2003 KX 250: What's the deal with those rims?

[roosteater]

What's the deal with the rims on the 2003 KX 250? They are like none I've ever seen before. They're not the same standard stock wheels we're used to seeing. And they're not Excels.

As a matter of fact, they look totally different. Most rims have a flat edge on either side (right where the rim meets the bead of the tire). However, this rim is totally round from one side to the other. No flat edges...no lips...very strange.

And the coating is weird too. They're not a polished aluminum like the usual stockers or Excels. And they're not anodized. It's more like they're painted or have some other type of coating.

What gives?

 

[Camstyn]

They're called a DID U-rim. DID sells them for most makes/models. They used to come stock on KX125's for a couple of years, this year they switched to the 250 and put the shouldered rims back on the 125, heck if I know which is better..

 

[IrishEKU]

"Supposedly" the U- rim is stronger, I haven't seen any documentation on this other than cosmetic.

 

[Glitch]

DID ad's also say that it repels dirt better, if I remember correctly.

 

[roosteater]

Cool. Well, they look like a pretty rugged rim. I've never seen them before. I just wonder how durable that paint or coating is. I have a feeling that stuff would be all hacked up before too long.

 

[Steve47]

Actually it's the opposite!!! The last forever and they still look like new compared to regular rim. They're not painted and they don't have that chrome shine when they are new. They have this raw non polished metal finish. The sand seems to deflect off the rim instead of sandblasting the rim. Regular rims usually lose the shiny look after a month, but these still look brand new after 2 months.