This is all referencing my 2019 T120 Diamond. For those that pursue such things you'e already aware that theer are very limited options for converting the T120 tubed wheels to a tubeless option. Outex, Alpina, Canyon motorcycles, Kineo, Woody's Wheel Works (?), and KKE Racing are the most discussed options for spoke sealant or full tubeless wheel options. Some of teh more desireable whel options are now either N/A or have incredibly long lead times, and very high costs. And, when it comes to this sort of thing there are many emoyions and opinions. To which I say do what works for you. I personally like teh peace of mind that I have a fighting shot at a rural roadside repair vs. the pre-determined hassles and headaches that would accompany a rural roadside tube puncture and deflation. I know there are no guarantees and I may still encounter those hassles and headaches with the tubeless wheels but teh odds shift considerably in my favor. Enough said on that topic.
Great thread here discussion on options here:
www.triumphrat.net
After testing the availability and pricing waters on a few of these I ended up taking the chance on a set of the KKE Racing wheels. Their cross spoke design is much like the BMW version which I have always liked. There is not a lot of info available on the KKE / VMX product, mostly a few YouTube videos of Africa Twin sets. And written info is also limited but the general feeling is that they were a decent quality wheel. Any info on a T120 set and install were non-existent. I don't know if anyone on this forum has these. But now I do and here we are.
I found the folks at KKE to be very responsive and helpful, with a slight language barrier and a couple e-mails drifting off into unanswered territory for a few points. I was able to secure a set on a pre-order program for a delivered price of $1439.00. No tax, no shipping, no additional duty charges. And, while that is not an insignificant sum, it is significantly less that the other wheel options. Order placed 11/7/22, wheel set delivered 12/23/22, well ahead of the original estimated delivery date, which was 8-10 weeks from order. Notifications were prompt and has FedEx tracking all the way in.
Thie was the wheel set I purchased. I had originally hoped for the silver hubs but the pre order pricing and free shipping was only for the black hub version so I went with that. Honestly, after all, it doesn't matter. Once installed they're not all that visible and the original hubs were black so that look is maintained.
hey do list the front wheel as 18 x 2.5 vs the OEM at 18.x 2.75 listed. They did confirm that it is OK. (As did Jonich BTW). Regarding bearings, KKE Racing's response to my bearing and seal inquiry: "we use high quality bearings in NSK 6905, the same size of your stock parts".
KKE RACING
2260 S. Haven Ave Unit B
Ontario CA 9176
United States
1 909-674-7077
sales03@kkeracing.com
On delivery I opened the boxes to do a quick inspection for any obvious problems and found none. They arrived very well packed and the pair were well banded together. Opening them I found teh wheels and separate bahs of assorted hardware: right angle valves, seals, spacers, cush drive, etc. Wheels looked great, not in any way 'cheap'. Bearings felt solid and well installed. The hubs are listed as '6082T6 ALUMINUM CNC PRODUCED HUB', and the wheels are listed as 'alloy' and as 'BILLET 7050T6 ALUMINUM RIMS'. I am still not sure what the wheel finish is. It's one of the questions that got lost in communication.
The wheel finish:
![Image]()
![Image]()
And the hubs:
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
Everything was tight and solid. Spacers are well machined and fit perfectly. The only bump was that I was sent teh incorrect seal sizes for both rear seals. A minor disappointmentwhich the quickly rectified by sending a partial refund and I purchased the correct sized seals of my choice, in this case from Amazon and here in a couple days.
The right angle valves were interesting and a style that no one had seen before. They have a second piece that threads into the stem, but for what purpose I still don't know. Based on their response the only thing I could gather they are for was to aid in installation. "It is necessary to install the screw into the valve (as shown by the arrow in the figure). The pattern on the top of the screw is just for the convenience of using the wrench to install and make it more firm!" I ultimately left that piece off.
![Image]()
![Image]()
One compromise based on the wheel style and spoke placement was the direction on the stems. Ideally they would be opposite the side stand side for easy access while the bike is leaning away. But because there were spokes in the way on both the front and rear wheels I had to place them facing left, towards the side stand side. Not ideal, but not awful and as easy from either side when on the center stand.
The 'bad' direction:
![Image]()
Rear wheel in the 'good' direction. Note that the rear wheel stem hole is off center and in this orientation allows a nice overhang for an air chuck and for the Fobo pressure monitors that I use.
![Image]()
Additionally, the directional arrows on the wheels were a bit confusing and didn't make sense relative to the drive side and brake side orientation, vs the arrow direction. This was the response: "Generally, the sprocket is on the left side of the wheel, while Triumph is on the right side. Our rings are universal, so there is no special re-marking of the arrow direction，So we suggest you install the outer tire in the opposite direction of the arrow". Knowing there was no set directionality with the wheels I could proceed with the valve installation.
![Image]()
Great thread here discussion on options here:
New User and Question About Spoked Wheel Options
Long time lurker, first time poster. I’m currently enjoying the snot out of a ’22 Thruxton RS; obligatory photo is attached below. It’s still mostly in its factory configuration, as I’ve so far kept the modifications to simple bolt-ons like turn signals, levers, etc. The tubes in the tires...
www.triumphrat.net
After testing the availability and pricing waters on a few of these I ended up taking the chance on a set of the KKE Racing wheels. Their cross spoke design is much like the BMW version which I have always liked. There is not a lot of info available on the KKE / VMX product, mostly a few YouTube videos of Africa Twin sets. And written info is also limited but the general feeling is that they were a decent quality wheel. Any info on a T120 set and install were non-existent. I don't know if anyone on this forum has these. But now I do and here we are.
I found the folks at KKE to be very responsive and helpful, with a slight language barrier and a couple e-mails drifting off into unanswered territory for a few points. I was able to secure a set on a pre-order program for a delivered price of $1439.00. No tax, no shipping, no additional duty charges. And, while that is not an insignificant sum, it is significantly less that the other wheel options. Order placed 11/7/22, wheel set delivered 12/23/22, well ahead of the original estimated delivery date, which was 8-10 weeks from order. Notifications were prompt and has FedEx tracking all the way in.
Thie was the wheel set I purchased. I had originally hoped for the silver hubs but the pre order pricing and free shipping was only for the black hub version so I went with that. Honestly, after all, it doesn't matter. Once installed they're not all that visible and the original hubs were black so that look is maintained.
hey do list the front wheel as 18 x 2.5 vs the OEM at 18.x 2.75 listed. They did confirm that it is OK. (As did Jonich BTW). Regarding bearings, KKE Racing's response to my bearing and seal inquiry: "we use high quality bearings in NSK 6905, the same size of your stock parts".
VMX 18" & 17" Tubeless Alloy Spoke Wheels For Triumph Bonneville T120/
Shipping Time: 1-2 Business Days Feature: 6082T6 ALUMINUM CNC PRODUCED HUB BILLET 7050T6 ALUMINUM RIMS BEARING ASSEMBLED, SPACERS & SEALS PACKAGED WHEELS COMPATIBLE WITH OEM DISCS, SPROCKET AND TIRES NO TPM SYSTEM NODESTRUCTIVE INSTALLATION. THESE WHEELS IS LIGHTER THAN STOCK WHEELS. Rim...
www.kkeracing.com
KKE RACING
2260 S. Haven Ave Unit B
Ontario CA 9176
United States
1 909-674-7077
sales03@kkeracing.com
On delivery I opened the boxes to do a quick inspection for any obvious problems and found none. They arrived very well packed and the pair were well banded together. Opening them I found teh wheels and separate bahs of assorted hardware: right angle valves, seals, spacers, cush drive, etc. Wheels looked great, not in any way 'cheap'. Bearings felt solid and well installed. The hubs are listed as '6082T6 ALUMINUM CNC PRODUCED HUB', and the wheels are listed as 'alloy' and as 'BILLET 7050T6 ALUMINUM RIMS'. I am still not sure what the wheel finish is. It's one of the questions that got lost in communication.
The wheel finish:
And the hubs:
Everything was tight and solid. Spacers are well machined and fit perfectly. The only bump was that I was sent teh incorrect seal sizes for both rear seals. A minor disappointmentwhich the quickly rectified by sending a partial refund and I purchased the correct sized seals of my choice, in this case from Amazon and here in a couple days.
The right angle valves were interesting and a style that no one had seen before. They have a second piece that threads into the stem, but for what purpose I still don't know. Based on their response the only thing I could gather they are for was to aid in installation. "It is necessary to install the screw into the valve (as shown by the arrow in the figure). The pattern on the top of the screw is just for the convenience of using the wrench to install and make it more firm!" I ultimately left that piece off.
One compromise based on the wheel style and spoke placement was the direction on the stems. Ideally they would be opposite the side stand side for easy access while the bike is leaning away. But because there were spokes in the way on both the front and rear wheels I had to place them facing left, towards the side stand side. Not ideal, but not awful and as easy from either side when on the center stand.
The 'bad' direction:
Rear wheel in the 'good' direction. Note that the rear wheel stem hole is off center and in this orientation allows a nice overhang for an air chuck and for the Fobo pressure monitors that I use.
Additionally, the directional arrows on the wheels were a bit confusing and didn't make sense relative to the drive side and brake side orientation, vs the arrow direction. This was the response: "Generally, the sprocket is on the left side of the wheel, while Triumph is on the right side. Our rings are universal, so there is no special re-marking of the arrow direction，So we suggest you install the outer tire in the opposite direction of the arrow". Knowing there was no set directionality with the wheels I could proceed with the valve installation.
