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Wire wheels or alloys? Wire wheels or alloys?
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 21 Feb 2012
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Wire wheels or alloys?
I'm kitting my Moto Guzzi Griso out for a RTW trip.

Would my original Brembo alloy wheels be ok in the rough and tumble?
Ideally I would convert to spokes as on the Griso SE model but have been quoted £2.5k (!!) for the change over.

Spokes have the advantage of handling more weight, being more flexible therefore soaking up the bumps better (and you can straighten rims and spokes if need be), and I would have the option of putting a tube in if need be.

Advantages of alloy rims is I save £2.5k.

Anyone had problems with sport bike type alloy rims in 3rd world countries?
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  #2  
Old 22 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by benmac View Post
I'm kitting my Moto Guzzi Griso out for a RTW trip.

Would my original Brembo alloy wheels be ok in the rough and tumble?
Ideally I would convert to spokes as on the Griso SE model but have been quoted £2.5k (!!) for the change over.

Spokes have the advantage of handling more weight, being more flexible therefore soaking up the bumps better (and you can straighten rims and spokes if need be), and I would have the option of putting a tube in if need be.

Advantages of alloy rims is I save £2.5k.

Anyone had problems with sport bike type alloy rims in 3rd world countries?
Twice in my motoring life since 1961 I have had alloy wheels. In each case I had problems. I think it was probably bad luck, but 2.5 K is a lot of bad luck. If I were you I would make arrangement for someone to ship you a spare wheel IF you should need it. This is most Unlikely. But do check the rims are sound and make a good seal with the tyre rim. In other words, inspect you rims for any defect. Buying a new one before the start of your journey is better than having to ship later.

Besides you can install a tube in an alloy rim, I had to on my BMW.
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  #3  
Old 22 Feb 2012
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save your money

you can drill the alloy if and when you need to insert an inner tube.

tubeless repairs are easy and pretty straight forward plus no need to remove the tyre.

enjoy your ride and the extra 2.5 K spending money you now have
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Old 22 Feb 2012
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I don't think it's as simple as one good and the other bad. I think it's down to who made them. I've had alloys on my MZ since 1993 and they are fine, probably because they were made using lead or depleted uranium or something. The alloys on my last new BMW had alloys made of some sort of cheese, they won't have lasted past the third set of tyres. My current Triumph has had none of the snapped spoke issues they are known for, but I bought a spare wheel on e-bay that promptly broke a pair. That rim was from a different supplier.

For £2.5K I'd stick with what I had unless they are known to be poor.

Andy
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Old 22 Feb 2012
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Thanks for your imput guys, alloy rims it is. And 6 months spending money in India..
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