When you're constantly replacing cracked stock rims or fighting a wheel that won't stay true, upgrading becomes essential. Excel Asia Takasago rims stand as the global benchmark for dirt bike and off-road wheels. They're built from exclusive 7000-series aluminum alloy, engineered to absorb massive impacts on motocross tracks and rough enduro trails without folding. Factory race teams and weekend riders alike rely on them because they combine high tensile strength with predictable flex.
Pricing for a single standalone Excel Takasago rim generally runs between $180 and $250 USD, depending on the size, color, and vendor. If you're buying a complete pre-built wheel set laced to aftermarket hubs with heavy-duty spokes, expect to spend anywhere from $1,150 to $1,700 USD. They aren't the cheapest option on the market, but their long-term durability changes the math entirely. Let's break down how they perform, what they cost, and whether they fit your riding style.
Core Specifications and Material Engineering
Understanding why these rims command respect requires looking at the metallurgy. Excel constructs its signature rims using a proprietary 7-series aluminum alloy designed specifically to handle high-stress competition.
Unlike cheaper extruded hoops that crack under sudden side loads, this alloy offers higher yield strength and controlled elasticity. When you case a jump or slam into a hidden rock, the metal flexes slightly to absorb the energy and then springs back instead of shearing or flat-spotting instantly.
Manufacturing involves complex multi-step extrusion, precision-formed profiles, and advanced robotic blind seam welding. That welded joint is often the weak point on budget rims, but Excel's robotic process creates a seamless structural transition that matches the strength of the rest of the hoop.
They also undergo a rigorous hard-anodizing process. This treatment doesn't just provide vibrant color choices—like black, silver, gold, blue, and specialized options—it hardens the surface layer against flying roost, rocks, and tire irons during changes.
Price Breakdown: Rims vs. Complete Wheel Sets
Budgeting for an Excel upgrade depends entirely on whether you are lacing a new hoop to your existing stock hubs or buying an entirely new wheel assembly.
Standalone Rims
If your current hubs are in great shape and your spokes are salvageable, buying just the rim hoop is the most cost-effective route.
- Front rims (typically 21x1.60) cost between $170 and $220 USD.
- Rear rims (such as 19x2.15 or 18x2.15 for off-road) range from $190 to $250 USD.
- Specialized sizes or custom colors can push slightly higher.
Complete Assemblies
Lacing a new rim yourself requires specialized tools and patience. Many riders prefer buying a pre-built wheel assembly featuring Excel rims paired with premium billet hubs (from brands like Dubya USA or Haan) and heavy-duty stainless steel spokes.
- Complete front and rear wheel sets range from $1,150 to $1,699 USD depending on the machine and hub configuration.
Factor in an extra $50 to $100 for a fresh heavy-duty spoke kit if your old hardware is rusted or seized. Reusing old, fatigued spokes on a brand-new rim is a recipe for loose wheels and broken nipples.
Real-World Performance and Track Review
On the track, the difference between stock budget wheels and Excel Takasago rims becomes obvious on the first hard landing. Stock rims on many entry-to-mid-tier dirt bikes are prone to getting soft after a single season of hard riding, leading to constant loose spokes and out-of-round hops.
Excel hoops maintain their trueness far longer. During aggressive cornering in deep ruts, the wheel resists lateral flex, giving you predictable tracking when you lean the bike over. The anodized finish holds up well against boot rub and roost, though extreme rock impacts will eventually scratch any colored coating down to the raw aluminum underneath.
Compared to the stiffer Excel A60 series—which is structurally rigid and features a V-curve profile designed to shed mud—the standard Takasago offers a more forgiving ride. That slight flex is actually an advantage for trail riders and motocrossers alike, as it dampens high-frequency chatter before it travels up into your handlebars and arms.
Common Installation and Maintenance Mistakes
Installing a rim yourself can turn into a headache if you overlook basic wheel-building principles. Avoid these frequent missteps:
- Skipping the pattern check: Always take detailed photos of your stock lacing pattern before cutting the old spokes out. Reversing the inner and outer spoke positions makes truing nearly impossible.
- Using damaged spokes: Old spokes stretch and develop microscopic fatigue cracks. Reusing them on a new, rigid Excel rim often leads to snapped spokes within a few rides.
- Over-tightening nipples: Torquing spokes unevenly pulls the rim out of round. Use a dedicated spoke torque wrench to ensure uniform tension across the entire wheel.
- Ignoring initial break-in stretch: New spokes stretch slightly during the first couple of hours of riding. Always check and retension your spokes after your first hard moto or trail ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lace an Excel Takasago rim to my stock OEM hubs?
Yes. Excel designs its signature series rims to integrate seamlessly with standard OEM hubs. You can use your factory hubs as long as the bolt patterns and hole counts (such as 36-hole or 32-hole layouts) match up correctly.
What is the difference between Excel Takasago and Excel One rims?
Takasago rims use exclusive high-grade 7000-series aluminum built for professional racing. Excel One rims use a more economical aluminum alloy targeted at casual trail riders looking for an affordable OEM replacement without top-tier race pricing.
Are these rims tubeless compatible?
Standard Excel Takasago rims are engineered for traditional tube-type tires. While some riders use aftermarket conversion kits or rim strips to run tubeless setups on adventure and enduro bikes, the rims themselves are manufactured and stamped for tube use.
How do I clean colored anodized rims without ruining the finish?
Use mild soap and water with a soft brush. Avoid harsh acidic wheel cleaners or pressure washers held too close to the surface, as harsh chemicals can strip or stain colored anodizing over time.
