If you’re into motorcycles—especially ADVs or off-roaders—you’ve probably come across terms like “spoked wheels” and “tubeless spokes” or “cross-spoke wheels.” But what’s the difference between them, and which one’s better for your riding style?
Let’s break it down in simple terms, with some pros, cons, and visuals to make it all easier.
What Are Traditional Spoked Wheels?
Traditional spoked wheels are what you’d see on old-school motorcycles, dirt bikes, and many modern ADVs. They consist of:
- A rim
- A hub
- Lots of steel spokes connecting the two.
But here’s the catch—since the spokes go through the rim, the wheel cannot hold air directly. That’s why these wheels require inner tubes.
What Are Tubeless Spoked (Cross-Spoke) Wheels?
Tubeless spoked wheels, often called cross-spokes or seal-spokes, are a clever upgrade. In these:
- The spokes don’t pierce the inner rim bed.
- Instead, they connect to the outer edge or are sealed using gaskets/rubber bands.
This design allows the wheel to hold air directly—no tubes required!
Head-to-Head: Spoked vs. Tubeless Spoked Wheels
| Feature | Traditional Spokes | Tubeless/Cross-Spokes |
|---|---|---|
| Tube Required | Yes | No |
| Ease of Puncture Repair | Difficult (need to remove the wheel and tube) | Easy (plug and pump) |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier |
| Maintenance | More frequent spoke tightening needed | Less frequent |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Rim Flexibility | High (great for off-road shocks) | Also high |
| Air Retention | Dependent on inner tube quality | More reliable seal |
| Upgrade Cost (if aftermarket) | Lower | Higher (example: RE Himalayan spoke kit costs ₹40K+) |
Advantages of Traditional Spokes
- Tried and tested on off-road terrain.
- Flex better on rough trails—great for impact absorption.
- Cheap to replace or repair.
Example: If you break a spoke in Ladakh, any local mechanic can probably fix it with basic tools.
Disadvantages of Traditional Spokes
- Tubes can pinch flat easily during a hard impact or low PSI.
- Punctures are a pain—you’ll need to remove the entire wheel and tire to fix the tube.
- Slow repairs in remote areas.
Advantages of Tubeless Spoked (Cross-Spokes)
- You get the best of both worlds—spoke strength and tubeless convenience.
- Easier puncture repair with a plug kit—no need to remove the wheel.
- More modern and clean design.
Disadvantages of Tubeless Spoked Wheels
- Expensive to buy or upgrade. (A full set can cost ₹30,000–₹50,000+)
- Slightly heavier due to sealing mechanisms and rim design.
- On the inner sealing type ones (example the new 390 ADV), If the sealing fails, it can lose air without visible damage.
So, Which One Should You Pick?
Here’s a quick guide:
- Mostly highway rider / occasional trails?
Stick with alloys - Hardcore tourer or adventure rider?
Go for tubeless cross-spoke wheels. The long-term convenience of easy repairs will save you time and stress. - Tight on budget but want off-road toughness?
Traditional spokes still do a great job—they’ve been used for decades for a reason!
Final Thoughts
Tubeless spoked wheels are a great evolution in motorcycle design—combining ruggedness with convenience. But they come at a cost. Whether you go old-school or high-tech, both options are solid, depending on where and how you ride. Both are technically not deal breakers and it comes down to the use case in most scenarios.
