Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Motorcycles: Fundamentals, Service, Repair 328 As the wheel rotates, weight is transferred from spoke to spoke. The spoke crossing pattern refers to the number of other spokes a single spoke crosses on one side of the wheel. For instance, in the cross-three pattern, each spoke crosses three other spokes. The wheel assembly is stronger when more spokes are crossed. This is because the load is dis- tributed over a wider area on the rim. As the wheel rotates, each spoke is loaded and unloaded gradually. Figure 16-3 shows weak and strong spoke crossing patterns. Cross-two and cross-three patterns are common. For some extreme- use applications, a cross-four pattern is custom laced for added strength. The major differences in spokes are the length and diameter of the spoke and the angle and length of the spoke throat. Figure 16-4 shows a few typical wheel spokes. The type of hub and the intended use of the motorcycle determine the type of spoke used in the wheel. The two types of hubs are the symmetrical hub and the conical hub. They are shown in Figure 16-5. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 16-1. Typical wire wheel assembly. A wire wheel uses many individual spokes and nipples to connect the hub and rim. Spoke Nipple Rim Hub Hub Weight of motorcycle Axle Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 16-2. The axle attaches the wheel assembly to the motorcycle. The hub, the axle, and the motorcycle’s weight are supported by the upper spokes. A B C Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 16-3. Different spoke patterns. A—The cross-zero pattern is weak and should only be used for display purposes as it is unsafe for street use. B—The cross-two pattern is common, but provides minimal support. C—The cross-three pattern provides good support and a strong wheel assembly.