Anybody ever changed out wheels to the non-spoke variety?

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).

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

wheel-works

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.

Welcome George!