Finding a solid set of husqvarna motard wheels is usually the first big step if you're looking to turn your dirt bike into a street-shredding machine. There is just something about that supermoto look—the small, wide rims paired with sticky rubber—that completely changes the personality of a Husqvarna. Whether you're riding a FE 501 or a smaller displacement TE model, ditching the 21-inch front wheel for a 17-inch setup is basically the universal signal that you're ready to have some serious fun on the pavement.
Why the Switch to 17-Inch Wheels Matters
If you've spent your life on knobbies, the first time you lean into a corner on husqvarna motard wheels, it feels like a revelation. The standard dirt setup is designed to roll over rocks and soak up ruts, but on asphalt, those big wheels feel vague and floaty. By dropping down to 17-inch rims, you're lowering the center of gravity and drastically increasing the "flickability" of the bike.
It's not just about the size, though. It's about the rubber you can actually fit on those rims. Dirt rims are skinny; you aren't getting a high-performance sportbike tire on a 1.60-inch wide front rim. Motard wheels are wide—usually 3.5 inches up front and anywhere from 4.25 to 5.0 inches in the rear. This allows you to run modern street tires that actually have a contact patch meant for high-speed cornering.
Choosing the Right Setup for Your Husky
When you start shopping for husqvarna motard wheels, you'll quickly realize there are a few different ways to go. You've got your classic spoked wheels, which most people prefer because they can take a beating and they just look "right" on a converted dirt bike. Brands like Warp 9, Excel, and Alpina are the heavy hitters here.
Spoked wheels are great because they offer a bit of flex. If you're planning on jumping curbs or hitting the occasional urban stairwell, that flex keeps you from cracking a rim. On the other hand, you have forged or cast wheels. These are stiffer and usually easier to maintain because you don't have to worry about spoke tension, but they can be a bit pricier and less forgiving if you hit a massive pothole.
Hub Compatibility and Axle Sizes
This is where things can get a little tricky. Husqvarna has gone through some changes over the years, especially after the KTM takeover. If you have an older "Italian" Husky, your axle sizes and offset might be different than the newer "Austrian" models. Most modern Husqvarnas share parts with KTM, which makes finding husqvarna motard wheels much easier, but you still need to check your axle diameters.
Most newer bikes use a 22mm or 26mm front axle. If you buy a used set of wheels from an older bike, you might need different spacers or even a different bearing kit to make them fit. Don't just assume they'll bolt right up—double-check those measurements before you drop a grand on a set of wheels.
The "Hidden" Costs of the Conversion
Getting the wheels is the big hurdle, but it's rarely just a "plug and play" situation. To do it right, you're going to need a few extra bits.
First off, let's talk about the kickstand. Your bike was designed to sit high on 21/18-inch wheels. When you put on husqvarna motard wheels, the bike drops significantly. If you keep the stock kickstand, the bike will stand almost vertical, and a light breeze will knock it over. Most guys either buy a shorter aftermarket stand or, if they're feeling handy, cut an inch or two off the stock one and weld the foot back on.
Then there's the speedometer. Since the front wheel is now much smaller, your speedo is going to think you're going way faster than you actually are. On most Husqvarnas, you can actually go into the computer settings and change the wheel circumference, but it's a step a lot of people forget until they realize they're "doing 90" in a 45 zone.
Braking Power Improvements
You really shouldn't run your tiny stock dirt rotor with your new husqvarna motard wheels. Dirt rotors are thin and small because you don't want massive initial bite on loose soil. On the street, though, you want all the stopping power you can get.
Most motard wheel kits come with a 320mm oversized rotor and a bracket to move your caliper out. This is a non-negotiable upgrade in my book. The weight of the bike doesn't change, but the speeds you'll be carrying into corners definitely will. Having that extra leverage on the front wheel makes a world of difference when you're trying to haul the bike down from speed.
Tires: The Finishing Touch
Once you've got your husqvarna motard wheels laced up and ready, you need to pick your rubber. This is where you can really customize the ride. If you're just commuting and want something that lasts, a sport-touring tire like a Michelin Road 6 is a solid choice. But let's be honest, if you're building a supermoto, you probably want something stickier.
Tires like the Continental ContiAttack SM or the Michelin Power series are specifically designed for the lighter weight of a single-cylinder bike. Heavy sportbike tires sometimes struggle to get up to temperature on a lightweight Husky, so looking for "SM" (Supermoto) specific tires is usually the way to go. They have a softer carcass and heat up much faster, giving you confidence right out of the driveway.
Living with a Supermoto Conversion
There's a reason why people get obsessed with this. A Husqvarna on motard wheels is one of the most versatile things you can own. It's light enough to toss around like a mountain bike but has enough grunt to pull wheelies in third gear without even trying.
Maintenance becomes a bit different, though. You'll find yourself checking spoke tension more often if you're riding hard on the street. Street riding puts different lateral loads on the wheels compared to dirt riding. Also, keep an eye on your chain slider. Since you'll likely be changing your gearing (going to a smaller rear sprocket to handle higher street speeds), the chain angle might change slightly, leading to faster wear on the swingarm protectors.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Honestly, buying a set of husqvarna motard wheels is the best bang-for-your-buck mod you can do. It essentially gives you two bikes in one. You can spend Saturday morning carving canyons on 17s, and with about 30 minutes of work in the garage, you can swap your dirt wheels back on for a Sunday trail ride.
Sure, it's an investment. Between the wheels, tires, rotors, and a shorter kickstand, you might be looking at $1,500 to $2,000. But the first time you back it into a corner or realize you can out-handle a sportbike on a tight, twisty backroad, you'll realize it was worth every penny. Just make sure you get the right hub spacers and a decent set of brakes, and you're good to go.
Anyway, if you're on the fence about it, just do it. The Husqvarna platform is arguably the best base for a supermoto build because of the high-quality components and the sheer power-to-weight ratio. Once those 17s are on, you won't want to take them off.