Rear spokes
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Tauranga
Rear spokes
Riding to work this morning my bike didn't seem as stable as normal. It felt like it had a wobble. But not heaps. Got to work checked on these forums for some answers. I had thought front end. Lunch came little ride no problem (not fast enough). Nice day so long way home 60mph and crazy wobble wasn't far from being a much worse outcome. Turns out had a broken rear spoke and some more loose ones. Only owned this bike 2 months hadn't even considered checking them. If you haven't lately check them! Do it now. Just tap them with crescent you will soon know what ones need doing! This happened much faster than I would have thought. Just a nice timely reminder!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,756
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
A good reminder for everyone with spoke wheels 
They're an often overlooked maintenance item until there's a problem. With as many bikes I've had with spoke wheels I picked up a proper spoke torque wrench, it makes checking spokes an easy job; I went through my spokes front and rear yesterday during my winter preps.
Once you've replaced the broken spoke take a ride or two and check the spokes again to be certain everything remained correctly torqued. Glad you found the problem before it got any worse, there's a whole lot of important stuff riding on those spokes
They're an often overlooked maintenance item until there's a problem. With as many bikes I've had with spoke wheels I picked up a proper spoke torque wrench, it makes checking spokes an easy job; I went through my spokes front and rear yesterday during my winter preps.Once you've replaced the broken spoke take a ride or two and check the spokes again to be certain everything remained correctly torqued. Glad you found the problem before it got any worse, there's a whole lot of important stuff riding on those spokes
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Once you've replaced the broken spoke take a ride or two and check the spokes again to be certain everything remained correctly torqued. Glad you found the problem before it got any worse, There's a whole lot of important stuff riding on those spokes
Spokes definitely add the Classic Look and actually do look great if keep them properly Torqued and Cleaned .. I just prefer the easier No Spoke Maintenance and Tubeless Option so just got rid of my Spokes as soon as wore the Tires out .. To many the 1st Picture might be pleasing to their eye, but I am happier with the 2nd Option a sit is on my Signature Picture and the Best Part was an even Swap on the Wheels ..
Spokes definitely add the Classic Look and actually do look great if keep them properly Torqued and Cleaned .. I just prefer the easier No Spoke Maintenance and Tubeless Option so just got rid of my Spokes as soon as wore the Tires out .. To many the 1st Picture might be pleasing to their eye, but I am happier with the 2nd Option a sit is on my Signature Picture and the Best Part was an even Swap on the Wheels ..
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 259
From: Northstreet, michigan
I miss my Fxdb spokes. I love the look of them but with a higher torque lrs it's better to have something a bit stronger. Anyway I hate to admit it being a mechanic and all but I put 16k on my Bob and never once checked my spokes. Feeling lucky now.
Has as anyone considered loctite on the threads? Just curious. I know it would be a pain not to get it on the wheels but might be a good idea.
Has as anyone considered loctite on the threads? Just curious. I know it would be a pain not to get it on the wheels but might be a good idea.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
You DO want to be able to check and tighten them easily if you need to.
Like Tincup mentioned, get a spoke wrench/torque wrench. I check mine thoroughly during tire changes and at least once a month with the 'ting, ting tang' check... same time as I 'kick my tires'..
... really.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Spoke tension is checked at 1k, 5k, 15k and every 15k thereafter. If you do a lot of high power or heavily loaded riding you should check more often.
Do NOT use loctite on the spoke nipples. You'll never be able to adjust them. You want anti-seize.
Do NOT use loctite on the spoke nipples. You'll never be able to adjust them. You want anti-seize.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,944
Likes: 7,037
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
A spoke wrench is good. A spoke torque wrench not so good due to corrosion at the threads. Yes, anti sieze is better than a thread locking compound. 60wt is even better...
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 142
Likes: 52
From: England
I check mine whenever I clean my bike now. I had a bad experience this year with breaking spokes due to a tuned engine. I have no idea what the power limit is for spokes, but I can tell you around 130 pounds torque is too much.
Awaiting new xtrememachine wheels.
Awaiting new xtrememachine wheels.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,384
Likes: 8,741
From: Texas
loctite would make a hella mess out of a rather easy adjustment / maintenance item
Ghost
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,450
Likes: 8,277
From: Inland NW
Man, life is too short. There are some bad *** hoops out there, but all the time I spent dicking with dirt bike spokes has burned me out on it. I admire the guys that stick with it, and have some sweet spokes. With the torque being generated these days, I wonder how they hold up.