SMT high-performance motorcycle wheels are forged out of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 solid billet aluminum alloy that is cut to order. It makes a big difference in terms of durability and performance compared to cheaper mass-produced cast motorcycle wheels you might find from other manufacturers.

Let’s compare the differences between solid billet aluminum alloy vs cast aluminum motorcycle wheels and look at how these materials are manufactured and how they affect overall bike performance.

Manufacturing

Cast Aluminum Motorcycle Wheels

Cast wheels are made by injecting melted aluminum into a mold that forms the shape of the wheel. After the aluminum cools, the wheel is machined and trimmed into the final product.

The advantage of this process is twofold: It is relatively inexpensive and easily replicable for mass production.

Billet Aluminum Alloy Motorcycle Wheels

Billet wheels are forged by machining a solid block of high-grade (meaning it is denser and stronger than cast) aluminum alloy. This process allows for precise shaping and more detailed customized designs.

It also means that billet motorcycle wheels are more expensive to manufacture vs cast wheels. Milling is also more time-consuming, which also contributes to the higher cost. However, there are several substantive advantages that more than justify the added cost of billet.

Durability and Weight

Billet motorcycle wheels are typically stronger and denser, and hence more durable, than cast wheels. At the same time, billet wheels are lighter vs cast wheels; the lighter the weight of the wheels, the less air drag, making the bike faster.

The lighter weight also enhances your motorcycle’s responsiveness so you can navigate with agility and ease, as well as improve performance under high-stress conditions.

While you might think that a lighter-weight motorcycle wheel is a less durable motorcycle wheel, actually the opposite is true. In fact, lightweight billet wheels can better withstand high-performance riding conditions.

Customization

While cast aluminum wheels are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes, they can’t be customized the same way as billet wheels can.

The ability to achieve more complex and unique designs, such as a 3D rim with a contrast double-cut finish, makes billet motorcycle wheels the best choice for riders who want to really personalize their bike and enhance overall aesthetics.

Cost

Billet motorcycle wheels are generally more expensive vs mass-produced cast wheels. However, you do get what you pay for. More lightweight construction with greater aerodynamics results in wheels that respond quickly to rider inputs, providing a sense of control and confidence in the most demanding riding conditions.

On top of that, aircraft-grade aluminum billet wheels can be customized to provide a unique appearance and finish that distinguishes a ride from the everyday seen-before look of mass-produced cast.

Not to mention, American manufacturers such as SMT Wheels can offer a lifetime structural guarantee and perfect fitment guarantee to give riders more peace of mind.

FAQs About Billet & Cast Motorcycle Wheels

1. Are there any downsides to using billet motorcycle wheels?
   While billet wheels offer many benefits, some potential downsides include higher initial investment vs cast wheels as well as longer lead times for custom designs. However, you are getting what you pay for in a better-fitting, high-performing wheel with a distinctive design that is more durable to last longer.
2. What are the downsides to cast aluminum motorcycle wheels?
   Cast wheels are generally not as light as custom billet options. In high-performance applications, cast doesn’t offer the same strength and durability as billet wheels. There are also aesthetic limitations, cast wheels do not have the same level of intricate design options as billet wheels.
3. How do I choose the right billet wheels for my motorcycle?
   Always take into account the following factors: Size – Ensure the wheels fit your motorcycle’s specifications. Design – Choose a style that complements your bike and personal taste. Purpose – Think about how you will use your motorcycle (e.g., everyday riding vs. street legal racing) and select wheels that meet those needs.
4. How do billet wheels add to the aesthetic appearance of my motorcycle?
   SMT offers lots of customization options to choose from to best complement your motorcycle’s style and your budget including 16-34” sizes, fat front 5.5” width, hubs, matching rotors and pulleys, finishes and custom powder coatings, and matching air cleaners.
5. Do billet wheels require more maintenance than cast wheels?
   Billet wheels generally do not require special maintenance beyond what is recommended by the manufacturer. Following the maintenance guidelines for your billet wheels ensures optimal performance and longevity.
6. How do I best clean my billet motorcycle wheels?
   Cleaning billet wheels is relatively simple. Clean your billet wheels with mild soap and water; don’t use harsh chemicals that can damage the finish. You can apply a protective coating to enhance longevity and achieve a “good as new” look.
7. Do billet aluminum alloy motorcycle wheels come with a warranty?
   SMT Wheels offers a lifetime structural guarantee, as well as, a perfect fitment guarantee on all motorcycle wheels.
8. How can I get my billet motorcycle wheels faster?
   SMT has in-stock motorcycle wheels forged from aircraft-grade billet aluminum alloy that ship out within 48 hours instead of the usual 6-8 weeks.
9. Are SMT billet wheels DOT-approved?
   Yes, SMT Wheels are approved for all safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

“These wheels are not just great looking they are durable when needed. My town was hit hard by Helene and took out our roads I was determined to get my bike out of here to my parents house and no warping or cracks to the wheel when put to the test that most would have not put through it come out with just few minor scratches. These guys make awesome wheel don’t think twice on who to purchase your wheels from these are the guys.”

– Jason B.