Topic: Spokes vs Cast wheels

[afkrejci90]

Are there any options for spoked wheels that could handle the power of a built 1000cc motor with the occasional nitrous shot?  Would like to keep the retro look of spoked wheels but given some drawbacks of occasional maintenance, weight and speed, is it just easier to go with cast wheels?

[seanbarney41]

You need to talk to some Z1/kz racers.  I have not heard of the spoked wheels on these bikes being a problem and they are generally a bit heavier than our cb's.  That said I would certainly expect you need to use a quality aluminum rim from Excel, D.i.d., Borrani, etc. and lace it with the best spokes you can get. 

[Don R]

  Many of the mag wheels are heavier than spoked but I'd look at what the drag racers in the performance section are running. I'm running a set of tubeless Lesters with radial tires on my hot rod. The rear tire size (16/17/18) will determine your choices a bit.

[seanbarney41]

For sure old school cast wheels are mostly heavier...and stronger.  Or are you leaning towards modern cast 17" sport bike wheels?

[afkrejci90]

Im going to swap the forks out for a set of GSXR forks for the better suspension and braking.  Using modern sport bike wheels would be the easiest route so far, but if the cost of a hub adapter and wheel start blowing my budget apart I think I'll stick with the cast wheels for now.  Cognito moto has complete wheels ready to go but they are at least $1k+ a piece.

[Don R]

  Somewhere I saw video of a carbon wheel on a drag bike on a starting line. The spokes let go and the hub chewed its way through to the tire.