You choose a supermoto wheel set based on three things: the right diameter and width for the front and rear wheel, the right hub for your bike and model year, and the choice between an inner tube or tubeless. For supermoto that usually means a 17 inch front wheel 3.50 wide and a 17 inch rear wheel 4.25 to 5.50 wide. In this guide you will learn how to read the sizes, what the differences are and what to look for with separate hubs, spokes and bearings.
How do you read a wheel size?
Haan Wheels wheels are designated as, for example, 17x3.50x36T. That means:
- 17: rim diameter in inches
- 3.50: rim width in inches
- 36T: number of spoke holes (and therefore spokes)
The diameter has to match your tyre, the width determines which tyre width sits properly on the rim, and the number of spokes has to match the hub if you are building a wheel yourself.
Which sizes are available for supermoto?
For supermoto, these are the sizes in the Haan Wheels range:
| Position | Sizes in the range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Front wheel | 17x3.50, 16x3.50, 16.5x3.50 | 17x3.50 is the standard supermoto size; also available tubeless |
| Rear wheel | 17x4.25, 17x4.50, 17x5.00, 17x5.50 | Wider = room for a wider tyre; 4.50 and 5.00 also available tubeless |
| 18 inch rear wheel | 18x4.25 | Also available tubeless |
The 16.5 inch front size is an older racing size. Check beforehand whether you can get the tyres you want to run in that size. For rear wheels: a wider rim needs a wider tyre, and that tyre must clear the chain and swingarm. If in doubt, choose the width your bike came with from the factory. You will find all sizes in the supermoto wheels.
Motocross and enduro wheels: 18, 19 and 21 inch
If you want an off-road set alongside a supermoto set, or you ride motocross or enduro, you will need different sizes:
- 21 inch front wheel: 21x1.60, 21x1.85 and 21x2.15
- 19 inch rear wheel: 19x1.85 and 19x2.15, the usual size for motocross bikes
- 18 inch rear wheel: 18x2.15 and 18x2.50, the usual size for enduro
- Smaller sizes: including 19x1.40 and 17x1.40 front, and 16x1.85, 14x1.60 and 12x1.60 for youth bikes
Haan Wheels also offers the A60 line with complete wheels in 21x1.60, 21x2.15, 18x2.15, 19x1.85 and 19x2.15, as well as separate Excel rims. Switching between a supermoto set and an off-road set is often the reason to buy a second wheel set.
32 or 36 spokes: what is the difference?
Most full-size supermoto, motocross and enduro wheels have 36 spokes. Smaller wheels, such as 12, 14 and 16 inch and the 17x1.40 and 19x1.40 front wheels, usually have 32 spokes. There are also a few 17 inch supermoto wheels with 32 spokes.
What matters most is that the rim and hub have the same number of holes. If you are building a wheel yourself, choose a spoke set that matches the diameter and spoke count. Haan Wheels supplies spoke sets from 12 to 21 inch with 28, 32 or 36 spokes, as well as spoke sets made specifically for OEM hubs.
Tubeless or with an inner tube?
A tubeless wheel has an airtight rim, so you can run the tyre without an inner tube. There is no inner tube to pinch or tear, and in the event of a puncture the pressure usually drops more gradually than with an inner tube. Haan Wheels offers tubeless wheels in 17x3.50 (front), 17x4.50, 17x5.00 and 18x4.25 (rear), and in 21x1.85 and 21x2.15 front.
If you mainly ride on tarmac and track, tubeless is a logical choice. Off-road, many riders still use an inner tube or mousse; there, a wheel with an inner tube is the usual choice.
Hubs, bearings, spacers and colour
Are you only replacing a rim, or building a wheel from scratch? The Haan Wheels range also includes the separate parts:
- Front and rear hubs, made per bike, in colours including silver and blue
- Rims for front and rear, also for an OEM hub, in colours including silver, gold and blue
- Bearings, spacers and seals as a set for the front or rear wheel
- Spacer sets (2 pieces) for front and rear wheel
- Spoke nipple sets in silver, gold, black, blue, red, green and orange
- Sprocket hub rubbers (set of 6), a spoke wrench and a wrench for sprocket bolts
Bearings and spacers determine how the wheel sits between the fork or swingarm. So always use the set that belongs to your hub and bike.
How to choose in 3 steps
- Determine your bike and model year. Hubs differ per model and year in axle diameter, brake disc mounting, sprocket mounting and width. This is the most important step.
- Choose diameter and width. For supermoto usually 17x3.50 front and 17x4.25 to 17x5.50 rear; for off-road 21 inch front with 18 or 19 inch rear. Match the width to the tyre you want to run.
- Choose the version. Tubeless or with an inner tube, complete wheel or separate rim with spoke set, and the colour of hub, rim and spoke nipples.
If you ride the bike on public roads, check whether the wheel and tyre size is permitted for your country and bike.
Frequently asked questions
What does 17x3.50x36T mean on a Haan Wheels wheel?
The first number is the rim diameter in inches (17), the second the rim width in inches (3.50) and the last the number of spoke holes (36T). So a 17x3.50x36T is a 17 inch rim, 3.50 inches wide with 36 spokes, a standard size for a supermoto front wheel.
Which rear wheel width do I need for supermoto?
Haan Wheels supermoto rear wheels are available in 17x4.25, 17x4.50, 17x5.00 and 17x5.50. The right width depends on the tyre width you want to run and on the clearance between chain, swingarm and tyre. Start with the size your bike came with from the factory and only deviate if your tyre and clearance allow it.
What is the advantage of a tubeless supermoto wheel?
On a tubeless wheel the rim is designed so you can run the tyre without an inner tube. That means no inner tube to pinch or tear, and with a puncture the pressure usually drops more gradually. Haan Wheels supplies tubeless wheels in sizes including 17x3.50, 17x4.50, 17x5.00 and 18x4.25.
Can I have a Haan Wheels rim laced to my stock hub?
Yes, you can. The range includes rims designed for an OEM hub and spoke sets for OEM hubs with 28, 32 or 36 spokes. Make sure the rim and hub have the same number of spoke holes and that the spoke length suits the rim diameter and hub.
Do Haan Wheels hubs fit every model year?
No. Hubs differ by make, model and year in axle diameter, brake disc mounting, sprocket mounting and width. So always choose based on your exact bike and model year, and check that the bearings and spacers match your axle and fork or swingarm.
Which colours are available for hubs, rims and spoke nipples?
Spoke nipple sets come in silver, gold, black, blue, red, green and orange. Hubs and rims come in various finishes, such as silver, gold and blue. The available colour varies per wheel or part, so check each product to see which version you are choosing.
Choosing your supermoto wheel set
Browse all complete wheels, hubs, rims and spoke sets from Haan Wheels or go straight to the supermoto wheels. Everything is shipped from the Netherlands. Not sure about the right size or hub? Send us a message with the make, model and year of your bike, and we'll look it up for you.