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Top 8 Motorcycle Wheel Manufacturers: Head-to-Head Comparison

by | Apr 28, 2025 | Motorcycle Wheels, News & Updates

In this side-by-side comparison, see how the top motorcycle wheel manufacturers stack up in quality, customization, customer service, and innovation. When it comes to custom motorcycle wheels, not all manufacturers build the same. SMT Wheels stands as a true leader in the industry, offering unmatched precision, innovation, and craftsmanship.

Family-owned and proudly manufactured in Glendale, Arizona, USA, SMT motorcycle wheels are manufactured from a solid wheel blank of aircraft-grade billet aluminum alloy and is custom cut to order, ensuring a perfect fit and finish every time.

See exactly why “When you ride with SMT, you ride with the BEST!”

 

Top 8 U.S. Motorcycle Wheel Manufacturers

  1. SMT Wheels: Specializes in custom forged wheels, fat tire kits, trike wheels, and complex designs such as a 3D contrast cut on a 34-inch front wheel.
  2. Performance Machine: High-end custom wheels for Harley-Davidson and other cruisers.
  3. RC Components: American-manufactured custom wheels and accessories for V-Twins and sport bikes.
  4. Arlen Ness: Offers their own line of wheels with a focus on style and performance.
  5. Coastal Moto: Specializes in cast and forged wheels for Harley-Davidson and touring bikes.
  6. Ridewright Wheels: Known for spoke wheels and custom options for V-Twins.
  7. DNA Specialty: Offers a wide variety of custom motorcycle wheels and parts.
  8. Custom Chrome USA: Offers its own branded wheels and distributes other manufacturers.

1. SMT Wheels vs Performance Machine

Feature

SMT Wheels

Performance Machine

Material

Aircraft-grade billet aluminum

Primarily forged and some cast

Fitment

Custom cut-to-order

Standardized fitments

Manufacture

USA

USA

Family-Owned

Yes
Corporate-owned

Customer Care

Good reputation, not personalized

Warranty

Lifetime structural warranty

Limited warranty

Selection

Largest in the industry + custom coatings

High-end but smaller selection

Innovation

First 34" 2D wheel, Bulldog fat tire, double-cut 3D

Stylish but more conservative designs

Magazine Features

Frequently featured

Occassionally

Tagline

Ride with the BEST

None standout

Verdict: SMT dominates in innovation, customization, and small-business values.

2. SMT Wheels vs RC Components

Feature

SMT Wheels

RC Components

Material

Aircraft-grade billet

Forged and cast aluminum

Customization

Unlimited colors & cut styles

Some customization options

Fitment

Made-to-order precision

Pre-set fitments

Family-Owned

Yes
Yes

Warranty

Lifetime limited

Limited structural

Fat Tire Options

Pioneered Bulldog wide tire

Offers wide kits but not pioneers

Powder Coatings

6,500+ Prismatic options

Limited color choices

Innovation

34" wheels, intricate cuts

More traditional stying

Unique Wheels

Only 34" 2D & double-cut 3D

Offers 30" max with simpler cuts

Verdict: SMT outpaces RC in size range, customization, and industry-firsts.

3. SMT Wheels vs Arlen Ness

Feature

SMT Wheels

Arlen Ness

Material

Premium billet aluminum

Mixed: billet + cast

Manufacturing

U.S. made

Some overseas production

Design Focus

Performance + Style + Size

Primarily design aesthetics

Family-Owned

Yes
Yes (3 generations)

Size Offering

Up to 34"

Up to ~26" max

Cutting Detail

Industry-best (double-cut, deep 3D)

Stylish, but less intricate

Customization

Color-matched to bike theme

Limited custom powder coats

Warranty

Lifetime limited

Not clearly advertised

Verdict: SMT wins in size, precision, and depth of customization.

4. SMT Wheels vs Coastal Moto

Feature

SMT Wheels

Coastal Moto

Material

Aircraft-grade billet

Primarily cast

Fitment

Guaranteed precision cut-to-order

Mass-produced

Size Range

Up to 34"

Up to 26"

Warranty

Lifetime limited

2-year limited

Manufacturing

U.S.

Some overseas components

Innovation

Unique finishes + massive options

Standard wheel sets

Powder Coating

6,500+ options

Few color choices

Verdict: SMT is far superior in material, quality, and options.

5. SMT Wheels vs Ridewright Wheels

Feature

SMT Wheels

Ridewright Wheels

Material

Billet aluminum

Spoked wheels - steel/aluminum

Product Type

Modern, aggressive styling

Classic spoked designs

Customization

Full spectrum (colors, cuts)

Rim/spoke/hub color combos

Size Offering

Up to 34"

Typically up to 26"

Specialty

Fat tire, show bike, baggers

Vintage and chopper builds

Verdict: Ridewright is niche for spoke lovers. SMT dominates everywhere else and does offer great spoke-like wheel options without the spoke problems.

6. SMT Wheels vs DNA Specialty

Feature

SMT Wheels

DNA Specialty

Material

Billet aluminum

Mostly cast, spoked

Fitment

Custom-forged to order

Prebuilt

Warranty

Lifetime structural

Limited, not always stated

Design Complexity

Deep 3D + multi-cut styles

More basic and price-focused

Size Offering

Up to 34"

Smaller sizes favored

Verdict: SMT is high-end, DNA is entry-level.

7. SMT Wheels vs Custom Chrome USA

Feature

SMT Wheels

Custom Chrome USA

Manufacturer

Yes

Mostly distributor/reseller

Material

Billet aluminum

Varies - often cast

Fitment

Made-to-order

Off-the-shelf

Customization

Full-color + cut spectrum

Minimal

Retail Role

DTC & dealer support

Mostly B2B distribution

Verdict: SMT = builder & innovator. Custom Chrome = parts middleman.

13 Reasons Why Real Riders Choose SMT Wheels!

  1. The highest quality aircraft-grade billet aluminum alloy vs cheap cast for strength and durability.
  2. Custom-cut to order vs mass-produced for that perfect fitment, guaranteed!
  3. Manufactured in America vs overseas – shop and support local small businesses.
  4. Family-owned and operated business.
  5. 5-star customer care.
  6. Lifetime limited structural warranty.
  7. Largest selection of motorcycle wheels, designs, sizes, and colors in the industry.
  8. 6,500 Prismatic powder coatings to get the closest match for your bike’s theme.
  9. Tagline = When you ride with SMT, you ride with the BEST.
  10. Our wheels are constantly making the cover of motorcycle magazines.
  11. We’re the only company to offer an affordable 2D 34″ wheel.
  12. We pioneered the Bulldog fat tire wide front wheel.
  13. We are the only company that can offer complex, intricate cuts such as a double-cut finish on a 34″ 3D wheel.
If you’re building a statement bike, a show bike, or want true personalization, SMT Wheels stands alone!