I'm putting new tires on my 13' Heritage, 1st ones. Is it required to have the spokes checked anytime you install new tires?

 

Always a good idea to double check the spokes. You could have some that are loose or even broken.

 

You should at least give the spokes a tap with a screwdriver (round shank, not square corned) and see if they all have a similar ring. A thunk indicates a loose one. That's just a simple way riders have checked their spokes for decades, and got a lot of wheels through their whole life without spoke problems. Just have to be careful to get them tight enough, not real tight, you can break them. Best way is with a spoke torque wrench, but I've never seen one used, not even in a shop. Did you know the spokes at the top of the wheel take most of the bike's weight? The ones on the bottom just flex till the top has the weight. A loose spoke will be a hair longer than a tight one when weight is hung from it, means it's not carrying its full share of the load.

 

tagalong question if OP doesn't mind

when doing the spoke "tink" sound test, does it matter if bike is on kick stand or does wheel need to be off the ground?

thanks

..L.T.A.

 

Thanks Imold for the info. Will check mine this week.

 

Doesnt matter

 

I give my spokes a check every spring.