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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
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Message started by Cavi Mike on 11/22/12 at 10:01:59

Title: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by Cavi Mike on 11/22/12 at 10:01:59

I decided to go with a 21" rim for the front so I'm thinking about just buying the hoop and lacing it to my hub to save me the hassle of modifying anything else. Unfortunately I can't find anything that's 36hole except for dirt bike rims. One side of me says "It's aluminum, it's gonna bend when you nail that first pothole you didn't see" but the other side of me says "It's a dirt bike rim, you can drop 30ft out of the sky and land on one of these just fine"

I did find a couple DOT 21" rims but I'm waiting back to hear on their widths.

Why a 21" wheel you ask? Because 23" wheels are too expensive.

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by Serowbot on 11/22/12 at 10:53:38

I like aluminum rims... lighter, less unsprung weight... rustproof...

If I were changing rim sizes,.. I'd go to a 17"... but, that's just a style choice...
I think aluminum is great... ;)...

PS.. you got the fender figured out?... :-?...

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by Cavi Mike on 11/22/12 at 11:18:24

I'm sure 17 would be a better performing choice but this build is mostly aesthetics. As far as fenders, haven't a clue.

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by Greg on 11/22/12 at 16:26:19

Please keep us updated on your progress. This is something i have wanted to do for a while now.

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by Boofer on 11/22/12 at 18:22:39

I first saw my Savage in a photo with the fender off from being down. I was in luv. However it was installed before I picked it up as promised. If not for the stability it gives to the forks I would run without it. May be something to think about. :-/

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by ZAR on 11/23/12 at 06:40:00

Boof I'n not a fan of nekid front tires(too much water when it rains ;) )but if that's your style there are several fork brace options both store-bought and homebrewed. Just a thought.

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by WD on 11/23/12 at 08:16:45

Stock fender works with a 3.00-21 Avon Speedmaster. I test fit the rim off my old Panhead. It's tight, but it fits.

Aluminum rim? No worries, dirt bike alloys are just as strong as street steel. They are usually 6011T6 or 6061T6, we used to run off raw stock at an aluminum plant I worked at years ago. The stock is extruded as a flat stick with the lip contours, heated, rolled, reheatd, welded, heated and trued in another forming press. And then retempered. Sun, D.I.D. or JT maker's marks are what you need to see to verify it is a decent hoop.

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by ZAR on 11/23/12 at 08:25:04

You're on it WD! Many years ago I worked in an aluminum extrusion plant and we made a variety of tubing and conduit. The toughest stuff we made was conduit for use on the outside of submarines. That was 6061T6 alloy. You could not dent it with a 12# sledge! I know.......I tried ;D ;D.

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by v-pilot on 11/23/12 at 08:41:15

42594A180 wrote:

Yep...That's the case for sure. If you look for a Valanced rim, they're even stronger. Also referred to as shouldered or flanged rims...they look cool...IMHO :)

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by Greg on 11/23/12 at 15:52:54

4865656C6F780A0 wrote:

I have been running without a front fender for a while now. I didn't notice any difference in stability. I will add a fork brace when I do my 4" extended tubes though.

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by thumperclone on 11/23/12 at 18:24:55

cant help but wonder the effect on handling

Title: Re: Aluminum dirt bike rim for the front?
Post by Cavi Mike on 11/27/12 at 04:42:40

Just came across THIS (http://www.ebay.com/itm/270931425009) so I picked it up. Chromed steel and says it's 2.25" but I'm more apt to believe it's a 2.15" but I'll measure it when it gets here. I'm much happier that I didn't have to go with something so narrow as a 1.6. There are a couple more HERE (http://www.ebay.com/itm/360376350909) if anyone else is interested.

Guess the next step is to find some spokes that fit.