What are the advantages of Alloy wheels in a Motor Cycle?

Question

With regard to the usual spoked wheel, what are the specific advantages? Or is it only for visual appeal?

Answer 1

I spoke to a friend in the Automotive Manf business and also scoured the internet and these are what I came up with

1. They are light weight compared to convetional wheels, means reduction in the rotating mass (unstrung weight), which is near the suspension, resulting in a smooth drive.
2. These wheels could dissipate a greater amount of heat caused by the friction from the brakes, which otherwise could cause cracks in the wheels
3. And the spokes, I believe, are merely for visual appeal as you suggested. Since the alloy can be taken to any form and it will still retain its strength, depending on the cars, the number of spokes differ.
4. There are small amounts of rigid metal present in the alloy of these wheels which makes them stronger, resulting in a longer life.

Hope this helps

.:Fishie:.

Answer 2

Because they're lighter and more endurable. An alloy is basically a mixture of metals. Some metals (like aluminum) are lighter than others, but they might not be as strong. But when mixed together, the result has both attributes (light weight and durable) giving a better suited material for cars (wheels need to be strong but also light so the car can go faster). -In the long run, it can save fuel, which in turn saves cash Hope this was of some help!

Answer 3

Some of the answers youare getting here are totally wrong. There are two major advantages:
1. Less unsprung weight with alloy wheels mean better handling & suspension response.
2. Aluminum alloy is stiffer, and does not require tightening of spokes, which means sharper road feel, less flex.

The downside is that alloy can oxidize over time and look dull, and also cracks more easily than steel if you hit sharp bumps hard.

Answer 4

I own both and My opinion is the alloy donot need to be adjusted other than balance when you get a new tire They the alloy are just as strong and rarely need any thing other than cleaning and waxing.Regular spoked rims go out of adjustment and need to be checked for trueness.Im more into riding the bike than working on it after riding them for the last 50 years.So I feel the alloys are much easyer to maintain although some people like the looks of the old style spokes.

Answer 5

Assuming the wheel has a lower mass with alloy materials there would be less of a 'flywheel effect' and it would take less energy to get it moving.

Steel is less prone to cracking as it's more malleable, but typically doesn't look as nice. With spoked wheels you are able to true them by adjusting the tension of each spoke, though alloys should be rigid enough to stay straight under normal conditions.

Answer 6

The only difference aside from the fact that alloy is lighter, is that steel wheels are much stronger. I will take reliability over a few pounds of load. Bikes should be built as strong as possible in all respects.

Answer 7

alloy wheels gave a better look to a bike
as u can say a loselly body of a man & personality of a body bulider diffrentiate
so always get the bike with alloy wheels only

Answer 8

Spoked wheels need periodic adjustment. If you ignore them for too long and ride on rough roads, they will start to get warped and you will have to have the spokes trued.

Alloy wheels do not have this problem.

Answer 9

Spoke wheels have inter tubes and can be a pain to repair on the road.

Answer 10

Cosmetics, strength in certain cases and very easy to keep clean...