Loose spokes
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 648
Likes: 24
From: New Jersey
There are 49 posts regarding this issue in the link below:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...obble+heritage
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...obble+heritage
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 199
From: Johnson City, TN
Got my Slim in the 1000ml service right now and they are tighting all of my rear spokes 1 full turn according to the latest MOCO info.....My wheel was fine going in so hope no problems coming out.......anyway seems to be the chrome wheel only so far......
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
That sure is something I would be interested to know. I remember reading something about Australia, but if the wheels are failing at such an alarming rate, my first guess is always China.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
Sorry bikerlaw but the higher quality items usually come out of China. Lol
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
I check the spokes on mine at every 5,000 mile service. It's not uncommon to have a couple "dead" sounding spokes on the rear wheel. I test them by tapping with the spoke wrench, and tune them to Eb (for 16" wheels- I'm a musician).
FWIW, I built my own wheels back in '05. The original spokes rusted so the nipples were seized and they could no longer be tightened. I stripped the hubs and rims and rebuilt them myself with new spokes, since I couldn't find anyone locally who knew how.
I do know from experience that if the wheel is built with too little tension, it will continue to loosen up in service. Any loose spokes will compromise the strength of the entire wheel, so this is critical.
FWIW, I built my own wheels back in '05. The original spokes rusted so the nipples were seized and they could no longer be tightened. I stripped the hubs and rims and rebuilt them myself with new spokes, since I couldn't find anyone locally who knew how.
I do know from experience that if the wheel is built with too little tension, it will continue to loosen up in service. Any loose spokes will compromise the strength of the entire wheel, so this is critical.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Jul 3, 2012 at 12:17 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 199
From: Johnson City, TN
....Back from service, no problems.....so smooth sounding with Syn3. Back wheel was fine, no loose spoke however they only went a quarter turn more....not the full turn that they do for the chrome wheel. Full Service, wash and detail $308us.......I thought it was a great price.
Last edited by Jesla; Jul 4, 2012 at 11:44 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: The computer desk.
Right there too, just around 800 miles, I started my own thread on this here in the Softail section a few weeks ago, I just posted on it so it should be close to the top.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 33
From: East, TN
What type of wheels do you all have ? The tube type or the optional tubeless ? I havent had spokes on all my rides but the last time I had a problem with loose spokes was on my new '68 Bonneville ,so it's been awhile .
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: The computer desk.
Tubeless.