What is an empty wheel?

An empty wheel is a type of wheel that has no rim or spokes and consists of only one spokeless hub. Empty wheels are used in a variety of applications, from automotive and motorcycle projects to fabricating custom steering wheels for airplane simulators.

Typically, an empty wheel has a thick hub with a center hole where the axle or bearing will attach to its outside surface. The number of holes and their size vary based on what type of wheel it is being used for; however, all empty wheels will have the same hub size. This makes them easy to find parts for in the aftermarket, as well as more cost-effective than purchasing a pre-built wheel.

Aftermarket auto and motorcycle shops often use empty wheels for custom builds because they provide customers with increased freedom to customize the aesthetics of their vehicles. With no spoke or rim present, there is more space to add custom designs or logos onto the wheel before they are powder coated or painted. This means that customers don't have to settle with standard-issue or easily found wheels since they can design their own unique set as well as save some money in doing so.

Empty wheels also come in handy when creating steering wheels for flight simulations and other interactive systems because they can be customized with a wide range of tactile controls such as knobs, dials, sliders, buttons and switches that are designed specifically for this purpose. This allows users to give their custom setups the look and feel of a real cockpit if desired without having to resort to commercially available steering wheels which may not be suitable or functional enough for the job at hand.