wheel guide
Everything you need to know about selecting, building, and repairing wheels for your minibike.
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Basics
Most American minibikes have 5 or 6" Wheels
Wheel Types
Tri-Star Wheels
- The most popular choice
- Sprocket and Brake bolts on for rear drive wheel.
- Used on minibikes for decades.
Split Rim
- Two-piece construction
- Easy tire changes:
- Requires innertube
Choose Right Size
5-Inch Tri-Star Wheels (#1144)
The #1144 5" wheel is one of the most popular wheels for go-karts and mini bikes.
Specifications:
- Wheel diameter: 5 inches
- Axle bore: 5/8 inch
- Sealed bearings included
- Compatible with 4-1/2" brake drums
- Accepts #35 chain sprockets
6-Inch Tri-Star Wheels (#1125)
Larger diameter for improved ground clearance and smoother ride.
Specifications:
- Wheel diameter: 6 inches
- Axle bore: 5/8 inch
- Sealed bearings included
- Compatible with same brake/sprocket as 5" wheel
| Feature | 5" (#1144) | 6" (#1125) |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 5 inches | 6 inches |
| Ground | Standard | Increased |
| Best Use | Asphalt | Dirt |
| Brake | 4-1/2" drum | 4-1/2" drum |
| Sprocket | #35, 60T | #35, 60/72T |
| Axle Size | 5/8" | 5/8" |
Build-A-Wheel Kits: Take the Guesswork Out
🎯 Why Build-A-Wheel?
Because you are assured of proper fitment. All of the parts fit and work together on any minibike with a 5/8" axle.
Rear Wheel Configuration
To build a complete mini bike rear wheel, you'll need three components:
Choose Your Wheel
#1144 (5" Tri-Star) or #1125 (6" Tri-Star)
Both feature sealed bearings and install on a 5/8" axle. Can be used on front or rear.
Add Brake Drum/Sprocket Combo
#2217 - 60 Tooth, #35 Chain
This combination drum and sprocket mounts to your wheel. The 60-tooth sprocket is ideal for most mini bike applications, providing good acceleration and top speed balance.
Add Drum Brake Assembly
#2208 - 4-1/2" Drum Brake
Complete brake assembly with steel anchor backing plate and 5/8" bore. Provides reliable stopping power for your mini bike.
ℹ️ Compatibility Note
The #2217 sprocket/drum and #2208 brake assembly fit both the 5" (#1144) and 6" (#1125) wheels, giving you flexibility in your build.
Front Wheel Setup
For front wheels, you only need the wheel itself (#1144 or #1125). No brake or sprocket required unless you're building a dual-brake system.
Components
Bearings
All our wheels come with sealed bearings pre-installed.
- Reduce friction for smooth rolling
- Protect against contamination
- Require minimal maintenance
- Last longer than open bearings
Brake Drums & Sprockets
Brake Drum/Sprocket Combo (#2217)
- Diameter: 4-1/2 inches (Drum)
- Sprocket: 60 teeth, #35 chain
- Material: High-strength steel
- Mounting: Bolts directly to wheel
Drum Brake Assembly (#2208)
- Type: Internal expanding drum brake
- Diameter: 4-1/2 inches
- Backing Plate: Steel anchor design
- Bore: 5/8 inch
- Actuation: Cable operated
⚠️ Important: Brake Break-In
New brakes require a break-in period. For the first 20-30 stops, apply brakes gently to allow the shoes to conform to the drum. This ensures maximum braking performance and longevity.
Installation Guide
Tools Required
- Socket set (metric and standard)
- Wrenches (10mm, 12mm, 14mm common)
- Torque wrench (recommended)
- Grease
- Thread locker (blue Loctite)
- Jack or Stand
Installing a Rear Wheel
Prepare the Wheel
Inspect the wheel for any shipping damage. Check that bearings spin freely. Clean any protective coating from mounting surfaces.
Install Brake Drum/Sprocket
Align the drum/sprocket combo (#2217) with the wheel. Insert bolts through the drum and into the wheel. Tighten in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Apply thread locker to bolts.
Mount Brake Assembly
Slip the brake assembly (#2208) into the drum. Position the backing plate so the brake arm is accessible for cable attachment. Secure the backing plate to the frame using the anchor bolt.
Install Wheel on Axle
Slide the complete wheel assembly onto the 5/8" axle. Ensure the sprocket is on the chain side. Leave appropriate clearance for the chain (typically 1/8" to 1/4").
Secure with Hardware
Install washers and axle nut. Tighten securely but don't over-tighten
Repair Tips
Additional components
Often times, it may become necessary to replace additional components, other than those being serviced, due to fitment issues.
*Keep in mind, the manufacturer for your minibike is gone, and these are aftermarket parts.
Sprocket & Brake
Replace the Wheel
💡TIP: You may need to replace the wheel in order to install a new sprocket or brake, due to fitment issues.
Convert a Bike
💡TIP: You may have an old Chinese bike with an odd, non-standard chain size and no parts available.
You may have a nice frame worth saving.
You can convert it to a standard #35 chain drive. Add the wheels, sprocket, brake, chain, clutch and engine.