spoke tightening tips?
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Augusta, GA
spoke tightening tips?
I recently traded in my sportster for a super glide. The super glide has spokes though, and I'm unfamiliar with the process of tightening them. I also have no clue how often to check/tighten them. Does anyone have any useful videos, links, or knowledge?
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 600
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From: Dewey, Arizona 86327
I used to work in a shop that did frame and fork work, wheel building, etc. You don't just tighten spokes, 'cause the tension on the spoke regulates how true and straight the rim is on the wheel.
Done right, the wheel is set in a truing jig. This is U shaped, kinda like a bicycle fork with straight legs. THere's a pointer that is set next to the rim. You slowly spin the wheel and note where its out of round, and tighten the spokes to bring it back true.
This is a bit of an art, it takes practice to learn just how much to tighten and which spokes to tighten (you almost never tighten just one spoke) and which to loosen slightly.
Do not just get a spoke wrench and crank away, that will just about guarantee a bent wobbly wheel.
Done right, the wheel is set in a truing jig. This is U shaped, kinda like a bicycle fork with straight legs. THere's a pointer that is set next to the rim. You slowly spin the wheel and note where its out of round, and tighten the spokes to bring it back true.
This is a bit of an art, it takes practice to learn just how much to tighten and which spokes to tighten (you almost never tighten just one spoke) and which to loosen slightly.
Do not just get a spoke wrench and crank away, that will just about guarantee a bent wobbly wheel.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
I check mine at every 5000 mile service. I test them by rapping on them with the spoke wrench. If they're tight they will ring a musical note. A loose spoke will make a dull "thud". I tighten any loose spokes so they ring about the same note, then recheck the rims for trueness.
I've ridden on spoked wheels for 27 years and built two sets including the wheels I'm riding on.
I've ridden on spoked wheels for 27 years and built two sets including the wheels I'm riding on.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,524
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 16,271
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From: Somewhere SW
I'm switching to 9 spoke mags when my tires wear out.
After having my rear spokes come loose and break on more than one occasion I don't need the hassle anymore.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...-in-rear-wheel
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...in-front-wheel
After having my rear spokes come loose and break on more than one occasion I don't need the hassle anymore.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...-in-rear-wheel
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...in-front-wheel
Last edited by JustDave13; Apr 18, 2016 at 05:20 PM.
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