Are Dirt Bike Wheels Universal?

Looking for activities to boost your adrenaline? Start dirt bike riding and say goodbye to boredom. 

These lightweight, superfast bikes work wonders for conquering tough landscapes. One might credit the technical features for its extraordinary performance, but actually, the wheels of a dirt bike are its actual highlight. 

It goes without saying that dirt bike wheels offer much more than what they show. We all know that bike wheels are available in different types but are dirt bike wheels universal? This one question has intrigued the interest of every user, and I am here to answer it. 

In this post, I will walk you through a detailed explanation of dirt bike wheels and their distinctive features. So, let’s start and put an end to your curiosity with well-researched knowledge. 

What is a Dirt Bike?

A dirt bike is obviously an off-road vehicle, and that also for a good reason. With rugged tires and suspension, dirt bikes are ideal for riding areas covered with sand, mud, gravel, or snow.

Types of a Dirt Bike

To understand the different aspects of a dirt bike, take a closer look at the various forms of dirt bikes available in the market. In this section, I have compiled relevant information regarding the most common types of dirt bikes.

Trail Dirt Bike 

The simple design and easy features of a trail dirt bike make it one of the most appropriate vehicles for beginners. The range of these bikes starts from 125cc and goes up to 650cc. Also, each of its models has a low height seat that allows users to handle it with ease. 

Trail bikes are famous for having a convenient and well-designed suspension system. Lastly, the best feature of a trail bike is that it is cheap and budget-friendly. 

Motocross Bike

Motocross bikes have efficient engines and feature high suspension technology. These bikes are a good fit for racing in closed-course competition tracks. Unlike a trail bike, the suspension design of a motocross bike is firmer.

The small fuel tank and lightweight structure of a motocross bike make it stand out amongst other dirt bikes. As a potential buyer, it is important for you to know that motocross bikes are available in multiple sizes and have various stroke styles. 

Enduro Bike

An enduro bike features a unique engineered system having both the features of a motocross bike and a trail bike. Most users prefer this bike because it is easier to use than a motocross bike. 

Furthermore, these bikes have a large fuel tank and a special speedometer for recording your biking details. The good news is that with a high-performance capacity and all of its special features, this bike is still not as pricey as you think. 

Dual Sport Bike

A dual-sport bike is for both off-road biking and on-road traveling. These bikes are perfect for conducting long tours and trips. The seat of a dual sport bike is wide and long enough to ensure that customers get the highest level of comfort. 

Most importantly, these bikes are heavier and have a huge fuel tank. Don’t forget that the key feature of a dual sport bike is its knobby dirt tires. The addition of these tires uplifts the overall functionality of this bike. 

Trials Dirt Bike

A Trials dirt bike is not your regular dirt bike. These bikes are particularly for use in trials events and competitions. One striking quality of this bike is its lightweight design, as most of these bikes weigh around 150-160lbs. 

Besides having a small fuel tank and a heavier flywheel, a Trials dirt bike has no seats. Nonetheless, this bike is the best vehicle for improving and enhancing your off-road biking skills.

Hill-Climb Bike

A hill-climb bike is suitable for one situation, and that is hill climbing. It contains all the basic characteristics of a dirt bike, but it also has other features that allow riders to climb a hill easily. The powerful engine and safe design of this bike have simplified the dangers of hill climbing. 

Flat-Track Dirt Bike

Fancy a ride on a flat race track or an oval track? Well, a flat-track dirt bike is exactly what you need to satisfy your adventurous spirit. 

In order to give balance and control to your ride, these bikes come with a lowered suspension system and special tires. The engine of this bike is highly advanced and can run safely at high speed. 

Parts of a Dirt Bike Wheel

Are dirt bike wheels universal or not? If this question is still confusing you as a buyer then worry not! You will find your answer in this section through the detailed explanation of dirt bike wheel parts. 

Front-wheel

The size of a standard front wheel of a dirt bike is somewhere between 18 to 21 inches. Also, the front wheel is thinner, and in some cases, it has a disc brake attached to it.

Rear Wheel

The rear wheel has more width, increasing the stability of a bike for moving on rougher areas. A rear-wheel is operated through the in-built cog or gear. These wheels are 17 to 19 inches in size. 

Rim

The outer rim of these wheels is either of aluminum or steel. It goes without saying that every rim must have high quality. Cast aluminum rims are made at low costs and have compromised quality.

Spokes 

Generally, the spokes of a dirt bike wheel are made from steel. They play an important role in improving the strength of wheels. How?

Spokes help the wheel overcome the aftereffects of hitting a bump, rock, or hard surface. Eventually, they let a rim maintain its shape and structure.

A few professional bikers suggest that one should regularly check the spokes and adjust them through its little tension nut. Word to the wise: don’t forget to keep an extra pair of spoke in your tool kit.

Types of Dirt Bike Wheels:

In this last section, I will point out specific characteristics of dirt bike wheels, which will help you understand the following types.  

Standard Dirt Bike Wheel

It is pretty logical for a standard dirt bike to have a standard bike wheel. The rims of standard wheels are created with aluminum. 

A rim made through the casting method has questionable quality and performance. However, if the rim is of forged aluminum, then it certainly is reliable. 

The durability of these wheels hugely depends on the riding style. You might end up damaging the wheel with aggressive riding. While all of this has a chance of being true, still most standard wheels have decent quality. 

Custom Dirt Bike Wheel

Nowadays, custom dirt bike wheels are gradually gaining more fan following. These wheels have a lot more to offer to users and are hence a favorite of professionals and many recreational riders. 

You can observe many differences in the manufacturing process of both standard and custom dirt bike wheels. You’ll find custom wheels much better than the former. 

Firstly, each part of a custom wheel is produced separately and that also with high-quality materials. The rims of custom wheels are created with alloys and are finished with powder coating or hydro-dip.

The hubs of custom wheels are made from high-quality steel. Likewise, these are shaped and designed using computer-operated machines which guarantee precision and perfection in their dimensions.

Lastly, the spokes installed in these wheels are a product of stainless steel. A common spoke does increase the strength of the wheel but, stainless steel spoke amplifies it by 30%.

Are Dirt Bike Wheels Universal?

It is crucial to get this question out of the way, especially when planning on investing in good quality dirt bike wheels. 

For better or for worse, dirt bike wheels are not universal. The basic design structure of a dirt bike wheel is the same. The major differences in dirt bike wheels are due to different sizes and different construction materials. 

Conclusion

I hope that I have successfully clarified all of your concerns through the above-mentioned properties of dirt bike wheels. In conclusion, I would recommend every biker should get dirt bikes with custom wheels. 

Even though these wheels are costly, they will give you peace of mind with durability and versatility. Those who cannot afford to get custom wheels should focus on working on their riding skills.