For those that don't know the proper "ting-tong" sound, go to your friendly neighborhood Harley dealer and try it on several new bikes. The lower the mileage, the better.

But, be forewarned...the "proper "ting-tong" will be different with regards to the length of the spoke. (Longer spokes will have a lower pitch.) So, the spokes on a 21" will sound different than on a 16".


The rational for the spoke checking at the 1000 mile service is that the spokes may loosen during initial use. Then, once the spokes are retightened, they will generally "take a set" and not loosen anymore. (Unless the wheel takes a major hit or becomes damaged.)

Here are some polished stainless steel spokes from Landmark Mfg. I had their wheels on my 2 previous HD's. This in the "diamond" pattern. They flash 40% more than regular polished spokes in the sun. These are extras from Landmark. They fit 16" Harley wheels. Anyone need 'em?

 

Is anyone actually torquing their spokes to 55 inch lbs? Since I have found the harley service manual to be wrong on fluid capacities I don't trust the manual.

 

Yes, I did/do.

 

Thanks for the replies and info . A quarter turn each skipping two until all spokes are torqued at 55 inch lbs .is this the correct procedure?

 

That sounds reasonable for 40spoke wheel.

 

I simply snug them up 1 flat starting at the valve stem and ending there. If some of then spokes are still loose do it again but only turn the loose ones one flat. repeat until all are snug.

 

I use to do a LOT of wheel lacing ...Never did I use a Torq wrench as you have to tweak the rim with the spokes.
Never did I use a Twang either, except to readily find a dud.

 

Pretty much the same way for me. Dirt bike wheels will have some spoke tighter than others due to dents. Also I've seen wheels that have irregularities near weld seam. Some wheels won't doink the spoke well due to cross spokes touching.