Adventure motorcycles are an exclusive category of motorcycles which designed to tackle a wider variety of terrains from smooth highways to rugged off-road trails. Hence often they are called bigger-class dual-sport motorcycles. Consequently, adventure motorcycles come with an extensive range of dual-terrain capable features and wheel setup is one of the key concerns that has a significant impact on their performances. However, there are numerous options available for adventure motorcycles currently in the market and here we will explore the alternatives to finding better wheel setups for adventure motorcycles.

Explore the Alternatives to Finding Better Wheel Setups for Adventure Motorcycles

Wheel setup is always a vital concern for motorcycles especially, the tough category of motorcycles like dual-sport or adventure motorcycles. This part of adventure motorcycles significantly impacts on their performance across different environments and various terrain conditions. However, a wider range of wheel options are available for adventure motorcycles in the market. Therefore, riders have numerous alternatives to find better wheel setups for their motorcycles considering their requirements and preferences. So here we are describing those alternatives.

21/18 Wheel Size vs. 19/17 Wheel Size

In terms of wheel setup, adventure motorcycles feature varied wheel sizes, therefore, riders have the opportunity to choose the right wheel setup for their adventure motorcycles according to their riding pattern and other preferences. However, the 21/18 vs 19/17 wheel sizes always have been an interesting topic of arguments among the adventure motorcycle riders where there are also 17/17 size wheels available in some road-biased adventure motorcycles.

The 21/18 wheel setup comes with a 21-inch wheel in front and an 18-inch wheel at the rear that always preferred by the tough off-road adventure riders. This larger wheel setup features extreme off-road rideability which is capable of rolling over obstacles more easily and remains highly stable in off-road conditions.

On the other hand, some adventure rider prefers a 19/17 wheel configuration in adventure motorcycles that comes with a 19-inch wheel in front and a 17-inch wheel at the rear. This setup of wheels also offers both off and on-terrain riding capability but that is especially preferred for road-biased adventure riding. And those who are solely road-biased traveler also can pick a 17/17 wheel setup in their adventure motorcycles.

Street Tire vs. Dual-Sport Tire vs. Dirt-Oriented Tire

In terms of tire types, a wide variety of tires also is available for adventure motorcycles in the global markets. Adventure riders can choose from street tires, dual-sport tires, or dedicated dirt-oriented tires according to their riding terrain type and personal preferences. Commonly, street tires are frequently found for 17-inch and 18-inch size wheels, and dual-sport and dirt-oriented tires are widely available for 18–21-inch wheels.

So, riders who always ride on the paved or plain surfaces and have 17-inch wheels on their adventure motorcycles can go for street tires that will provide on-road stability and superior street performance. But the riders who always prefer adventure riding on mixed-type terrains and frequent on long adventure rides should go for dual-sport tires that can handle a variety of surface conditions. And, the riders who are habituated to tough off-road riding definitely should go for dirt-oriented knobby tires on their larger size wheels.

Spoke Rim vs. Alloy Rim Setup

Modern adventure bikes now come with a variety of rim setups on their wheels. Hence, besides the conventional wired-spoke and steel rim setup modern adventure motorcycles also come with solid one-piece alloy rims in their wheels. In addition, in the spoke wheel setup, premium aluminum rims are also available besides conventional low-priced steel rims.

So, the adventure riders have several options for the wheel rims for their adventure motorcycles. Therefore, those who are road-biased riders can go for alloy wheel setups for their adventure motorcycles which will provide superior street performance and stability. On the other side those who are fond of extreme off-road rides should go for wired spoke rim setups. In that case, they have options for steel rims and lightweight aluminum rims.

Tubeless vs. Tube Tires

Modern adventure motorcycles also have options for tire types like conventional tube-type tires and tubeless tires. In that case, those who have alloy rims in their adventure motorcycles can use both tube-type and tubeless tires. But those who have conventional wired spoke wheels in their motorcycles can only use tube-type tires. Meanwhile, here another type of spoke rim is available for adventure motorcycles which also can hold both tube-type and tubeless type tires.

However, both the tube-type and tubeless-type tires have their own benefits and limitations. Conventional tube-type tires are highly capable of dealing with extreme off-road riding conditions. Conversely, tubeless-type tires are better for road-biased or moderate dual-terrain riding. Therefore, according to riding pattern, surface condition, and personal preference a rider can choose eligible types of tires for their adventure motorcycles.

So, in conclusion, we can see there are several options now available for adventure motorcycles in terms of their wheel setup. Therefore, according to individuals' riding mode, focused terrain, and personal preference, one should choose the right combination of wheel setup for their adventure motorcycles. And for sure that will not only allow them an enjoyable adventure ride but also enhance their riding experience ensuring confidence on the terrain.