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[Bulletinvicta]

Hi,

On my rear wheel, I noted one broken spoke a couple of years back, left it, as the wheel appeared sound. F/fwd to last Sunday, the day after a 150 mile day out, and safely home, I investigated why I was "wobbling" at low speeds on the run. Front end was ok, but the rear wheel, four broken spokes?

I did tighten up/check nearly all the spokes only recently, and, when the tyre was renewed in 2012, rust inside the rim, was noted and treated with some Hammerite. But I think, on reflection, the (hidden) dimpled area beneath all the nipples had corroded quite badly and caused all the recently tightened spokes to "pull" themselves in too much and loosen up again due to the corrosion, hence the movement/friction and eventual breaking down of the wheel. A strip down yesterday revealed the dimpled areas to be quite badly corroded and this rim is now scrap I'd say. Doe's this sound about right!

Options in the catalogue are: the all stainless route (for a price?) or, in the used section, a standard, late model Indian 18" wheel, complete with an Avon tyre, all s new, that looks much better value at £120 + vat?

Also, with the 18" rear wheel option, what will be the effect on gearing/top end with my standard 500 set up bar the 18t g/box cog?

[Scalyback]

will go slower

[zippy]

Where were the broken spokes? A group of 4? Or every other one on one side?

[BobF]

See also SPECIALWHEEL2 in the special offers section - 19" wheel for £60 + VAT. Bought one a while back & had no problems. You will need bearings. The same section also lists a pair of wheels (front & rear) at £110 + (SPECIALWHEELS3)

[trevorch]

My 2011 Bonneville T100 had been parked outside under a cover by the previous owner. When I had my bike services by a German Master Mechanic, he asked me if it had been left outside. He went round every individual spoke nipple front and rear and sprayed with some thing like WD40. This must help resist the penetration of moisture and hence deterioration of the rims. Only a small effort but saves high costs later. He was a young "old hand", but says something for Germany thoroughness and correct training.

TrevorCH

[neddy]

If you are keeping the bike go stainless.

[Bulletinvicta]

I've just ordered a 19" replacement for £60+ here. I'll treat all the well area to a good two coats of Red Oxide before getting an AM26 fitted. Lubing/spraying around the nipple area is a good tip, but my rear wheel gets enough of this from the combination of slight primary area oil leaks, breather pipe and chain lube? How is water getting into the rim? Some sealant around each nipple might help. My rim, when turned around it's circumference, is filled with rot as I can hear it swirling about? One spoke broke on the left side, and three on the right, but not grouped together. I assume it's age/deterioration (my Bullet is 14 years old, and, not forgetting the state of our roads? The stainless route was priced up, Rim/Spokes/Nipples/Re-Build labour and the £££'s just mount up. The £60+ wheel here, bearings and a tyre is my best bet. Aside from the rubber, will be good for another 14 years no doubt?

[Shane]

I have often thought it weird that Mr H does not have stainless steel wheels on the shelf (fully built) , a few other RE resellers seem to manage it. I would buy a pair!

[simon]

We have a product here call Fish Oil which smells like a cod's cod piece until it dries but is a brilliant rust inhibitor. When I've had old Dunlop rims re-chromed in the past I've washed out the beads and run Fish Oil all through them.