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Message started by bikingb on 07/19/06 at 15:10:47

Title: Wheels?
Post by bikingb on 07/19/06 at 15:10:47
Anybody ever changed out wheels to the non-spoke variety?

Title: Re: Wheels?
Post by lancer on 07/19/06 at 15:50:31
Not yet, but want to.

Title: e: Wheels?
Post by georgekathe on 07/19/06 at 16:25:56
Hi - my name's George - been riding for almost 40 years (am 55)- up until I was 35 never drove a car! (you live in London, as I did before emigrating, 4 wheels is akin to sitting in a box going nowhere fast what with all the traffic.

Anyway - this is a great site - much better than anything I've found on my other bike (it is German - doesn't mean I'm rich - I bought a used BMW R1100RT Sports Tourer having received some $$ in a will).

Had an SR500 Yamaha in England from 1979-81 (single cylinder roadbike based on the more well known XT500 enduro for those who don't know). My (& other British import) SR500's always had spokes, unlike their American cousins.

Must admit I think the spokes screamed out "single cylinder roadster" in a way mags never could - I think they also look best on the LS650 we have (a '96), (even?) with its more cruiser styling than the SR500's.

So, my 2 pennies worth are to keep the spokes - I think though you could do mags (& have the benefit of tubeless tires, I guess) the cost would be a lot & not worth doing.

I'd spend my $$ on - K & N filter (have),improve brakes (awaiting steel line & new EBC pads/shoes), improve tires (Metzlers - buying when next paycheck comes in), Superbrace (long term goal) Progressive shocks (the old Girlings I put on the SR500 all those years ago made a huge difference. over the stock ones.

Last thing on the LS650 until I have more specific to say - wish I'd known about the site so I could have read up on it more (yes, I've just developed the dreaded seal leak - bike has just over 10K miles).

Yes, the brakes could be better. But I spent much of my previous life with single leading shoe front drum brakes so am used to it, just as I'm used to twin disc, Brembo brakes & ABS on the BMW - you adapt (& improve on what you've got - like throw away the stock japanese tires if you live anywhere it is rainy - & get better brakes & lights if you want - I have white/blue light bulbs on the BMW not because I ride @ night much, but because I live in a town full of extremely geriatric drivers).

Title: Re: Wheels?
Post by slavy on 07/19/06 at 17:25:41
About the mag wheels- at is in my mind all the time. The sole reason is because it will be pretty unpleasant to get a flat and to have to replace a tube in the middle of the nowhere.
I even have a Rr wheel off a Kaw LTD 454 sitting ad waiting for my inspiration to come. I might go to chain drive in the same moment.
BUT i saw in the I-net that there is a Ca company that covers the inside of the spoke rim with some kind of rubber paste or silicone and after this treatment You can use tubeless setup. I think this is the way to go.

Title: Re: Wheels?
Post by steelwolf on 07/19/06 at 18:09:57
You could always have your spoke wheels sealed and run tubless.

wheel-works (http://www.wheel-works.com/)

Some time back I emailed the guys and they quoted me a price of $69 USD per wheel. $12 USD per wheel for tire r&r and $12 USD for balancing. Then of course shipping back. so for around $100 USD plus shipping both ways you could have tubless spoke wheels. I will most definatly be considering this in the winter while my bike is down for the season.

Title: Re: Wheels?
Post by thumperclone on 07/19/06 at 18:56:25

steelwolf wrote:
You could always have your spoke wheels sealed and run tubless.

wheel-works (http://www.wheel-works.com/)

Some time back I emailed the guys and they quoted me a price of $69 USD per wheel. $12 USD per wheel for tire r&r and $12 USD for balancing. Then of course shipping back. so for around $100 USD plus shipping both ways you could have tubless spoke wheels. I will most definatly be considering this in the winter while my bike is down for the season.

wonder if the spokes are still tuneable after the process

Title: Re: Wheels?
Post by Savage_Rob on 07/20/06 at 08:02:58
Welcome George!

Title: Re: Wheels?
Post by Kropatchek on 07/20/06 at 10:19:21
Wecome George.

I disassembled my spare wheels, will polish the hubs and have them respoked with stainless steel spokes.

Cost: 100usd per wheel and lots of polishing and elbow grease for the hard to reach places.

The rear hub is not even polished on the inner side, the area between the spokes I mean.

Will keep you posted.

Greetz
Kropatchek 8)

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