Aftermarket Motorcycle Wheels: Choose the Right Fit

The best aftermarket motorcycle wheels are the ones that match your bike's front or rear position, rim size, axle, bearings, hub, brakes and drive setup. Start with fitment, then compare construction and finish, because the correct diameter can still need different rotor or pulley spacing or require a Cush Drive, the rear-hub damper that cushions driveline shock.

Choose the Best Aftermarket Motorcycle Wheels by Position and Size

Start with position. Front and rear wheels have different mounting jobs, so a product page must identify the position you need before anything else matters.

The Harddrive Black 48 Spoke Wide Rear Wheel and Moose Black SX1 Complete Wheel Assembly are rear wheels, while the Harddrive Chrome Single Disc 48 Spoke Wheel is for the front. Their stated rim sizes are 5.5x18, 2.15x18 and 3.5x26 inches.

Those measurements are starting specifications, not a reason to choose the widest or largest wheel. A size change can affect tire fit, clearance and handling, and it may create more setup work. Before treating any Motorcycle Wheels option as a match, compare its axle and bearing details, hub dimensions, brake mounting, pulley alignment, spacing notes and drive-system requirements.

Confirm Fitment for Your Bike Before Comparing Finishes

Begin with your exact motorcycle and confirm whether you need a front or rear wheel. Check fitment for your exact year, make and model before you order.

For Harley Davidson Motorcycle Wheels, Suzuki Motorcycle Wheels, Kawasaki Motorcycle Wheels and Husqvarna Motorcycle Wheels, compare the rim diameter and width with the bike's required setup. Then check the hub, axle, bearing specification and fitment chart on the individual product page.

The fitment notes for both Harddrive examples cover axle size and location diameter only. They warn that rotor or pulley spacing may still need adjustment on some applications. In other words, a wheel can match the axle and still fail to line up the brake rotor or pulley correctly.

Treat notes about ABS bearings, a front-wheel speedometer drive or a Cush Drive as pass-or-fail checks. Do not choose among Motorcycle Wheels by color or spoke style until those mounting details match the bike.

Compare Wheel Construction, Size and Finish

Compare dimensions only after establishing fitment. The Harddrive Black 48 Spoke Wide Rear Wheel is 5.5x18, while the Moose Black SX1 Complete Wheel Assembly is 2.15x18 inches. Sharing a rim diameter does not make them substitutes, because their widths and intended mounting setups differ.

The Harddrive rear wheel has 48 spokes, gloss-black hubs and rims, chrome spokes and sealing for tubeless tires. Those details apply to that wheel only.

The Moose rear assembly uses forged 6061 T6 aluminum hubs with an anodized finish and T3002H stainless steel spokes. Its stated materials are aluminum and stainless steel, and its rim receives a 3-stage heat-treatment process. The product page says the anodized finish does not fade.

For a front comparison, the Harddrive Chrome Single Disc 48 Spoke Front Wheel is a steel wheel with a 3.5x26 inch rim and chrome finish. It is also sealed for tubeless tires.

Compare Harddrive Parts Motorcycle Wheels and Moose Racing Motorcycle Wheels by their stated size, construction and restrictions. Neither brand is universally better for every motorcycle. The better choice is the one built for the required position and mounting setup.

Check Mounting Notes and Separately Purchased Parts

For Rear Wheels, verify the drive system before ordering. The Harddrive Black 48 Spoke Wide Rear Wheel is for Cush Drive systems only and will not work on a bike without one. It also specifies a 25 mm ABS bearing size, which must agree with the bike's setup.

For Front Wheels, check the fork and speedometer arrangement. The Harddrive Chrome Single Disc 48 Spoke Front Wheel will not fit a narrow glide front end that uses a front-wheel speedometer drive.

That front wheel can be upgraded with 25 mm ABS bearings and a bearing spacer for certain 2008-up applications. The bearings are sold separately, and the spacer is not included. Account for those parts and the installation work before buying the wheel.

Both Harddrive product pages warn that extra rotor or pulley spacing may be needed on some applications. Check what is in the box and any install note. If the page does not make a required spacer, bearing or mounting detail clear, ask PirateMX before ordering.

Decide Between New Aftermarket and Used OEM Wheels

Choose a new aftermarket wheel when its stated size, construction, finish and mounting requirements match the setup you want. New examples include the Harddrive spoke wheels and the Moose complete wheel assembly discussed above.

A used OEM wheel is a different buying decision. PirateMX removes these parts from machines it takes apart, and each used OEM wheel is one specific part from one machine, not a repeatedly stocked item. Read the part note for its stated condition before ordering.

For either type, use the individual product page to verify position, rim dimensions, bearings, fitment information, exclusions and included components. The Motorcycle Wheels page includes both new aftermarket and used OEM choices for street motorcycles, but the fitment chart and notes on the exact wheel decide whether it suits your bike.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best website for buying aftermarket motorcycle wheels?

The best website is one that shows the fitment chart, wheel position, rim size, axle and bearing details, hub dimensions, brake mounting, drive requirements and what is included. PirateMX carries new aftermarket and used OEM motorcycle wheels, with those details on each product page. Check fitment for your exact year, make and model, and ask PirateMX before ordering if a spacer, bearing or mounting detail is unclear.

Does PirateMX sell aftermarket motorcycle wheels for Harley-Davidson bikes?

Yes, PirateMX carries new aftermarket motorcycle wheels made for Harley-Davidson bikes, along with used OEM wheels removed from motorcycles PirateMX took apart. Brands in the motorcycle wheel section include Harddrive Parts, Moose Racing and Drag Specialties, but that does not mean every wheel fits every Harley. Check the position, rim size, axle, bearings, hub, brakes and drive setup for your exact year, make and model before ordering.