Tuning Spokes???
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: The birthplace of our nation- Philadelphia proud!
Tuning Spokes???
I checked my spokes and the fronts sounded good but I found at least 2 on the rear that sounded different when tapped. They were the top 2 of the rear wheel. I have a couple questions on this. Does the bike have to be raised off the ground to accurately check the spokes or can I leave it on the floor like I did (I suspect the reason the top two thuded instead of pinged was due to it being on the floor and not on a lift)? Then, what is the correct procedure to tighten these? Is it "righty tighty" and "lefty loosey"? To be honest, this is the first time I ever checked the spokes on any bike I rode. I've been reading a lot of posts about safety and spoke tightness so I figured I better learn. I looked in the DIY section but did not find a detailed posting of how to do this correctly. Thanks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,537
Likes: 21
RE: Tuning Spokes???
Lacing a wheel is an art form....
You cannot just tighten up the loosened spokes...
You have to remove tension from other spokes, and evaluate the lateral and radial true....
Go ahead and tighten them up.. put your wheel out of true.... You won't like the consequences....
JMPO...
You cannot just tighten up the loosened spokes...
You have to remove tension from other spokes, and evaluate the lateral and radial true....
Go ahead and tighten them up.. put your wheel out of true.... You won't like the consequences....
JMPO...
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,055
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From: The birthplace of our nation- Philadelphia proud!
RE: Tuning Spokes???
Bob & Geno, thanks for the input. Now, since my bike is not on a lift, would that cause the top 2 spokes to sound different then the rest? My logic was pressure/weight on the rim. Does this sound feasible. My bike only has 2600 miles. No burn outs or stunts what-so-ever. Does this sound possible that my spokes my need to be checked by a dealer? Is this under warrenty? The reason I ask, I was on the highway the other day and got a slight wobble. I slowed from 70 mph and dismissed it as winds and a semi I was passing. Now I hear and read about wobble caused by loose spokes and thos just tightening up the loose ones and wobble fixed. I'm going to have to get out on the bike again to check my assumption.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,537
Likes: 21
RE: Tuning Spokes???
It is loose spokes...
Get the dealer to repair them....
ESPECIALLY IF IT IS A NEW BIKE!!!!!!
This (Depending on the dealer) could be a warrenty, or they will have you pay... Some dealers are Azz's....
Get the dealer to repair them....
ESPECIALLY IF IT IS A NEW BIKE!!!!!!
This (Depending on the dealer) could be a warrenty, or they will have you pay... Some dealers are Azz's....
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Banned
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Polygamy Plains, Utah
RE: Tuning Spokes???
Spokes.... first thing I get rid of.... every time...
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 154
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From: Kansas City Mo. Area
RE: Tuning Spokes???
I just went through this on my 2006 FLSTC I have a wobble at 40 miles per hour only noticed on coasting down from highway speeds. Took to a dealer near my home NOT where I bought the bike they wanted 41.00 bucks to tighten stering head so I left. I read on here where someone had the same thing on his bike and he tightened the spokes and problem solved. So I check the spokes and find two or three that sound way differant than the rest so I tighten them to sound the same. Now it wobbles at exceleration or coasting I'm so good. So now the dealer where I bought the bike is picking it up Friday to fix the problem. They have been wonderfull to deal with. So after all this BS don't mess with the spokes. But why does a brand new Harley wobble at 1000 miles that is BS in it's self. I'm having alot of little problems but I love riding this bike. I will get to the bottom of the problems I promise. Sorry I vented you all are great Tom