Shop wheel parts for classic Triumph 350, 500, 650 and 750 twins and Trident triples. The range includes:
- Rims: UK-made Devon Valtru and Central Wheel Components rims, plus Excel shouldered alloy rims. Browse Triumph wheel rims.
- Spokes: Buchanan’s, Devon and CWC spoke sets. Browse Triumph spoke sets.
- Tires: Dunlop and Avon classic tires. Browse Triumph tires.
- Wheel hardware: tubes, rim strips, wheel bearings, axles and adjusters.
A vintage Triumph wheel is a matched system. The rim must be drilled for your specific hub, the spokes must suit both the hub and the rim’s nipple holes, and the tire must suit the rim’s diameter and width. Start with your hub type and year, then use the guide below.
Triumph 350 500 650 CWC Stainless Rear Wheel Spoke Set Up To 1970 PN# TBS-5080-2nd
Original price was: $199.72.$169.59Current price is: $169.59.
Triumph BSA CWC Conical Hub Front Wheel Stainless Spoke Set 1971-72 PN# TBS-5084-2nd
Original price was: $172.09.$146.59Current price is: $146.59.
Triumph 500 CWC Front Wheel Spoke Set SLS 7-inch Brake Drum UK Made PN# TBS-5095-2nd
Original price was: $149.94.$126.59Current price is: $126.59.
Triumph 750 TR7 T140 T160 CWC Stainless Disc Brake Rear Wheel Spoke Set 1976-78 UK Made PN# TBS-5086-2nd
Original price was: $144.67.$122.59Current price is: $122.59.
Triumph BSA 650 CWC Stainless Conical Hub Rear Wheel Spoke Set 1971-75 UK Made PN# TBS-5083-2nd 37-3724 37-3725 37-3726
Original price was: $144.67.$122.59Current price is: $122.59.
BSA 250 441 500 650 Triumph Competition etc. Stainless QD Rear Wheel Spoke Set CWC UK Made 18-inch PN# TBS-5088-2nd
Original price was: $144.67.$122.59Current price is: $122.59.
Triumph 350 500 650 CWC Front Wheel Stainless Spoke Set SLS 1958-65 UK Made PN# TBS-5081-2nd
Original price was: $139.59.$118.59Current price is: $118.59.
Triumph 750 T160 CWC Stainless 19-inch Disc Brake Rear Wheel Spoke Set 1975 PN# TBS-5096-2nd
Original price was: $108.78.$92.59Current price is: $92.59.
Triumph 350 500 650 Rear Wheel Adjuster(s) with Hardware PN# 37-2089 37-1015 14-1902 37-1134 W2089 W1015 W1134
$50.66 – $95.17Price range: $50.66 through $95.17
Triumph 500 650 Rear Wheel Adjuster(s) PN# 37-2089 37-1134 W2089 W1134
$45.63 – $88.24Price range: $45.63 through $88.24
Motion Pro 15-inch Steel Tire Lever PN# VAR-TBS-0110 M
$33.68 – $90.93Price range: $33.68 through $90.93
Triumph BSA Norton Bonneville Tiger Trophy Wheel Bearing(s) PN# 37-0653 G 45-5819 37-7402 06-5541
$33.53 – $104.40Price range: $33.53 through $104.40
Triumph 140 TR7 750 T150 T160 Sealed Wheel Bearing 1973-78 PN# 57-1070 J
$32.02 – $59.26Price range: $32.02 through $59.26
Triumph Norton BSA Standard 19-inch X 3.25-inch/3.50-inch Inner Tube(s) PN# 37-0193
$29.48 – $43.76Price range: $29.48 through $43.76
Triumph Norton BSA 19″ X 3.60″/4.10″ Inner Tube(s) PN# 37-4643 TBS-37-4643
$26.56 – $38.06Price range: $26.56 through $38.06
Triumph BSA Norton Bonneville Tiger Trophy Quality Wheel Bearing(s) PN# 37-0653 J 45-5819 37-7402 06-5541
$25.59 – $87.38Price range: $25.59 through $87.38
Triumph Norton BSA Standard 18-inch X 3.75/4.00/4.25-inch Inner Tube(s) PN# 37-0187 TBS-37-0187
$25.06 – $38.06Price range: $25.06 through $38.06
Triumph 650 750 Conical Hub Rear Wheel Speedo Drive Spacer(s) 1971-74 PN# 37-3750
$14.53 – $23.67Price range: $14.53 through $23.67
Triumph BSA Norton Wheel Bearing(s) Sealed 6204-RS PN# 37-0653 W
$12.95 – $33.45Price range: $12.95 through $33.45
Triumph 500 650 T100 T120 Bonneville Tiger Trophy BSA Wheel Bearing(s) PN# 37-0653 T
$12.44 – $28.77Price range: $12.44 through $28.77
Triumph 500 650 750 Brake Drum to Rear Hub Locking Nut (1) ’66-69 PN# 37-1691 W1691
$10.60 – $51.83Price range: $10.60 through $51.83
Triumph 500 650 Rear Wheel Bearing Dust Cover(s) 1943-75 PN# 37-0583 37-1654
$10.12 – $13.66Price range: $10.12 through $13.66
Triumph 350 500 650 Twins 750 Triples Rear Wheel Bearing Backing Ring(s) PN# 37-1022 W1022
$9.24 – $13.41Price range: $9.24 through $13.41
Triumph 350 500 650 750 UK Made Wheel/Gearbox Bearing Dust Cover/Circlip(s) PN# 57-0280
$9.14 – $19.83Price range: $9.14 through $19.83
Triumph BSA A65 T100 T120 TR6 T150 Front Brake Thin Axle Nut(s) PN# 37-2058 W2058
$9.14 – $13.24Price range: $9.14 through $13.24
Triumph T140 TR7 T150 T160 750 Grease Retainer Front/Rear Wheel Bearing Shim(s) PN# 37-4135
$8.74 – $12.52Price range: $8.74 through $12.52
Triumph Rear Wheel Grease Retaining Washer(s) PN# 37-1474
$8.53 – $12.13Price range: $8.53 through $12.13
Triumph Norton BSA etc 250 500 650 750 850 18 inch Rim Strip(s)/Rim Tape PN# TBS-17-0118
$8.30 – $10.83Price range: $8.30 through $10.83
Triumph 500 650 T120 TR6 Rear Wheel Adjuster End Plate(s) 1953-74 PN# 37-1015 W1015
$8.29 – $12.34Price range: $8.29 through $12.34
Triumph Wheel Bearing Locking Ring Screw(s) PN# 37-1710 W1710
$7.61 – $10.97Price range: $7.61 through $10.97
Triumph BSA Norton 19 inch Rim Strip(s)/Rim Tape PN# TBS-17-0119
$7.45 – $10.64Price range: $7.45 through $10.64
Triumph 350 500 650 Twins 750 Triples Rear Wheel Spacer(s)/Washer(s) PN# 37-1280 W1280
$7.20 – $9.89Price range: $7.20 through $9.89
Triumph Norton BSA 250 Gauge Wheel Balance(s) Weight Long 1 oz PN# 37-3970 37-1198 W3970 W1198
$6.38 – $16.75Price range: $6.38 through $16.75
Triumph 500 650 Hub Cover / Nave Plate Screw(s) 1968 4BA X 1/4-inch PN# 37-2092 W2092
$6.27 – $7.93Price range: $6.27 through $7.93
Triumph BSA 500 650 750 Cleveloc Nut(s) 5/16 inch-24 TPI PN# 14-1302
$6.21 – $16.67Price range: $6.21 through $16.67
Triumph Sprocket Shakeproof Washer(s) PN# 70-1612
$5.29 – $6.91Price range: $5.29 through $6.91
Table of Contents
What Makes Vintage Triumph Wheels Different
Every rim is drilled for one hub
A spoked rim isn’t just “19-inch, 40-hole.” Every hub requires the rim’s spoke holes to be set at a unique angle. That’s why Central Wheel Components asks for the hub type (full-width, conical, disc, QD and so on), the model and the year when you order a rim (CWC classic brochure; CWC rim guide). Our rim titles include the hub they suit. For example:
- 37-1230: WM2-19 for cast SLS/TLS front hubs
- 37-3818: WM2-19 for the 1971–74 conical front hub
- 37-4129: WM2-19 for the 1973–82 disc front hub
Two 19-inch WM2 rims with 40 holes are not interchangeable if they were drilled for different hubs.
Triumph changed hubs often
| Years (twins) | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s–1965 | 7″ or 8″ SLS full-width cast hubs (Devon 8″ SLS spoke set, 1958–65) | Spool or QD hub, WM2-18 or WM3-18 |
| 1966–1970 | 8″ cast hubs; the twin-leading-shoe (TLS) brake was standard on 650s and triples 1968–70 (Victory Library) | Spool hub |
| 1971–1972 | 8″ TLS conical hub, shared with BSA (Ride a Bonnie; webBikeWorld) | Conical hub (WM3-18, 1971–74/75) |
| 1973–1982 | Front disc (Motorcycle Specs), WM2-19 | Conical, then rear disc for T140/TR7 from 1976 (WM3-18); 1975 T160 rear disc is WM3-19 |
Nipple size and spoke gauge differ by hub
- Original Triumph spokes were mostly 8/10-gauge butted with .300″ nipples (Buchanan’s).
- Conical-hub and disc-front wheels use 10-gauge spokes with .250″ nipples, such as the Devon conical front set, MC270-SSP, and need rims drilled .250″.
- The T140/TR7 rear disc wheel uses 9-gauge spokes with .300″ nipples (Devon MC290-SSP).
A .300″ rim won’t seat .250″ nipples properly, and the reverse is also true.
Rim widths use the WM code
British rims are sized by WM code: WM0 = 1.50″, WM1 = 1.60″, WM2 = 1.85″, WM3 = 2.15″ (Avon tire size information). Triumph twins typically used a WM2 front and a WM3 rear, with an 18″ or 19″ rear depending on model.
Choose the rim material for how you ride
- Chrome steel and stainless steel: look original. Devon Valtru and CWC rims are UK made.
- Excel shouldered valanced alloy: a lighter period-performance look.
All use the same hub-specific drilling.
Speedometer drive and spacers live in the wheel
From 1966, Triumph twins drove the speedometer from the rear wheel rather than the gearbox (webBikeWorld). The Smiths BG5330 drive, its ratio and its side must match the speedometer and the hub (our BG5330 speedometer drive guide). Wheel spacers, distance pieces and bearing lock rings are just as specific to each hub.
Matching Rim, Spokes and Tire: The Key Checks
- Identify the hub. Is it full-width SLS, TLS, conical, spool/QD, or disc? Is it front or rear, and what year? This determines the rim part number and the spoke set.
- Match rim diameter and width. Check 18″ vs 19″ and WM2 vs WM3, as the bike was built or as you’re changing it.
- Match spoke holes and nipples. Use 40 holes, with the drilling angle for your hub, and nipple holes of .250″ or .300″ to match the spoke set.
- Match the spoke set to both hub and rim. Check the gauge, length, head angle and lacing for that combination. Buy a set listed for your hub and rim pair, such as the Buchanan’s 1973–81 disc front set or the CWC 1976–78 disc rear set.
- Match the tire to the rim.
- The diameter must match the rim: 18 or 19.
- The tire’s approved rim-width range must include your WM size. For example, Dunlop lists 2.15″ (WM3) as the recommended rim for the K70 3.25-19 and 4.00-18 (Dunlop K70 data). Charts compiled from tire makers show a range of possible widths for each size (rim/tire chart), so confirm with the tire maker.
- Check fender and chain clearance before going wider. The Avon chart shows 4.00 is equivalent to 4.25/85 and 110/90 (Avon).
- Use tubes with spoked rims. Spoked rims need inner tubes and a rim strip. Classic tires such as the K70 are tube type, marked TT (Dunlop K70). Match the tube to the tire size, for example 19″ × 3.25/3.50, 19″ × 3.60/4.10 or 18″ × 3.75–4.25. Fit a rim strip.
- Check load and speed rating. For example, the K70 is rated 54P and the K81/TT100 4.10-19 is rated 60H. Choose a rating suited to how you ride.
- Match bearings, axle and spacers to the hub. For example, the T140 disc front bearing set or the conical/disc rear axle.
Shop by Wheel Component
Complete rim and spoke kits
- Chrome disc front WM2-19 and rear WM3-18 kit, Devon
- Stainless conical front WM2-19 and rear WM3-18 kit, Devon
- Excel shouldered alloy rim set, WM2-19 and WM3-18
Front rims
- 37-1230, for cast SLS/TLS hubs: Devon chrome, Devon stainless, CWC chrome, CWC stainless and Excel alloy
- 37-3818, for the conical hub: Devon chrome, Devon stainless, CWC chrome and Excel alloy
- 37-4129, for the disc hub: Devon chrome, CWC chrome and Excel alloy
Rear rims
- 37-1007, WM3-18 for the spool/QD hub: Devon chrome, CWC chrome and Excel alloy
- 37-1471, WM2-18 UK-spec for the spool hub: Devon chrome
- 37-3784, WM3-18 for the conical hub: Devon chrome, Devon stainless, CWC chrome and Excel alloy
- 37-7030, WM3-18 for the T140/TR7 rear disc: Devon chrome, Devon stainless, CWC chrome and Excel alloy
- 37-4243, WM3-19 for the T160 rear disc: Devon chrome, Devon stainless and CWC chrome
Spoke sets
Buchanan’s:
- SLS front 1958–65
- Front 1966–70
- Conical front 1971–73
- Disc front 1973–81
- Rear 1948–74
- Conical rear 1971–75
- Disc rear 1976–82
Devon:
- 8″ SLS front, MB11-8-FW
- TLS front 1966–74, MB11-8-TLS
- Spool rear, MB10
- Conical front, MC270
- Conical rear, MC260
- Disc rear, MC290
CWC:
Tires and tubes
- Dunlop K70 3.25-19
- Dunlop K70 4.00-18
- Dunlop K81/TT100 4.10-19
- Dunlop K81/TT100 4.25/85-18
- Avon Speedmaster 3.25-19
- Inner tubes and rim strips, linked in the checks above
- Motion Pro tire lever
Hubs, bearings, axles and hardware
- Billet rear hub 1954–74
- T140/T160 disc rear hub set
- Wheel bearings: 6204 sealed and premium
- Front bearing retainer ring, LH thread
- Rear bearing locking ring
- Rear axles: 1963–69, 1970–74 and stainless T140/T160
- Speedo drive spacers: 37-1477 and conical 1971–74
- Wheel adjuster set
- Balance weight
- Hub trim plates: 8″ SLS 1960–65 and TLS 1969–70
Installation and Usage Tips
- Lacing and truing. Lace to the original pattern and set the rim offset (dish) from the manual first. Then correct radial runout before lateral runout. Tighten spokes in small, even steps around the wheel.
- Spoke tension. Re-check spoke tension after the first few hundred miles, because new spokes bed in. Loose spokes break and crack hubs.
- Rim strips. Fit a rim strip over the nipples on every rebuild, and make sure no spoke end protrudes past its nipple.
- Tire fitting. Use plenty of tire lube, don’t pinch the tube with levers, partly inflate to seat the tube, and check the bead line before inflating to full pressure.
- Tire age. Check the tire’s date code and inspect older tires for cracking, even if they have tread left.
- Pressures. Use the pressure from the tire maker or your manual for your load. Classic bias-ply tires are sensitive to under-inflation.
- Balancing. Balance the wheels with spoke-mounted balance weights.
- Bearings and spacers. Fit the bearings, spacers and grease retainers in the manual’s order. Some Triumph front bearing retainer rings are left-hand threaded.
- Alignment. After fitting the rear wheel, set chain tension and wheel alignment with the adjusters, and check that the speedometer drive is engaged.
- Tools. Browse wheel and brake tools and Motion Pro.
Related Categories
Triumph wheel rims · Triumph spoke sets · Triumph tires · Triumph brakes · Triumph chains & sprockets · Triumph instruments · Triumph suspension & forks · Triumph fenders · Triumph hardware · Vintage Triumph parts · BSA wheels · Norton wheels & tires
Brands: Devon Rim Company · Central Wheel Components · Excel · Buchanan’s · Dunlop
Further Reading (external)
- Central Wheel Components – how to choose rims
- Central Wheel Components – how to measure a spoke
- Buchanan’s – Triumph spoke kits
- Avon – tire size and WM rim information
- Dunlop – K70 classic tire
- Victory Library – British TLS drum brakes
- Jampot – spoked motorcycle wheel building (PDF)
Vintage Triumph Wheel, Spokes and Tires FAQs
What size wheels does my Triumph have?
Most 650 and 750 twins use a 19″ front. The rear is 18″ on most twins, and 19″ on some pre-unit models and the T160. Rim widths are usually WM2 front and WM3 rear. Check the rim stamp or your parts book.
What does WM2 or WM3 mean?
It’s the British rim width code. WM2 is 1.85″ and WM3 is 2.15″ between the flanges.
Can I put any 19-inch 40-hole rim on my hub?
No. Each hub needs the spoke holes drilled at its own angles, so order the rim part number listed for your hub (SLS/TLS, conical, spool/QD or disc).
What’s the difference between .250″ and .300″ nipple holes?
They suit different spoke and nipple sizes. Conical-hub and disc-front wheels generally use .250″ nipples with 10-gauge spokes. Earlier cast hubs and the T140 rear disc use .300″ nipples. Rim and spokes must match.
Should I choose chrome, stainless or alloy rims?
Chrome steel is original-looking and easy to keep shiny. Stainless resists rust. Excel shouldered alloy rims are lighter and give a period-performance look. All three use the same hub-specific drilling.
Buchanan’s, Devon or CWC spokes: which should I choose?
All three supply hub-specific stainless sets. Choose the set listed for your exact hub and rim pair. Don’t mix spokes from different sets.
Can I reuse my old spokes with a new rim?
Only if the spokes are straight, uncorroded and the correct length and gauge for the new rim’s drilling. Most restorers fit a new set with a new rim.
Which tires suit a vintage Triumph?
Common choices include the Dunlop K70 (3.25-19 front, 4.00-18 rear) for an original look, the Dunlop K81/TT100 (4.10-19, 4.25/85-18) for higher speed ratings, and the Avon Speedmaster front. Confirm that the tire’s approved rim range includes your WM width.
Do I need inner tubes?
Yes. Spoked rims aren’t airtight, and classic tires like the K70 are tube type. Use a tube sized to the tire, plus a rim strip.
Can I fit a wider rear tire?
Often you can go one step up, for example from 4.00-18 to 4.25/85-18. Check the tire maker’s rim range, plus fender, chain and swingarm clearance.
What do the tire load and speed codes mean?
A code such as 54P combines a load index (54) with a speed rating (P). Choose ratings at least equal to the original fitment and suitable for how you ride.
How tight should spokes be?
Tighten them evenly, so all spokes give a similar note when tapped and the rim stays true. Re-check after the first few hundred miles.
Which wheel bearings do Triumph twins use?
Many use the 6204-size bearing (part 37-0653). T140/TR7 disc-front wheels use a set of two different bearings. Match the listing to your hub and years.
Why does my speedometer read wrong after a wheel change?
Since 1966, Triumph twins have driven the speedometer from the rear wheel. A different tire size, the wrong drive ratio or a missing spacer will throw off the reading. Match the drive unit to the speedometer.
Can I convert my Triumph from drum to disc front?
It’s possible, but it needs the matching hub, rim drilling (37-4129), spokes, forks or sliders, and brake parts. It isn’t just a rim swap.