tuba6869
XS650 Enthusiast
I see most people running spoked wheels, mine came with mags. Are the spokes a better option or just use them because of the looks?
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I wouldn't say they're any better than mags. Like you said, it's probably more of a "looks" thing. A re-done, all polished up spoke wheel certainly does look sharp. Much higher "bling value" than the rather bland looking mags.
Hi Tuba,
wire wheels are 'way prettier, especially the deep groove aluminum rim ones.
Mag wheels are easier to keep clean and will run tubeless tires.
wire wheels are 'way prettier, especially the deep groove aluminum rim ones.
Mag wheels are easier to keep clean and will run tubeless tires.
If we are discussing OEM (stock) XS 650 wheels, I believe the "mags" only come in 16" for the rear, making the bike a tad lower in the back, and also limiting tyre selection somewhat.
The "Standard" XS spoked wheels came with a 2.15x18 rear rim and a 1.85x19 front rim. One big advantage of spoked wheels is that you can change to a different rim diameter and width if you want to, while keeping the stock hub and brakes. Some here on the forum choose to use 18" in the front as well, again giving a better selection of tyres, as well as a little bit quicker steering.
Some builders use 19" mags in the rear, converting the hub using different bearings and machined adapters. Personally I am not 100% sure if this is a good idea, as the 19" front mag is too narrow for the tyre sizes people like to use on the rear.
The "Standard" XS spoked wheels came with a 2.15x18 rear rim and a 1.85x19 front rim. One big advantage of spoked wheels is that you can change to a different rim diameter and width if you want to, while keeping the stock hub and brakes. Some here on the forum choose to use 18" in the front as well, again giving a better selection of tyres, as well as a little bit quicker steering.
Some builders use 19" mags in the rear, converting the hub using different bearings and machined adapters. Personally I am not 100% sure if this is a good idea, as the 19" front mag is too narrow for the tyre sizes people like to use on the rear.
tuba6869
XS650 Enthusiast
thats my thing i just am not sure if i wanna spend all kinds of money for wheels, new spokes, having them trued vs just using my mag wheels and doing speed holes
jabcb
XS650 Enthusiast
Its been my experience that a mag + tubeless tire has some advantage if you are unlucky enough to pick up a nail.
I've had tubed tires go flat almost immediately after running over a nail.
But I've had tubeless tires still have reasonable pressure when I took the wheel to the bike shop.
Some of the new big-$$$ bikes have a special spoke design that allows them to be tubeless.
Provides the best of both.
I've had tubed tires go flat almost immediately after running over a nail.
But I've had tubeless tires still have reasonable pressure when I took the wheel to the bike shop.
Some of the new big-$$$ bikes have a special spoke design that allows them to be tubeless.
Provides the best of both.
Kenny Roberts
XS650 Enthusiast
For looks nothing beats a nice set of lace wires but if I'm road tripping with a bike a prefer mags
Tubeless no spokes to come loose and pretty tough
Tubeless no spokes to come loose and pretty tough
wozza
XS650 New Member
Hmmm first post 
If doing a bobber (rigid rear) you may want to consider a spoke wheel rather than mag as they are a little more forgiving if they fail,easier to fix and less prone to crack/shatter...
You dont see a lot of mags on motocross/dirt bikes
If doing a bobber (rigid rear) you may want to consider a spoke wheel rather than mag as they are a little more forgiving if they fail,easier to fix and less prone to crack/shatter...
You dont see a lot of mags on motocross/dirt bikes
Nothing wrong with the mags, but drilling "Speed Holes" may not be advisable, despite what some "builders" do.
Try to find any "speed holes" on bikes built by Richard Pollock, Jeff Palhegyi or Walt Siegl. These guys build some of the finest custom bikes around, without compromising structural integrity of critical components. And I'm pretty sure most of their builds would run circles around any bike with "speed holes" Just my opinion though...
Yes, but speed holes look so coooool!
Leo
Leo
NONclow
Confirmed Laquer Breather
While reducing spoke thickness, by drilling a speed hole through the 'less' on tubeless, means it'll need a tube now.....................
zeroxs650
XS650 Addict
Tuba if you would be interested, I just purchased a 77 XS650 with spokes and be willing to trade the spoke wheels for the mag wheels. Let me know….
Hi solo,
Leo didn't say cool, he said coooool
Betcha those three extra os means he agrees with you?
wherearewe
Rub on Ya Titties
I dont mind the look of the mags to be honest. New powder coat and they come up pretty nice. Certainly a lot cheaper than a set of spoked wheels. It would be about 400-500 US to buy a set of second hand dirty arse spoked wheels in New Zealand, if you can find them at all.
tuba6869
XS650 Enthusiast
looks like ill just keep the mags after all the input. def dont want a nail taking me out
weaselbeak
XS650 Junkie
Funny thing is that when the bikes were produced, everybody wanted mags. I bought a new Special II, back in 81 with spokes. (So long ago I can't remember, might have been a leftover 80?) It was cheaper than the mag wheel models. Now everybody thinks spokes are way cooler, LOL.
Yea, I just couldn't find the sarcasm smiley.
Leo
Leo
tuba6869
XS650 Enthusiast
ha thats pretty funny. not sure what color would compliment the mags. i seen them in white which looked really good but not looking to do white
