While backing my '07 Heritage out of the garage this morning, I noticed a small clicking sound. After looking at my wheels, I saw that I had one broken spoke on my back wheel. I went to the dealer and was told that it isn't advisable to replace just one spoke - I'd have to replace all of them. I've had more problems with these spokes than I want to deal with. I've been looking at replacing the spokes with mags and found a pair of stock mags off a 2009 Street Glide - Front end (MT90-B16); Rear (150/80-B16). I have a few questions.

1. Can I get away with just replacing the one spoke? If so, where do I find one spoke?

2. If I have to replace all the spokes, what are my best choices and how much would I be looking at to have someone true my wheel?

3. Are the stock wheels off the Street Glide compatible to my 2007 Heritage Softail? If they aren't bolt on, is there some adapter I can find?

Thanks in advance.

 

Years ago, before I knew what I was getting myself into, I replaced the spokes on my 2001 fxst. I just bought the spokes, took the wheel apart, installed the new spokes, created a jig to support the wheel, fiddled with it for a couple of hours, took the wheel back to the dealer to put on a new tire, and amaizingly everything was good! You can doit! Go for it! (spokes aren't that expensive, do them all)

 

Streetglide wheels off a 2009 are not bolt on for a softail. The rear is too big for your bike.

Drew

 

Check here for 1 spoke or a whole set. Just be advised. One broken spoke leads to 2 then 3 etc..

http://www.buchananspokes.net/

 

be a good time to look into those mags U been wanting.!

Also wondering if U ever checked them.. I read in here 4yrs to check Ur spokes in spring and fall..

Right after my 10k service at our dealer back in 08 I checked mine... 7 on the front and 9 on the rear where loose. so much for them checking them at the service....
I pluck mine and listen for the sound to be close.

U'll get like a ringing ting on the good ones, and thunk on the loose ones.

 

Yeah, I've checked the spokes before. I've had the bike a little over a year and have checked them twice, so far. Looks like I'll stick with spokes for now. I do like the way they look and if I can't seem to fix it myself, then I can always (can't believe I'm going to say this) pay someone to do it.

Anway, thanks for all the responses.

 

U can do it! Don't give in!

 

Back in '05, when my spokes finally began rusting, and could no longer be tightened on the nipples, I couldn't find anybody who knew how to build a wheel, so I did it myself. I followed the instructions in the service manual, using a stand I made from some scrap lumber, with a piece of coat hanger wire and a c-clamp for a pointer. They turned out just fine.

I'd never built a wheel before, but I followed the directions and was patient.

Here's a point to remember: spokes usually break not because they're too tight, but because they're too LOOSE. If the spoke has to little tension, it will cycle between tension and compression load as the wheel rotates. This will cause rapid failure of the spoke. Spokes need to be checked for tension at least every 5,000 miles.

 

I check mine every week, I just use a pencil and go around the spokes you will hear a change when you get a loose one

 

Having the same problem on my 2006 Electra Glide Classic. Went in for a tire, and found two broken spokes. I'm sure that other spokes have already been stressed/strained. Now I'm stuck picking one of several I'm leaning toward #3. I know the shop already has the same spoked wheel I need, but should I consider a mag wheel for the back, even though it will not match the spoked wheel on the front?