OK, so I want to do a spoke tension check on my bike and need to know some basics

1. What is the exact size spoke Harley uses on the touring wheel? I know some people use a "close enough" size bu tI plan to invest in a proper spoke wrench.

2. Is there a rule of thumb for tension on the spokes? Do I need a special torque wrench? Or do I just make adjustments by "feel"?

thanks

 

Hey, I know none of the answers to your questions, but would like to be self-reliant on keeping my spoke wheels true instead of taking to dealer. Does the service manual describe the checking and tension procedure?

 

Yes it does.

 

It's like tuning a piano. Search the DIY section.

 

I hope its not as hard as trueing bicycle wheels. I tried that by hand and messed it all up. My bicycle wheel looked like a sombrero.

 

LOL I have done the very same things when I was a young fella.

When I owned my Heritage and planning on keeping it one of the things I was looking into investing in was a spoke tourque wrench. Especially when remembering what my bicycle wheels used to look like when I tried it.
Don't know if they work or how well but this was the best choice I found.

The better choice was trading for my Ultra with cast wheels and no spokes.
http://www.fasstco.com/products/wrench.shtml

 

Hey, funny post, I had the exact same fear. Take care of yourself there in Iraq. I'm sure that will be the best ride of your life when you get back stateside and get on the King.