My build labor is typically $75-$89 per wheel. $75 if all components are brand new for big bikes, or $79-$89 if rebuilding a wheel with one or more used components. I add $20 labor if disassembling a wheel to reuse the hub, spokes, and or rim. Pit bikes are significantly more challenging to build, because there are so many spokes crammed into such a tight space that it takes almost twice as long to lace them up, so my labor for building mini wheels (10′, 12″, and 14″) starts at $75 per wheel.
A new set of motorcycle wheels can cost between $550 and $2000. The reason for the huge variations in pricing is due to the components used for the build. As a Dealer Affiliate of Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, I’ve sold hundreds of the Tusk Impact complete wheel sets. For their price ($500-$550) they are an incredible value. I am also a dealer for Warp9. Warp9 is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and their complete MX, Offroad and SuperMoto packages are an excellent value. If you want the strongest and lightest wheels possible, and have some extra money to spend, I also am a dealer for Dubya, Kite, Talon, Haan and FasterUSA hubs. Pro teams select Kite and Talon for their strength and precision manufacturing. But plan on spending $500-$800 for just the hubs! Complete wheels with premium components start around $1000 and can go up to $1800 if you want them built with Titanium spoke kits. Yes, Titanium spoke kits for big bike 18″, 19″ and 21″ wheels are available for $200-$225 per wheel.
For the best “bang for the buck” I highly recommend Tusk hubs and spoke kits, but am not as keen on their rims. Tusk Impact rims are on the heavy side, have a bit more distortion at the TIG welded seam and the heat treatment of the rims is not as consistent as rims from D.I.D. and Excel. As a result, my entry level wheels for $695 use Tusk Impact hubs and spokes with D.I.D. Dirtstar or Excel Notako rims. Dubya has also introduced their solid entry-level “Edge”wheel set. Billet hubs, relabeled Excel Rims, stainless steel spokes with steel nipples. Expect to pay $625-$650 for a set when you include shipping.
I’ve recently added building wheels for the Pit Bike community. Just because the wheels are smaller, don’t expect any breaks when it comes to pricing. Most Pit Bike wheels use OEM drum brake hubs which are more expensive than aftermarket billet hubs for big bikes, and the premium pit bike rims from Excel are pretty much the same prices as their big bike rims.
I accept Venmo, PayPal, Cash, Local Checks, and Credit and Debit Cards, but I prefer Venmo and PayPal if the customer pays the fees. I usually take a 50% deposit for a new project with the balance due upon project completion. I ship wheels and components all over North America, and as long as the customer pays the shipping charges and import duties, will also ship to locations worldwide.