Can anyone please explain alignment marks on spoke nipples.i read the manual and it's not clear to me how to perform the spoke adjustment. I sure don't want to pull my wheel out of true. I know about the ting tong method but I want to check torque. Thanks

 

I wouldn't attempt it without a trueing stand...Just tap on the spokes one at a time and listen for the tune. If any are flat, you can tighten them to the specific torque but you can't true them either laterally or radially without a stand. Also note that tightening them too much can cause the nipples to pull through the rim.

 

Since thread corrosion can be a problem, using a spoke torque wrench won't work. Unless all the threads are equally corroded. And that's not going to happen. Best to stick with your "ting-tong" method.
Over tight spokes generally don't break. It's the "loose" spokes that shear at the 90 degree area, even though it's thicker. A broken spoke puts add'l stress on the spokes next to it, raising their chances of breakage. Breaking more than 3 or 4 spokes and wheel integrity can become a situation. Especially 2-up. With a flat tire. In the rain. In fog. At night. In the middle of nowhere...

 

I was just trying to complete my 1000 mile service .checking spoke torque is the last item. The bike is new so I hope I don't have corrosion already. I have a spike torque wrench preset st 55 inch lbs.

 

hmmm.... alignment marks on the nipples... I sure didn't see any on mine.

However if you want to check your torque, raise your front wheel off the ground, and starting at your air valve, torque-check every 4th spoke, until you've turned the wheel at least 4 revolutions. That way you're not pulling it out of true in one specific spot.

 

Thanks for the info. I think the manual wants your spoke nipple to be in the same position on the rim.not the same side of the nipple but in the same position in relation to the rim. Not sure why.

 

 

I'm just going by the service manual. 1000 mile service says check spoke torque. Thanks for the reply.

 

 

So.. how do you know that the 'ting' you hear, is the frequency of a correctly torqued spoke?

You don't. Unless you've checked your torque and then checked the 'ting'. BTW the 'ting' check, is basically the same maintenance check as 'kicking the tires'...