One of the most identifying features of a motorcycle is probably its wheels.

While they come in various sizes, from 10 inches to 21 inches, motorcycle wheels have two basic types – spoke wheels and cast wheels.

Each type serves a purpose that goes beyond aesthetics, so it is best to know which one is more suited to your needs.

Spoke wheels

These days, you usually see spoke wheels fitted on dirt bikes and pantras (pang-traysikel). They are generally believed to be more robust and are designed to take on rough terrain. When potholes prove to be too much on the rims, you can easily have them straightened and aligned by adjusting the spoke nipples.

There is also a resurgence of the use of spoke wheels on motorcycle models with classic styling. There’s nothing like a set of wire spokes to complete that old-school vibe you are going for.

The downside is that you can only use tube-type tires on spoke wheels, which is a safety concern. In case of a puncture, interior tubes deflate instantly, and it this will adversely affect handling.    

I am a bit of a retro-nut, and I find spoke wheels visually appealing, so to deal with the puncture issue, I squirt some tire sealant inside the interior. This is not an ideal practice, but it has worked for me so far. You just have to deal with the mess when it’s time to change your tires.

Cast wheels

If your saddle time consists mainly of daily commutes with some occasional leisure rides, cast wheels might be the more practical choice for you.

Cast wheels are easier to clean and are virtually rust-proof. Being able to run on tubeless rubbers also adds some peace of mind to your riding. In case of a puncture, your tires won’t go flat suddenly and cause you to lose control of your bike.

However, you better have a tire plug kit ready, as some vulcanizing shops refuse to work on tubeless tires on bikes because removing the wheel usually requires removing the exhaust system as well. With tube-type tires, they could simply pull out the old interior and slip in a new one without having to remove the wheel.

Getting a dent on your cast wheel also usually requires replacement.

So, ano na?

Generally speaking, cast wheels are more advisable, especially for riders who don’t have any other considerations aside from safety on the road. That’s not to say that spoke wheels are dangerous, they just cater to a different set of riders.

Would you go for cast wheels, or are you a spoke wheels kind of rider?