Spoke Wheel Question
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 437
Likes: 107
From: Indiana
Spoke Wheel Question
How it going all? I have a 2012 RG and am thinking about getting some spoke wheels, probably a 21 in the front and 18 in the back. A buddy of mine is trying to steer me away from getting the spokes because they can be a PITA and will leak. Are they really that bad? I was thinking about going with a DNA Fat Daddy/Mammoth because I love spokes but don't want to have to worry about leaks or lose spokes all the time. Any one out there with spokes that can give me some first hand info on them? Are they really that much of a PITA maintenance wise?
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 5
From: WI
I have an '11RKC with spokes. Over 40,000 miles and zero issues due to spoke rims. They do require inner tubes. Spokes can be a PITA to keep "shiny", I use an old toilet brush that has a nylon core (versus steel) to keep them clean and an air blower to dry spot free. The wide white walls on this bike are a bigger PITA than the spokes and chrome. Checking the air pressure in the rear tire might be the biggest complaint. There are angled valve stems and valve stem extensions available. I use a small profile gauge and air chuck to do mine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,146
From: Las Vegas
Does your buddy know that motorcycles have come from the factory with spoke wheels for nearly 100 years? There's a bit more effort to clean them, but my Heritage isn't a PITA and they don't leak.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 437
Likes: 107
From: Indiana
Good info already thanks guys! So what about tubless vs tube? Ive heard that it can be hard to find shops that want to mess with tubeless. Are most made for tubes or is it just what you prefer?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 532
Likes: 64
From: Manitoba, Canada
I've heard of spoke wheels that are tubeless but have no experience with them, I am guessing they would be a lot more $. Don't overthink it, tubed spoke wheels are fine.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 102
From: Waukesha, WI
In general, you'll want to use a rim band and a tube with spoke wheels. Every time I sell a tire to a customer with laced wheels, they get a new tube and rim band no questions asked. Periodically the spokes will need to be tightened and runout checked and corrected. They aren't necessarily "bad", they just require a little more maintenance and a few extra parts.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 264
From: Fresno Ca
I had factory profile laced wheels for 100,000 miles. I took them off for chromed aluminum mostly for a change of looks. I go through a lot of tires and the tubes add extra cost. Plus the factory wheels have the valve stems centered and you cant find a tube with an angled stem big enough for the back. So putting air in meant laying on the ground. But otherwise they were trouble free and someone else is enjoying them on their bike now.
