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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Buchanan's Sun Rims /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1557608113 Message started by philthymike on 05/11/19 at 13:55:13 |
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Title: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/11/19 at 13:55:13 Anyone here ever had dealings with these folks? http://www.buchananspokes.com/categories/rims_sun.asp All the winter riding I’ve done has trashed my wheels and spokes. The thought of taking the wheels apart for refinishing is grossing me out. The chintzy Suzuki chrome has to go away though. Buy OEM black rims is an expensive proposition.... As much as getting custom made wheels in fact. And there’s an opportunity to lighten the bike in the process. So I’m thinking of contacting these people and getting a custom wheel with an aluminum rim. Anyone done this? Any reason I shouldn’t? |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by norm92de on 05/11/19 at 14:40:24 I've only heard good things about Buchanan. But have never used them myself. I'd recommend contacting them, bet you won't be disappointed. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/11/19 at 15:11:30 I read some good reviews about them. They’ve got the right size rim too. RSWM319 SUN WM3 (2.15) x 19" ALUMINUM RIM $245.00 Too bad they don’t have the rear size... I need to find out the cost including labor and drilling. I will contact them and find out. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by Dave on 05/11/19 at 15:53:57 I buy their Excel rims, stainless spokes and nipples from them when I build wheels. It takes me a very long time to get the wheels true, and it makes me want to just send them my hub and let them do the work and cussing next time. They are a class act.....building wheels is all they do! |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/11/19 at 16:03:59 Good on you for building wheels. I neither have the time or patience but it would be really cool to learn one day. One time in Philly a car hit my parked mountain bike and bent the rear wheel and I was sure I’d need a new one but the bike shop mechanic managed to true it somehow. I’m still riding that wheel and I’ve got a ton of respect for people that know this black magic. Nice to hear some good stuff about this place from people who’s opinions I trust! So that’s it? Just send the hub and they’ll figure out the rest? |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by verslagen1 on 05/11/19 at 16:13:22 322A2B2E362A3B2F2B2927420 wrote:
If they had 16" I would go that route, 130/90-16 fits fine in the swingarm. But here's dave's recommendation... 6B505D4A5B574C4A5159544B380 wrote:
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/11/19 at 16:34:59 One of the other brands of rims they carry offers a 16 X 3 but it’s chrome steel and costs alot of money - $385 :o I think I just have to accept that the only way to clean up that rear is to buy an OEM from Suzuki for a blacked out recent model. Also very expensive... Maybe for the rear I may have to just suck it up and take the thing apart and have it stripped and powdered. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/11/19 at 17:07:20 Instead of making another thread I’m gonna post my 2019 plans for my Thumpy here so those of you generous and helpful people have some idea of what the heck I’m trying to do with my bike. Since the big splurge on Thumpys motor two years ago alot has happened. I got a Ducati and focused on it alot for a year. Then last year I was out of work the entire year. During that year the Ducati had an electronic failure I couldn’t possibly afford to fix on unemployment. So Thumpy became my main ride again and I couldn’t afford to maintain the bike except oil and stuff that doesn’t cost money. The bike has had the snot beaten out of it during this time. Next weekend the Duck is going to the shop to get its expensive repairs done. When I get her back I’m gonna take Thumpy off the road and spend the rest of the year remediating issues and addressing crap I wanna change and improve upon. Anyway here’s the short list. Rust and corrosion. Lots of it! Tons of it! Clutch. It’s outa there. Barnett to the rescue! Fork seals. They’re outa there! Big brake kit. Bike is faster but stopping isn’t.... So that’s the major stuff. Honestly I’m alright with corrosion and rust but the milky rust spotted chrome is just horrid and has to all die with fire and blood and death. I’m also very much about losing even more weight. There’s not a whole lot more I can squeeze from the engine so losing weight is just as good in my book. As it is alot of stuff is gone. But what remains can be replaced with lighter stuff to some extent. So that’s what crazy crap is running through my head these days regarding Thumpy. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by Dave on 05/11/19 at 17:50:21 Are you keeping the bike as a cruiser.....or making the style resemble a Cafe' or Tracker or Bobber or standard? If you are staying cruiser...then a 16" wheel would be nice as you can get tires that get decent mileage....or go to a 18x3.50 rim and mount a 130/70-18 tire - just be aware that the tires you get in that size are sport touring tires that stick like glue and wear like bubble gum (8,000 miles is about as much as you can expect from the rear tire). |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/11/19 at 18:03:32 No nothing radical for Thumpy. I can afford a bike that looks great or a bike that performs great, not both. And I like the regular cruiser look of the LS650. It’s that classic look that the Sportster had several decades ago before becoming transmogrified into the ugly collection of parts it looks like now. The raked out forks, no front fender, that downward sweep of the rear fender and the big chunky rear tire on a tiny rim. It’s a badass looking bike when you shave off the factory fluff. As for tires I’m stoked about the Avon rubber I’m running now. It’s been on the bike for a year with constant use all year long and I cannot find a complaint with it. It still looks unused after the thousands of miles on it. Can’t even detect any signs of wear yet! The 16” does have some good benefits as you said. Maybe a worthwhile swap if I do decide to tackle the back rim. I’ll admit for what the front wheel is gonna cost alone I may decide to put resources on more urgent stuff. I’ve also been tossing around the idea of redoing the forks and if I go down that rabbit hole the wheel budget will likely get consumed. I’m gonna give it thought though. And forgot to mention that the Avon tire eliminated that contant flat tire crap I had to deal with every other month before. I haven’t had a flat since putting it on! |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by SpamyToo on 05/12/19 at 03:17:34 Buchanan is a top notch spoke company. They are also one of the most expensive. I have been using their stuff since the 80's, its never disappointed. But I also think you can do a lot more with your money. There are a ton of rim makers that make what you need at a much much lower price. Then you can use Buchanan spokes or there are others that make these too. If you dont want to lace them, then buy the parts and have a local yocal lace them up for you, still would be cheaper. Personally I just cant see spending $500-1000 per wheel when you can do both yourself for more like $300. And I dont think Buchanan makes Excel, that is RK that makes those. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/12/19 at 04:48:46 As much as I like the idea of saving money the local guys in my area aren't good for that. I live in a East Coast city where everyone is out to rob you. There used to be 2 local guys who were worthwhile but one got into a horrific accident and the other just vanished. What's left is a place nearby but they only work on Harleys, and another place run by a bunch of drugged up kids who do sloppy work and bill you a whole lot more than their estimates. The rest is stealerships. So it's all the same money wise so I'd just as well pay the top notch guys instead of the druggies or get the non-Harley hate fee. Except for the wheels I intend to do all the work myself for the rest of it. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by Gary_in_NJ on 05/12/19 at 05:43:55 I’ve had good luck with Buchanan rims. If you want to lace them up yourself, let me know if you want help. I’m probably just a 60-90 minute drive for you. I learned how to lace and true wheels a few years back and I have to say, it’s quite fun and satisfying. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/12/19 at 05:47:31 Heck yeah! It would be awesome to have someone teach this to me. It’s really cool of you! |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by badwolf on 05/12/19 at 06:09:13 Do you really want to spend that much money and still end up with spoked rims you need to put tubes in? Ever pick up a nail on the road? There are a lot of cast rims that can be used that you can run tubeless. Plugging a tire on the road is simple and I carry a mountan bike pump. A flat with a tubed tire spoils your whole day! (or 2) If you want to stay with spokes several of us have stock wheels we don't use any more and would sell cheap! (I have 2 sets that are near new) If you need someone to lace up your rims, go to a good mountain bike shop, they do it all the time. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by Ed L. on 05/12/19 at 07:24:09 I replaced the rims and spokes on a 1969 Ducati Monza 250 using Buchanan's equipment and was very happy with the results. Took a bit of time to lace them up but when done they looked and worked great. Lacing up a rim is not for the faint of heart, it takes a goodly bit of time patience to get it right. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by Armen on 05/12/19 at 08:00:33 Buchanans makes great stuff and do great work. However, Woody's wheel works will do a tubeless conversion if you use a 'safety' rim. Last time I asked, Buchanans won't. I think Woody's uses Buchanans spokes. Woody's has done a few wheels for me, including the ones on my Savage. The idea of being able to plug a flat on the road, rather than pull the tire and swap tubes, is very appealing. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/14/19 at 05:17:53 Thanks for all the helpful reviews for Buchanans. Seems like I can’t go wrong with their products. Looking at the overall cost of the work I wanna do, $1000 at least, has prompted me to consider another alternative. https://www.ebay.com/b/Complete-Suspension-Units-for-Suzuki-Marauder-800/178038/bn_20525028 Swapping in the front end of a VZ800 would provide the same benefits desired for much less money. Big brake, aluminum rim for tubeless tires, more suspension travel. And supposedly fits right into the LS650 headstock! |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by verslagen1 on 05/14/19 at 06:53:46 6F7776736B77667276747A1F0 wrote:
It will fit but you need to cut new threads as the vz headstock is taller. And there are 2 types, earlier years the offset and the steering stops are a close match for the savage. But you will need to set the tank back about an inch unless you like dents. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/14/19 at 11:45:49 Threading isn’t too hard. Moving the tank back sounds like a pain though. If the tank goes back is there enough wire from the cluster forward or does that need extension? |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by ohiomoto on 05/14/19 at 12:29:28 The cluster won't be an issue. The mounts, seat and rear fender will be. Probably easier to mount a different tank. Something that sits lower or is thinner at the front. Lacing up the wheels isn't so bad. Factory rims and spokes are available from Partzila for less than $500. Or you can buy used take offs. Or look into GS cast aluminum wheels. Using aftermarket rims is doable as well, but they need to be properly drilled for the LS650 hubs. That's where a company like Buchanan is worth their weight. They will drill blank rims so they will fit your hubs. I picked up a cheap rim when I converted my rear wheel to 18" and I had to re-drill the rim because it was so poorly done. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/14/19 at 17:08:22 Okay so if I didn’t mind living with a dented tank for awhile I can just mount the front end off the VZ800 onto my LS and ride off into the sunset until I find a new tank that will squeeze in there? Would the tank from a VZ800 or Intruder 800 or Vulcan 800 fit? Looking at the Vulcan tank it may actually be the same as the LS650 tank from the looks of it.... When I was talking about money before I was factoring in doing the wheel lacing myself (with instruction from Gary_in_NJ) so just the materials plus drilling. Then add to that the Ryca big brake kit plus fork spring upgrade. A good chunk of change. More than the bike is worth no doubt but that’s not a consideration. For what the VZ front ends cost $100-300 the above is not such a good deal. And I haven’t talked to the local MC junkyards yet. I might find an entire VZ800 for what the front ends alone go for on Ebay. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/15/19 at 19:22:30 3F2C3B3A25282E2C2778490 wrote:
It will fit but you need to cut new threads as the vz headstock is taller. And there are 2 types, earlier years the offset and the steering stops are a close match for the savage. But you will need to set the tank back about an inch unless you like dents.[/quote] When you say earlier years what years do you mean? The 90s? The chain drive years? |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by verslagen1 on 05/15/19 at 22:20:58 5C444540584455414547492C0 wrote:
It's easy. You need to spacers that will fit in between the tank, rubbers and frame. One spacer will be drilled and tapped for 5/16 allen head bolts. The other is a thru hole. the rubbers fit tight on the 5/16 bolts heads. You'll need a short one and a long one that goes thru the spacer frame and halfway thru the threaded spacer. Then figure how far back by turning full lock and place the tank on the frame. You might have to space it up to have clearance for the wires. Slip a spacer and rubber in between the frame and tank and mark the location on the frame. Drill a hole thru the frame at that location and bolt the 2 spacers in place and place the rubbers on. Ok, that takes care of the front. For the back you'll make a plate that bolts into the stock tank locates and will locate 2 new holes centered on the tank mounting holes. I used pressed in threaded inserts, but you can just tap the plate if it's thick enough. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by verslagen1 on 05/15/19 at 22:24:57 7B6362677F63726662606E0B0 wrote:
It will fit but you need to cut new threads as the vz headstock is taller. And there are 2 types, earlier years the offset and the steering stops are a close match for the savage. But you will need to set the tank back about an inch unless you like dents.[/quote] When you say earlier years what years do you mean? The 90s? The chain drive years?[/quote] I used an 01. newer years are closer to the stem and you'll have to space the tank even further back. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by verslagen1 on 05/15/19 at 22:33:40 5E4647425A46574347454B2E0 wrote:
what tank you use... you'll have to figure out. The vz800 wheel is a smaller diameter. I used an EN500 wheel. The axles are different diameter and the wheel bearings don't swap. At least the disc was the same diameter. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/16/19 at 19:38:21 33203736292422202B74450 wrote:
what tank you use... you'll have to figure out. The vz800 wheel is a smaller diameter. I used an EN500 wheel. The axles are different diameter and the wheel bearings don't swap. At least the disc was the same diameter.[/quote] I’m thinking of using the Marauders wheel. The tire that goes on it is nearly as wide as the rear tire on my bike and that kinda appeals to me despite the smaller rim. Regarding the tank, you’re right about moving the tank back. Less work and less expensive too. I really want to avoid anything that may require welding. 504354554A4741434817260 wrote:
It's easy. You need to spacers that will fit in between the tank, rubbers and frame. One spacer will be drilled and tapped for 5/16 allen head bolts. The other is a thru hole. the rubbers fit tight on the 5/16 bolts heads. You'll need a short one and a long one that goes thru the spacer frame and halfway thru the threaded spacer. Then figure how far back by turning full lock and place the tank on the frame. You might have to space it up to have clearance for the wires. Slip a spacer and rubber in between the frame and tank and mark the location on the frame. Drill a hole thru the frame at that location and bolt the 2 spacers in place and place the rubbers on. Ok, that takes care of the front. For the back you'll make a plate that bolts into the stock tank locates and will locate 2 new holes centered on the tank mounting holes. I used pressed in threaded inserts, but you can just tap the plate if it's thick enough.[/quote] Thanks! I’m picturing it in my head except for the spacers. What do I use for them? And what to do with the seat tongue flange that shares the tanks rear mounting bolts? |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by verslagen1 on 05/16/19 at 23:08:19 http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1427082320/105#107 |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/17/19 at 05:14:01 Awesome! Thanks that’s a big help! |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/21/19 at 15:21:34 So I’m starting to source the VZ800 parts after striking out with the local options. Any good suggestions? |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/23/19 at 18:38:36 Is the vz800 steering stem socket the only special Suzuki tool needed to do the front end swap? What’s a good source for it? |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by verslagen1 on 05/23/19 at 21:33:43 746C6D68706C7D696D6F61040 wrote:
what steering stem socket? |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 05/24/19 at 09:26:35 There’s a crown nut for the stem. Parts diagram calls for a Suzuki tool for it. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 06/04/19 at 15:47:32 4641404644465D46290 wrote:
So I did. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 06/04/19 at 15:48:53 Now I have a pair from a GS550ld. They’re both 16’s. |
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Title: Re: Buchanan's Sun Rims Post by philthymike on 06/04/19 at 15:50:45 Brake and drive pulley fits perfectly. Not sure about the rotor yet. Just eyeballing it the size looks really close. |
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