How to Fit a Motorcycle Rim

Spoked or laced motorcyle rims provide both stability and flexibility.

Motorcycle rims are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes. Cast aluminum and billet rims are a solid design, while laced rims have spokes for strength and flexibility. When you are purchasing new tires to fit your motorcycle rims, there are two measurements that determine the fit of the tire. The diameter and width of the rim have to match the tire size for the tire to firmly seat on the rim and fill the bead area so it does not slip around the rim.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Lay the rim on a flat surface such as a workbench or table with the side facing up.

2. Place the tip of a measuring tape inside the bead set area at the rim top. Stretch the measuring tape to the inside bead set on the rim bottom. The bead set area is the flat area on the rim, not including the outer lips that angle out at the top and bottom. This is the rim diameter measurement.

3. Turn the rim up on its edge as it sits on a motorcycle.

4. Place the tip of a measuring tape inside the bead set and measure to the other bead set where the tire accommodates space in the rim. This is the width measurement, and it does not include the lips of the ring that hold the tire in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Record the diameter and width measurements in both inches and millimeters to order tires that fit the rims. Some tires sizes are specified in inches and others in millimeters.

References

• Gempler's: How to Measure Tires and Rims
• Motorcycle Parts Accessories and More: Motorcycle Rims