Cast vs. Laced wheels, revised.

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Jul 16, 2006 | 08:20 PM

dhutchison

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 456

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From: Blacksburg, VA

Cast vs. Laced wheels, revised.

A while back I did a post about cast wheels vs. laced. I made mention of a friend that had his pretty much come apart on him. The same guy that fixed it (an experienced wheel builder) had the same trouble on his Springer with a lot less miles. Same mechanic had a flat on the same Springer last week after 700 miles on his new tire. Bam, 7 more spokes loose. Another friend that has a Deluxe told me today that he found a few loose on her bike after 4K miles. They all have been rear wheel issues. What's the deal? Is anyone else having this trouble? I never have, but it sure makes me wonder when I'm riding my bikes with the laced wheels. Not trying to stir up a debate. We all know there are pro's and con's to both. Just a head's up to you guys with laced wheels to keep an eye on them. It doesn't seem to be a specific year thing. Of the 3 bikes, they are a 00, 03, and 05. All 3 also have completely different riding styles, so I don't think it's from being rode hard. Might just be a freak occurance that just happened around here.

Jul 16, 2006 | 08:29 PM

SpikeCT

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Joined: May 2006

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From:

RE: Cast vs. Laced wheels, revised.

I was reading somewhere where they was saying it was the smooth rims tha was doing it. But with your different years that kinda throws that out the window.

Jul 16, 2006 | 09:09 PM

1flhtk4me

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 10,675

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From: Billings,Mt.

RE: Cast vs. Laced wheels, revised.

A lot of riders may think that laced wheels are maintianece free.They should be checked periodically and if they need adjustment,I would have someone with experience do that work.

Jul 16, 2006 | 09:39 PM

Bryan TTM

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Joined: Mar 2006

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RE: Cast vs. Laced wheels, revised.

why cant you just put some Green LocTite on the threads of the spoke nipples once they're tight

Jul 16, 2006 | 11:42 PM

navyman

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 900

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From: Cincinnati, Ohio

RE: Cast vs. Laced wheels, revised.

21000 miles of trouble free motoring. I check the spokes at every oil change.

Jul 16, 2006 | 11:57 PM

Nomad2day

Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 176

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From: Clarksville Tennessee

RE: Cast vs. Laced wheels, revised.

I have the smooth laced rims on my 06 RK Custom.
It is going in for the 5,000 mile check up in the morning and I have asked them to be sure to check the spokes which is part of the service. We will see how all goes. I rode 300 miles on it today and all of it smooth as can be.
Neil

Jul 17, 2006 | 12:02 AM

md168

Intermediate

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 37

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From: Ohio

RE: Cast vs. Laced wheels, revised.

5200 miles on a 06 RK with laced wheels here...just had the 5K check up w/ no problems. Im told that you need to keep the chrome rims clean or else the brake dust can cause pitting if you ignore...