If you’re considering fitting an L74 rear quick release kit to your motorcycle but already have aftermarket wheels, you might be wondering whether the two are compatible.

The good news is that most aftermarket wheels will work with our quick release kits. There’s just one important measurement you need to check: the outside diameter of your rear wheel spacers.

Ideally, your aftermarket wheel spacers should have the same outside diameter as the original (OEM) spacers. Smaller diameters will also work, while larger spacers may require a simple modification.

Why Does the Wheel Spacer Diameter Matter?

L74 rear quick release kits are designed and developed around the motorcycle’s original rear wheel and spacer dimensions.

One of the key features of our system is the specially designed wheel supports, which allow the rear wheel to rest in position during removal and installation.

This eliminates the need to hold the wheel in place while inserting or removing the spindle, making wheel changes quicker and easier.

These supports are designed around the outside diameter of the original wheel spacers.

If your aftermarket wheels use spacers with the same outside diameter as the OEM spacers, they will be compatible with the L74 quick release system.

Smaller-diameter spacers will also work, although matching the OEM diameter is preferable for the best possible wheel support and location.

What About Aftermarket Wheel Spacers?

Aftermarket wheel manufacturers such as Dymag, Marchesini and OZ Racing often use different spacer designs from the original motorcycle manufacturer.

Although the wheels are designed to fit your motorcycle, the outside diameter of their spacers isn’t necessarily identical to the OEM dimensions.

One advantage of aftermarket wheels is that their spacers are generally pressed into the wheel, making them captive.

This means they remain in place when the wheel is removed, which is ideal for quick wheel changes.

Although these spacers are pressed into the wheel, they can generally be removed easily if replacement or modification is required.

How Do I Check Compatibility?

Checking whether your aftermarket wheels will work with an L74 quick release kit is straightforward.

Simply compare the outside diameter of your aftermarket wheel spacers with the original OEM spacers.

Remember to check both the sprocket side and brake side, as the diameters may differ.

Spacer outside diameter	Compatibility
Same as OEM	Ideal – fully compatible
Smaller than OEM	Compatible, although matching OEM is preferred
Larger than OEM	May require modification

A set of vernier calipers is ideal for checking these measurements.

What If My Aftermarket Spacers Are Too Large?

If your aftermarket wheel spacers have a larger outside diameter than the original OEM spacers, they may not fit correctly within the L74 wheel supports.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t use our quick release kit.

There are two possible solutions.

Option 1 – Replace the Spacers

Your existing spacers may be replaced with alternatives manufactured to the correct outside diameter.

We may be able to help supply suitable replacement spacers, so please get in touch if required.

Option 2 – Machine Your Existing Spacers

In many cases, the simplest solution is to remove the existing spacers and have their outside diameter turned down on a lathe to match the OEM dimensions.

As aftermarket wheel spacers can generally be removed easily, this is often a straightforward modification, provided the spacer design allows sufficient material to be removed safely.

We can also help with machining your existing spacers if required.

Will My Aftermarket Wheels Still Be Quick to Change?

Absolutely.

With correctly sized spacers, your aftermarket wheels can take full advantage of the L74 quick release system.

The wheel supports allow the rear wheel to rest in position while the spindle is removed or installed, and because aftermarket wheel spacers are generally already captive, there’s no need to worry about them falling out during a wheel change.

This makes aftermarket wheels particularly well suited to the L74 quick release system.

Not Sure? We’re Happy to Help

If you’re unsure whether your aftermarket wheels are compatible, please contact us before ordering.

Ideally, let us know your motorcycle make, model and year, along with the manufacturer and model of your aftermarket wheels.

If you already know the outside diameter of your wheel spacers, that’s even better.

We can help establish whether your existing spacers are suitable or whether any modification may be required.

At L74, our aim is to make rear wheel changes as quick and straightforward as possible, regardless of whether you’re using original or aftermarket wheels.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

L74 Track & Race Products
www.L74.co.uk

*UK-designed and manufactured motorcycle racing components