Ask the Editors: Stock Split Rim?
How many pieces is my rim?
I think it may have originally had the balloon tires but someone converted to have all 22x11x8 knobbies.
I cut the front tire off and noticed there are what looks like two large o-rings or gaskets next to the bead on each side and it does not look like this rim can be split. The front rim has a 3 bolt pattern. There are no other bolts in the front rim. Do these rims require a special tire or do you change them like a normal tire? Are there any special procedures for install the new tire?
The rear wheels are split rims. I have fixed one of the seals between the split rims on the rear, so I know those are split rims.
Based on the pics you’ve taken, we can’t be certain yours is the OEM rim that would have come equipped on a Honda US90. It would have looked like the following:
What you do have there looks like the split rim designs Honda continued using on its ATVs for several years following the US/ ATC90 (like those that came equipped on the 185S). It is very possible that whoever updated the machine from the original balloony tires went with the same wheel option all the way around. Even if they are in fact the factory ATC90 wheels, they would indeed all be 2-piece rims.
To mount a tire on a 2-piece rim, there is indeed a special technique and it usually requires the wheel be split and the gaskets replaced. Split rims are often nicknamed widow-makers because of the risk of explosion during installation.
Were it our project, we would likely take it to a Honda dealer or a tire mounting shop before attempting it. We have heard of backyard mechanics having some success substituting the gaskets with a sealant like RTV but it’s a situation where the work involved may not justified the money saved on a mounting charge.
Or another choice is to simply update the wheel entirely. ITP offers a replacement wheel complete for about $40. And yes it is a 1-piece.
