Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Custom Corner Bonneville America Wheels?

Wife is getting an America. We'd like to go 'tubeless' so what are our options as far as wheels?

the speedmaster wheels are tubeless.

Wheel works in Cal. says that they can make spoked wheels tubeless,you might check with them.

just buy a speedmaster, It probably easier to change the bars/seat for more comfort or personal style than it would be to swap speedy wheels onto an america or make spoked wheels tubeless. Did any of that make sense? Just my $.02

I agree with Stewart, it would be cheaper to get a SM instead of the BA if you want tubeless. You could then swap out the risers and/or bars if you don't like them.

Yeah... it's her choice but think the SpeedMaster is more logical. Doesn't weigh much more.. not much more expensive... comes tubeless. We'll need to lower either bike and bring the handlebars back.. the SM makes more sense. Ultimatly, it's her choice, though....

In the long run SM is the way to go for tubeless. If she likes the shiny bits, much of that stuff would be easier to buy and install versus wheels. Solo seats are not much of an issue to get either if that was the appeal.

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If she likes the shiny bits, much of that stuff would be easier to buy and install versus wheels.

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Heh... yeah, she's got Magpie syndrome (a bird that gathers shiny objects and brings them back to the nest, to attract a mate)!

if you are dealing with a good guy, it seems to me he would (for a nominal fee)put the Speedy wheels on her America. also you might think about the dual disc. settup and front fender?? take a look at Phils pics, he has a Speedy front fender on his BA.

Even if you seal up the rims so you can run tubless tires, it can be a problem because you have to do it again after tuning the spokes. The weight difference between the S/M and America is in the rims and second front brake disk/caliper, so the America would weigh nearly the same with cast rims. If you really feel you must go tubeless, I agree with the others that it would be least expensive to get a Speedmaster and fit the America bars and seat. Your dealer might even be talked into giving you a credit/replace deal on the Speedmaster bits you have replaced. Otherwise, you could probably sell them here in the classified section.

OK enlighten me here. What is the difference between our wheels and all the others? Why wouldn't an aftermarket set of wheels work for our bikes? Although I love the look of the spoke rims on my bike I wouldn't mind a set of matching chrome mags.

That's a good idea, Newt. Have SM cast wheels be part of the deal. Even if it cost a few extra $ it would be better to get it done before you take delivery of the bike then you wouldn't have to worry about it later.

-PES

Ok I'm replying again to bring this thread back up to the top. Can Anyone answer?

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OK enlighten me here. What is the difference between our wheels and all the others? Why wouldn't an aftermarket set of wheels work for our bikes? Although I love the look of the spoke rims on my bike I wouldn't mind a set of matching chrome mags.

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Funny I was wondering the same yesterday while looking over some parts sites. Is it impossible to buy aftermarket for us?

I don't think the Triumphs have made enough noise or bikes for the big aftermarket wheel companies to mass produce chrome or billet wheels for us. You can go to any of the bigger wheels companies ask them to make a custom wheel that you design. It would cost you big bucks. Though you would have a 'Custom' bike instead of a bolt-on custom-ized bike. The only difference between the two is imagination and $$$.

I know it doesn't really make a lot of sense to dump cash into a $7000 motorcycle.


Fryguy

OK but what is the difference between the wheels?

Without seeing the two in front of me, I can't say for sure. Most likely the bolt pattern where the sprocket bolts into the wheel. Most aftermarket wheels are for Harleys, lets say. You could use a stock harley wheel, sprocket and brake disc setup(Big bucks) because I don't think you could bolt a triumph sprocket to a harley rim. You would have to use the Harley rotors as well. But if the rotor is any larger or smaller than the stock Triumph rotor, you screwed as well. Even a tiny bit off would throw off the precision of the brake setup. I am mainly speaking of the rear wheel setup. The front wheel setup would be easier to do. You can get yourself a set of Harley 41mm fork tubes and lowers. There are a ton on ebay and all for under $100. Then you would have to use the harley rotor and caliper that bolts to the fork lowers. Once this is complete you can use any custom front wheel made for a Harley. The rear wheel would be the more difficult of the two to convert.


Fryguy

Dead on brother..... There are a few guys out there like Ma's Cycles, Bonneville Perfomance.com, BellaCorse, and my particular favorite, New Speedmaster.Com that are coming up with their own stuff but there's still not enuf. The way I see it, buying a $7000 bike leaves you more money for customizing. Anybody can customize a Hardley, but we have to work a little harder and the results show when we go to bike nights and people wanna know about our beloved Trumps.

You got it Hammer. Where in Jersey are you? I am 25 miles Northwest of Philly.

By the way, I will soon have a Speedmaster rear wheel available isf anybody is interested. Once my custom 16wheel is ready, I'll be looking to get rid of the speedmaster rear rim. It has a brand new, never used Pirelli 180/70 rear tire.


Fryguy

Anyone has alum alloy wheels yet? I'd love to get rid of the spokes especially with the new Venoms I have.

I noticed with the rear wheel sprocket removed there are rubber cogs inside the wheel hub. You would have to match any aftermarket aluminum wheel you get.

I don't think anyone has Alum Alloy wheels available for the Triumphs, off the shelf per say. The only way is to have a set custom made like you see on OCC to match our bolt patern for the sprocket and rotor setup. I don't see anyone on this board paying $2000 for a set of custom wheels

Fryguy

fryguy, how much are you looking for for the whole rear wheel/tire shebang? and how far from baltimore are you? would you meet halfway instead of shipping?

I am actually in negotiations with another board member who wants the rear SM wheel. If things fall through, I'll let you know. I am asking $300 for the wheel and tire to get what I paid out.

Fryguy

Fryguy, I sent you a pm about the wheel/tire. I want it. the doc basicly told me today that i can do anything that i feel i am man enough to do. but he also threw in a don't overdo it too quickly, probably as a disclosure.

fryguy and bad406, have at it!!

I sent you a reply PM. I will find out how much shipping is. I agree with the Doc. Don't overdue it!


Fryguy