Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 322
Likes: 11
From: Rapid City, SD
Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
Just a couple of questions from someone with a new Springer Classic who has never had either a Springer or a bike with wire wheels....
1) The bike is new (just under 500 miles).... Is an occasional chirp or squeak from the front end normal? Is has not been in yet for the first service (next Thursday).
2) Usually, the only water that hits the bike during cleaning is the wheels to get rid of brake dust and other dirt from the road. Is rust with the spokes or wheels an issue at all?
Thanks for any and all advice!
Carl
1) The bike is new (just under 500 miles).... Is an occasional chirp or squeak from the front end normal? Is has not been in yet for the first service (next Thursday).
2) Usually, the only water that hits the bike during cleaning is the wheels to get rid of brake dust and other dirt from the road. Is rust with the spokes or wheels an issue at all?
Thanks for any and all advice!
Carl
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,820
Likes: 15
From: PA
RE: Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
I ride a springer classic and can't say I ever heard an occasional 'chirp' or 'squeak' from the front end. Not sure what's up with that. But if you feel it's more then just normal 'operating' noise then you should ask your dealer about it IMO.
As far as the spoke wheels they are chromed steel and like anything else made of stell they can potentially rust. I wouldn't think you'll have a problem anytime soon and I sure as heck wouldn't worry about water. Use as much water as you need when you clean your bike. I always dry my bike including the wheels. From time to time I will put a nice coat of wax on the rims. This should help protect them. It's a good idea to wax 'em up before putting the bike away for extended storage such as winter storage I think.
Just my .02.
As far as the spoke wheels they are chromed steel and like anything else made of stell they can potentially rust. I wouldn't think you'll have a problem anytime soon and I sure as heck wouldn't worry about water. Use as much water as you need when you clean your bike. I always dry my bike including the wheels. From time to time I will put a nice coat of wax on the rims. This should help protect them. It's a good idea to wax 'em up before putting the bike away for extended storage such as winter storage I think.
Just my .02.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 322
Likes: 11
From: Rapid City, SD
RE: Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
I always dry my bike, too, when I clean it. Usually, a good wipe down handles the rest of the bike without hosing it off as it usually doesn't get too dirty, and I don't ride it in the rain.
When it goes in for its first service later this week, I will definitely be mentioning the squeak.
Thanks for the input!
Carl
When it goes in for its first service later this week, I will definitely be mentioning the squeak.
Thanks for the input!
Carl
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,820
Likes: 15
From: PA
RE: Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
You do realize that you'll scratch your paint up just whiping the bike down with a dry towel? Always use water and never just dust. You should try riding in the rain sometime too. If you ride long enough you're sure to get caught in some someday. In that case it's nice to know what to expect and be prepared with some rain gear.
I absolutely love my springer! Have fun with the bike and ride safe!
I absolutely love my springer! Have fun with the bike and ride safe!
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 314
Likes: 3
From: Whitehall Pa. 18052
RE: Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
Great bike! The springer has a ride and feel all it's own. THe 500 mile check is for adjustment and bearing check on the front end. So I hope they will find any problem at that time. We really enjoy our springer classic, and there are not many out there on the rode. Wish you the best with yours.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 322
Likes: 11
From: Rapid City, SD
RE: Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
Coaster,
Thanks for the input! If you thought I meant that I dragged a dry towel across the dirty finish of the painted surface, I must have not clarified myself. The surface is usually moistened with a mister or the towel is wet itself, it is just that I don't "hose" the whole bike down after every ride. It usually only needs a full "wash" after a long road trip.
Yes, I have ridden in the rain before, albeit not usually by choice. I went to Sturgis in '02 (I also have a '99 Road King) and was rained on a number of times. I enjoyed it and the experience was great, but I'll save the rain for those rare kinds of expeditions. Yes, I had rain gear and it worked!
Thanks for the input! If you thought I meant that I dragged a dry towel across the dirty finish of the painted surface, I must have not clarified myself. The surface is usually moistened with a mister or the towel is wet itself, it is just that I don't "hose" the whole bike down after every ride. It usually only needs a full "wash" after a long road trip.
Yes, I have ridden in the rain before, albeit not usually by choice. I went to Sturgis in '02 (I also have a '99 Road King) and was rained on a number of times. I enjoyed it and the experience was great, but I'll save the rain for those rare kinds of expeditions. Yes, I had rain gear and it worked!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,820
Likes: 15
From: PA
RE: Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
My mistake 
I've had an eager friend or two who thought they were doing me a favor by wiping off some dust [:@] Just sounded like you didn't use anything and I'd hate to see anyone ruin their paint especially on the most beautiful Harley...the springer classic 
I've had an eager friend or two who thought they were doing me a favor by wiping off some dust [:@] Just sounded like you didn't use anything and I'd hate to see anyone ruin their paint especially on the most beautiful Harley...the springer classic
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,057
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From: Weatherford, Texas
RE: Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
Just logged 10,000 miles on my Springer in a year! Love the bike wouldn't have any other!!!!!!! No squeaking here and with wire wheels....squirt them down with Simple Green, rinse and blow dry if you have like a leaf blower......Doing Sturgis this year on it!!!!
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RE: Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
Carl,
A little off topic but how do you like your Springer Classic? (any other S.C. owners please feel free to chime in here.) I'm close to closing a deal on one in a couple weeks but haven't found anyone who owns one to get an opinion from (I'm pretty much buying on the looks of the bike and Harley's reputation.) Any regrets on the purchase? Wish you'd gone another way? I'm making the jump from a Triumph Speedmaster and it's a pretty big move - any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
A little off topic but how do you like your Springer Classic? (any other S.C. owners please feel free to chime in here.) I'm close to closing a deal on one in a couple weeks but haven't found anyone who owns one to get an opinion from (I'm pretty much buying on the looks of the bike and Harley's reputation.) Any regrets on the purchase? Wish you'd gone another way? I'm making the jump from a Triumph Speedmaster and it's a pretty big move - any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,820
Likes: 15
From: PA
RE: Springer squeaks and wire wheels....
Dave, I've owned my Springer Classic since last August and have no regrets whatsoever. My choice was based on the fact that I loved the styling, I had no problems as far as comfort after a test drive, and the fact that I like to take longer trips and feel that bags fit the bike nicely without killing the lines. I would just test ride a few models you like and go from there. Personally I have no regrets with my choice. After owning several metrics I can honestly say that owning a Harley is the greatest. Good luck with your selection and welcome to the best Harley site on the net. Scott