Rebuilding spoke rims

Elmo Hayride · February 03, 2014, 22:21:12 PM

I came across this link for Motorcycle Spoke Wheel Lacing & Rebuilding Instructions. It's a direct download, 6 pages, maybe could be of use to someone.
Dave

https://www.4shared.com/download/_qkmELyH/Motorcycle_Spoke_Wheel_Lacing_.pdf

griz01 · October 03, 2013, 14:25:14 PM

These guys might be worth a call

http://www.ksrwheels.net/

49Reo · October 03, 2013, 00:28:03 AM

Yeah, was wondering more about the spokes; the rims are easy enough to powder coat or paint, it is the spokes that are the difficult ones on that score. $:-\$

greenbarn · October 02, 2013, 21:08:08 PM

there are several brands of gun coating, cerakote, duracote, probably more. I think they're really durable etc. Maybe that would work on a rim?

49Reo · October 02, 2013, 20:45:03 PM

Don't know anything about anodizing other than seeing parts and pieces done in it. There are other ways of blackening metal; custom guns are coming out with a dull black finish that is not done with bluing salts; I think it is Teflon coating of some sort and could it be used on spokes without changing the dimensions? Bluing doesn't change dimensions, but requires constant oiling, so would not be a good idea.

greenbarn · October 02, 2013, 20:32:17 PM

I don't think you can anodize anything besides aluminum?

49Reo · October 02, 2013, 19:31:49 PM

For black spokes, what about anodizing? Just a thought. $:-\$

greenbarn · October 02, 2013, 16:31:17 PM

Hey Cally, how did your powder coating turn out? Inquiring minds want to know.... There is another post regarding questions on powder coating the rims separate, and then putting in spokes afterwards.
http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?topic=25601.0

We'd love to see pics of yours.

Elmo Hayride · July 23, 2013, 15:32:05 PM

Ok Cally, I hope this works.
It is 44mm rotor face to rim face (i can see it anyhow) see pic.
**Noteworthy trivia**
The rim depth is 111.23mm and the hub depth is 110.23mm (rotor included). This is probably why the axial runout is only 0.8mm max.
Good luck and let us know how you did.
Dave

Cally · July 22, 2013, 21:37:13 PM

Elmo, ty so much for the measurement.

I would say lay a straight edge along the rotor and measure to the lip of the rim.

As posted before here is a good example
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-wheels/spoke-wheels/

Just have to figure the front now.

Come on guys you, you know you want to see these trick silver and black together. Ha

thanks

Elmo Hayride · July 19, 2013, 23:28:10 PM

Is there a way you can tell me what to measure on my '99 1500? I have the wheel thats on it and I have a new rim and spokes in a box for future if needed.
Dave

Cally · July 19, 2013, 22:12:37 PM

I went with powder coat on everything as I could not find black spokes.

I Have a 99 with the blacked out package so opted for gloss black loops and hubs and brushed silver spokes. Matches the brushed engine covers on the 99.

Problem is they still sit in pieces as I cannot find the right offset measurements anywhere. Kaw dealer dosent have the measurements either. Once I have the specs I will send them out to be laced and trued.

Frustrating because the build is complete other than the wheels... Progressive suspension fitted - Panels all matte black - Matte exhaust installed ... and just sitting on the stand.

Once again any assistance would be appreciated.

Worst case I can source another set of wheels for the measurements.

Cally

greenbarn · July 11, 2013, 17:23:36 PM

Hey Cally, did you ever find black spokes??

Bucko · July 11, 2013, 01:05:50 AM

I'd like to see some pictures of your wheel when you're done. I've always felt the Drifter wheels should have been black.

Cally · June 27, 2013, 20:41:07 PM

Yes I assumed (thats where I went wrong) that the offset number would be avail somewhere, especially in the service manual.

At this point I will have to find some built wheels and get some measurements.

If anyone out there has their wheels off for a tire change and would not mind getting some measurements I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Cally

chief · June 24, 2013, 13:24:49 PM

Hmmm... its always good to take pictures before you dismantle... and, YES you should have measured the offset BEFORE you took the wheel apart.

OFFSET:
Not all hubs are centered on the wheel. Depending on the type of hub, the hub may extend a little or a lot beyond the edge of the wheel. To measure offset, use a stiff piece of metal (yardstick here) to span the brake-side center radial.

At this point you will need to duplicate the measurement from another Drifter and assume they are all the same.

RUNOUT:
Rim runout (axial and radial) .8mm (0.03in) or less w/ a service limit of 2.0mm or .08in

Reference:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-wheels/spoke-wheels/

Elmo Hayride · June 23, 2013, 19:05:14 PM

I think what you are looking for is covered in the CLYMER KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 SERVICE MANUAL M471-3, chapter 12.

Cally · June 21, 2013, 17:28:24 PM

So I decided on powder coating the hubs / spokes / loops and everything is back and done. I am ready to have them sent out to be laced and trued but I need the specs (such as offsets). However I cannot find these measurements anywhere. I have the OEM service manual and they do not seem to be in there (just torque specs). I am hoping that I did no need to record these numbers before I dismantled the rims.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Cally