it’s crucial to know if they are universal or not. You really don’t wanna get stuck with wrong tires on the road. Here, you will learn how you can go for universal tires and what the after-effects are. So stay with the post & grab the details…
Are dirt bike tires actually universal?
It’s a bit tricky to answer this question. There are rims available named universal rims that you can fit into any dirt bike. You can, however, end up losing performance levels if you do that.
Not only that if you don’t notice well enough it might hurt your dirt bike’s chain and the brake rotor.
So the answer to this question is yes if you don’t have a problem with the damage to your bike and the answer is no if you want to keep it the same as it just by changing another same-size rim.
What are universal rims? Advantages & Disadvantages
Dirt bike rims come in a variety of sizes and designs. Universal rims can be fitted to any type of dirt bike frame or suspension system, while non-universal rims are specific to certain types of bikes.
These rims are less expensive than their non-universal counterparts, and they offer more flexibility when it comes to choosing tires. They’re also easier to find and replace if they’re damaged since they’re more widely available.
However, universal rims are not always the best choice for performance-oriented riders, as they may not provide the same level of grip and stability as a non-universal rim.
What are non-universal rims? Advantages & Disadvantages
Non-universal rims are designed specifically for use with certain types of dirt bikes And as such, they offer better performance and stability.
They’re also usually lighter than universal rims, which can improve acceleration and handling. However, non-universal rims are more expensive than universal rims, and they may be difficult to find if they’re damaged or need to be replaced.
Standard dirt bike wheels & their compatibility
Standard dirt bike wheels are typically made from steel or aluminum. The vast majority of dirt bikes have wheels that are 17 inches in front and 14 inches in the rear. However, there are a few models that have 18-inch front wheels and some that have 16-inch rear wheels.
So, does a standard dirt bike wheel fit into any dirt bike? The answer is yes – most dirt bikes have adapters that allow you to switch between standard and oversized wheels.
Additionally, many riders choose to upgrade their wheels to a larger size or replace them with aftermarket options made from different materials.
You must remember that oversized wheels can affect the suspension and handling of your bike, so it’s important to look at your owner’s manual before making any changes.
Can you use the same custom dirt bike rim on a different bike?
Custom dirt bike rims can make your bike stand out from the rest. But are they universal? There are a few different factors to consider, such as the size of the rim and the bolt pattern.
Most dirt bikes have a standard 3/8″ bolt pattern, but some newer models may have a larger 5/8″ bolt pattern. Can you use the same custom dirt bike rim on a different bike? The answer is yes, as long as the bike has the same size wheel.
For example, if you have a 21-inch wheel on your bike, you can use a 21-inch custom rim on another bike. The only thing you need to be careful of is the width of the rim.
Make sure that the rim is compatible with the width of your tires. If it’s too wide, it could cause problems with handling.
If it’s too narrow, it could cause issues with tire clearance. Ultimately, as long as you choose a custom rim that is the same size as your original rim, you should be able to use it on any bike.
Some factors to consider while going for a universal rim
No one can deny that you can keep riding by installing a rim that’s close to your original dirt bike setup but for safety, you should consider some stuff which is in the following:
Wheels for dirt bikes with spokes
If you are wondering is it possible to use an enduro bike wheel that comes with less number of spokes compare to your existing setup. You can do it but it will bring some side effects like the wheel can become fragile.
Along with that, it can add pressure which can reduce the overall stability. Which will ultimately make it a bit harder for the rider to control the handlebar during turning. Moreover, there remains the risk of breaking the rim due to higher pressure from the flexing of the wheels.
On the opposite side, you can drastically cut off the risk if you install wheels that have a higher number of spokes compared to the existing setup. For the optimum result, it’s always best to count the total spokes and then make the change of the wheel.
Stock hub of the dirt bikes
For the best outcome, you should check whether your trail bike has stock hubs or not. You will have one of them from between the standard hub and center disc hub.
Let me tell you the major difference between these two categories and that is the center disc hub comes with a more spacious and bigger recess which is inside the wheel. Which ensures the perfect placement of the disc brake rotor.
Though the standard hub is quite common among dirt bikes during swapping of wheels you have to ensure that this thing is on point. If your bike has the setup of the standard hub and you swap it with a wheel with a center disc hub then you will end up breaking the brake rotor.
Consider the width of the rim
Width is one of the crucial things when it comes to changing the wheels. If you want to install a wider rim than the present setup then you need to consider one risk. And that is the chain of the bike will eventually rub against your dirt bike’s spokes during riding time.
So the solution is you can change it by accepting the upcoming damage to your chain.
Additional Read: Dirt Bike Tire Pressure
Final part
Up until now, you can see that rims are often called wheels. However, when it comes to replacing rims, lots of factors come into play.
In this article, I have explained in short that universal rims are often taken as a bold name but in reality, you have to compromise other things about your dirt bike.
So hopefully you have got a clear picture about whether or not dirt bike rims are universal.
