One of the most common modifications people make to their motorcycles are new wheels. Custom motorcycle wheels can change the personality of your bike quicker than almost any other add-on. There are several types of wheels to choose from, however, so make sure you look at all your options.
Custom wheels come in various finishes - chrome, polished, and black anodized are the most common. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, some of which will depend on where you live and where you do most of your riding.
Chrome is the easiest of the three to clean and maintain, but it is more susceptible to corrosion if you live somewhere near the ocean, where there is a lot of salt air. Polished wheels, on the other hand, are more resistant to corrosion but will require more maintenance to keep them looking good.
Black anodized wheels, or powder coated wheels, have a more unique look than the others but are more prone to chips and scratches.
There are also various designs of wheels available for motorcycles. This is really a matter of taste more than anything, but you want to make sure you do some thorough shopping before you make your decision. You don't want to wind up with wheels that you get tired of too soon, since you're going to be spending a significant amount on them.
A good set of custom wheels is likely to cost you $2,000 or more, although you can sometimes find good used ones for considerably less. Some wheel shops will sell used wheels or you can check websites like Craigslist or eBay for deals.
Another consideration when buying new wheels is the size. If you want to get larger tires on your bike, this is the time to decide since you'll be replacing your wheels anyway. Once you've bought them you're going to limited by the size of the wheel.
Just make sure you find out what the largest tires your bike can handle are. If your wheels and tires are too large, it can affect your steering, the performance of the bike and various other things.
If you're planning on using your motorcycle to drag race or other unusual reasons, this will also figure into the types of wheels you choose.
If you do your homework and ensure you get the best wheels for your needs, you should be able to enjoy them for many years to come.