Haan Factory Rally Wheels: The Ultimate Upgrade

Unleash Your KTM's Potential with Haan Factory Rally Wheels

For riders who demand the absolute best in off-road performance, the Haan "Factory" Rally Wheel Assembly stands as a testament to durability, strength, and uncompromised quality. These are not just wheels; they are a meticulously engineered upgrade designed to withstand the rigours of the most demanding rallies, enduro races, and adventurous trail rides. If you're looking to transform your KTM EXC into a rally-ready machine or simply want a more robust and reliable wheelset for extreme conditions, the Haan Factory Rally Wheels are the definitive choice.

The Legend Behind the Wheels

The pedigree of Haan Wheels is undeniable. These "Factory" Rally Wheel Sets are the very same assemblies that have propelled factory teams like GHR Honda to victory in prestigious events such as the A4DE, AORC, Finke, and Hattah Outright. Their widespread adoption by 50% of world MX teams and Yamaha's own Factory Dakar effort further solidifies their reputation as the pinnacle of off-road wheel technology. This isn't just marketing hype; it's a history of proven performance where every component has been rigorously tested and refined under the most punishing conditions.

Crafted for Excellence: Haan Hubs

At the heart of every Haan Rally Wheel Set are the exceptional Haan Hubs, manufactured entirely in the Netherlands. Precision-engineered from a single piece of billet 6082 T6 alloy using the latest CNC machinery, these hubs are built for extreme longevity. The anodisation process not only enhances their aesthetic appeal, with a wide range of colours available (Black, Silver, Gold, Yellow, Red, Green, Titanium, Magnesium, Orange, and Blue), but also provides crucial protection against corrosion and wear.

Key features of Haan Hubs include:

• Robust Construction: CNC machined from a single piece of 6082 T6 alloy for maximum strength and minimal flex.
• Original Component Compatibility: Designed to accept original brake discs and sprockets, simplifying installation and maintenance.
• Superior Bearings: Fitted with high-quality Koyo bearings, ensuring smooth operation and worldwide availability for replacements.
• Enhanced Rear Hubs: Most rear hubs feature three bearings instead of the standard two, offering increased support and durability.
• Optimised Spoke Count: All 65/85cc hubs use 32 spokes, while larger capacity bikes benefit from 36 spokes for superior strength.
• Durable Center Components: The center tube and spacer are crafted from 7075 hard alloy, a material known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
• Complete Mounting Hardware: Hubs are supplied with all necessary mounting hardware for a straightforward installation.

The Benchmark in Strength: Excel Takasago Rims

Complementing the robust hubs are the renowned Excel Takasago Rims. These rims are the industry standard for off-road racing, constructed from high-grade 7000 series alloy. For years, top riders and factory teams have relied on Excel rims for their unparalleled strength and resilience. The Excel Takasago rim is not just a component; it's a critical element that defines the benchmark in off-road competition.

Designed to excel in the most challenging environments, Excel Enduro rims offer:

• Exceptional Strength: Made from 7000 series alloy, providing superior durability compared to standard rims.
• Versatile Fitment: Can be laced to stock hubs, other brands, or Haan's own custom hubs.
• Wide Application: Available for a vast range of motorcycles, from 65cc bikes to large twin-cylinder adventure bikes.
• Proven Performance: Trusted by nearly all top riders and used in countless race victories.
• Colour Options: Available in Black, Silver, Gold, Yellow, and Blue to match your bike's aesthetic.

Even Stronger: Excel A60 Rims

For those seeking an even greater level of strength without compromising weight, the Excel A60 rims are the ultimate solution. These rims are engineered to be a remarkable 15% stronger than the already impressive Excel Takasago rims, all while maintaining the same competitive low weight. The A60 rims also feature a clever V-Curve profile designed to significantly reduce mud build-up, a crucial advantage in wet and muddy conditions.

The Excel A60 rims offer:

• Enhanced Durability: 15% stronger than Takasago rims, providing superior resistance to impacts and deformation.
• Weight Efficiency: Retains the low weight characteristic of high-performance off-road rims.
• Mud Reduction: The V-Curve profile minimises mud accumulation, improving wheel performance and reducing cleaning effort.
• Compatibility: Can be laced to stock, other brands, and Haan hubs.
• Standard Sizes: Available in common off-road sizes: 21×1.60 (front), 18×2.15 (rear), 19×1.85, and 19×2.15.
• Premium Finish: Available in a sleek Black finish.

The Backbone of the Wheel: Haan Spokes and Nipples

The integrity of any wheelset relies heavily on its spokes, and Haan Wheels spares no expense in this critical area. Their spokes are manufactured from a special grade of stainless steel, ensuring exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. Haan precisely cuts spokes to the exact lengths required for each specific application, allowing them to create custom spoke kits for a vast array of motorcycle brands, models, and even older bikes.

Haan spokes are:

• Up to 30% Stronger: Offer significantly increased strength over original equipment spokes.
• Custom Sized: Made to order for a perfect fit on any bike.
• Supplied with Nipples: Spoke kits include matching nipples for a complete assembly.
• Black Coating Option: Available in black, which uses the same high-quality stainless steel spokes but with a special threaded coating for enhanced durability and aesthetics.

Nipples are available in a wide array of colours, including Black, Silver, Gold, Yellow, Red, Green, Orange, and Blue, allowing for further customisation.

The "Factory Rally Spec Wheel Set" Explained

So, what exactly constitutes the Haan "Factory Rally Spec Wheel Set"? It is, quite simply, the strongest possible wheel combination for serious off-road use. These sets are ideal for converting enduro bikes into rally machines or for building a lightweight adventure bike that can handle anything you throw at it. They are particularly beneficial for protecting the gearbox on single-cylinder bikes and smoothing out the ride. For twin-cylinder owners, the Rally Spec sets are often narrower than OEM standards, offering far superior performance and reliability for off-road applications.

The construction typically involves a Haan rear hub with a cush drive (crucial for absorbing drivetrain shock), laced to an Excel Takasago rim with the finest Haan spokes. The front wheel utilises the same high-quality components, often in the standard factory rally sizes – for KTMs, this means a 21" front and 18" rear, mirroring the setups used by factory riders like Toby Price and Sam Sunderland.

The advantage of the Rally Rim, as explained by Glenn Hoffmann of Dirtbike Pty Ltd (the force behind GHR Honda's success), is its superior reliability compared to even standard Excel rims purchased elsewhere. With over 300,000 km of testing by riders like Grabbo and the Smith brothers, these Rally Wheels have never experienced a failure. Importantly, these are not the A60 rims, but a specific combination proven through extensive real-world competition.

Adapting Your Bike and Optimising Performance

Fitting these Rally wheels is generally straightforward. You can often use your existing front brake disc, or you can select the appropriate disc and sprocket combination from the vendor's range when ordering. Some riders choose to sell their original wheels to help fund the upgrade to the superior Rally set.

Beyond the core wheel assembly, further enhancements are possible. The inclusion of a grease nipple kit, a GHR innovation, allows for the external injection of mousse gel into the rear wheel and tyre. This ingenious addition can significantly extend the life of both the tyre and the mousse, a testament to the practical, race-proven modifications developed by GHR Honda. They have logged over 300,000 km on these rims with mousse without a single failed mousse or an unrideable rim, a remarkable feat of engineering and application.

Mousse and Rim Compatibility: A Crucial Consideration

When venturing into the realm of mousse and long-distance off-road riding, compatibility between the rim, tyre, and mousse is paramount. Michelin offers three different 18" rear mousse options, and Excel alone produces five different 18" rims. This variety can lead to confusion and the risk of selecting an incorrect combination, making tyre and mousse fitting more difficult.

The correct selection of rear rim size and crown, matched precisely with the appropriate tyre and mousse, is essential. GHR has a flawless record of no rear wheel or mousse failures that have caused a DNF (Did Not Finish) for their lead riders or customers. The legendary Gary Gray of Cobar, riding a GHR Honda XR 650 on Safari, completed an entire 4,500 km event on a single rear tyre and mousse, never requiring a change, and finished 12th outright. This level of reliability is a direct result of meticulous component matching and the superior quality of the Haan Factory Rally Wheel Sets.

Why Choose Dirtbike Pty Ltd?

Purchasing your Haan Factory Rally Wheel Set from Dirtbike Pty Ltd means you are benefiting from the direct experience and expertise of Glenn Hoffmann, the visionary behind GHR Honda's numerous victories. His intimate knowledge of what it takes to win at the highest level of off-road competition is embedded in every wheel set they offer. This isn't just a retail transaction; it's an investment in a proven system backed by decades of real-world racing success.

Technical Specifications Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are these wheels specifically for KTM EXC models?
While the information highlights their suitability and use on KTMs (specifically mentioning 21" front and 18" rear as per factory rally bikes), Haan hubs and Excel rims are incredibly versatile and can be laced to fit a wide range of motorcycle models. It's always best to check compatibility or consult with the vendor.

Q2: What is the main advantage of the "Rally Spec" over a standard Excel rim?
The "Rally Spec" designation implies a combination of components, particularly the hub and spoke choice, that have been proven in extreme rally conditions. The rims themselves might be specific Excel models (like Takasago or A60), but the overall wheel assembly is built to a higher durability standard than typical aftermarket offerings, preventing failures in demanding situations.

Q3: Can I use my standard brake discs and sprocket?
Yes, Haan hubs are designed to accept original brake discs and sprockets, making the transition easier. However, you may wish to upgrade these components as well for optimal performance and durability.

Q4: What is the benefit of the cush drive rear hub?
A cush drive hub incorporates rubber dampers that absorb the shock transmitted from the drivetrain to the rear wheel. This reduces stress on the gearbox, clutch, and the wheel components themselves, leading to greater longevity and a smoother riding experience, especially on rough terrain.

Q5: Are these wheels suitable for everyday road use?
While incredibly strong, these wheels are primarily designed and optimised for off-road and rally use. They can be used for occasional road riding, but their aggressive tread patterns and robust construction are best suited for unpaved surfaces.

Q6: What is the difference between Excel Takasago and Excel A60 rims?
Excel A60 rims are an evolution of the Takasago rim, offering approximately 15% greater strength while maintaining a similar weight. The A60 also features a V-profile to help shed mud more effectively.

Q7: Is the mousse and rim compatibility crucial?
Absolutely. Using the wrong combination of rim profile, tyre, and mousse can lead to premature wear, difficulties in fitting, and even catastrophic failures during a ride. The detailed knowledge provided regarding mousse and rim matching is a significant value-add when purchasing these high-performance wheel sets.

Conclusion

The Haan "Factory" Rally Wheel Assembly is more than just an upgrade; it's an investment in reliability, performance, and peace of mind. Trusted by the world's best riders and teams, these wheels offer unparalleled strength and durability, ensuring you can tackle the toughest off-road challenges with confidence. Whether you're building a dedicated rally bike or simply seeking the ultimate in wheel strength for your KTM EXC, the Haan Factory Rally Wheels are the undisputed champions.

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