So I want to swap my 19" rim for a 21" on my Dyna, reusing the hub/spokes.
Talked to my local indy, he wants 3hrs labor to true them up.

Has anyone (non-mechanics) tried it? Is there really that much of an art to it, or can you do it by taking your time and following the directions in the shop manual carefully?

 

Yes there is a "knack" to doing it ... one thing that many forget is the centering of the hub ... you can lace it and have the wheel offset ... Check with a local dirt bike shop ... They are usually more adept and generally less expensive too.

 

How can you use the same spokes when you're putting a larger diameter rim on?

 

I paid 62$ to have a 21 " rim trued at an independent , 1hour charge spokes already in.

 

They're easy to lace but to true them...not on a bet. I'd just make it worse than the Three Stooges doing it.

 

I wondered about that too. Spokes are gonna be a tad short. Maybe that's why the indy wants to charge so much. Lengthening spokes is a lost art.

 

I did my first one in an hour, I set the rim edges on 2x4's then installed all the spokes and tightened them equally, truing, not so tough find the high spot then tighten the 4 spokes opposite it, during services I tap the spokes and listen for the ping, if you get a dull thud cinch it up a bit, theoretically you are only supposed the put 5 ft pounds of torque...hey if you FIU you can always take it to your local indy...
Lengthening spokes is a lost art. good one Danny...ask an ironworker for his beam stretcher

 

This thread details it:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...nd-spokes.html

 

Ok. now I understand. But why? Do you really save that much money vs. just buying new spokes? I ask, because I've never bought new spokes or had wheel re-laced.

 

if you are any where near serious on this question, your gonna need a dial indicator. non-mechanical types usually don't have a dial indicator.so add that in to the cost unless you have one or can borrow one.