Last website update December 15, 2011

SUPERMOTO rEAR WHEEL RIMS

REAR WHEEL RIM SIZE CHOICE

How you choose a supermoto REAR rim size depends on the following factors:

  • The brand of your moto and its swingarm size.
  • The engine size 250cc, 450cc or bigger.
  • Your budget.

The observations are

  • A narrower (4.25 inch wide rim) will have less surface contact than a wide rim.
  • A narrower rim will be more manoeuvrable in general.
  • A narrower rim will NOT allow you to use the entire contact surface of your tire leaving approximately 1 cm unused (called "chicken skin").
supermoto rim size effect

The effect of rim size on pavement contact

The wider tires allow greater surface contact thus allowing more leaning when turning.
  • A wider rim allows the tire profile to be lower
  • A wider rim allows the tire to have more surface contact with the pavement
  • A wider rim allows the tire to be less concave (flater)
  • A wider rim tends to be damaged by the chain if your swingarm is not wide enough
supermoto tire pavement contact

MAKING A DECISION

Can you ride fast with 4.25 rims. Of course you can. Some fast riders use small rims. If you can get get 4.5 in or 5.0 in rim I suggest you get them But be assured that your swingarm is wide enough. You may also install a teflon protector to prevent your chain from rubing on the tire or rim.

The front wheel is standard 3.5 in


P.S. Kawasaki's KX 250cc and 450cc cannot accept rims wider than 4.25