Spoke tightening
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 545
Likes: 5
From: California
Spoke tightening
How do they do this?
Do they to remove the wheel and place it on a machine like a bicycle shop does a bicycle wheel?
Do they have a machine that the bike can be placed on?
Is there a special tool that is a torque wrench that they use to get the correct torque?
Does the person checking the spokes, and how true the wheel is, specifically trained?
Do they get an arm patch to show they are specifically trained to true wheels and tighten the spokes?
How do I know if they actually did this during a 1000 mile service?
How long does checking and adjusting the spokes and wheel trueness take?
Do they to remove the wheel and place it on a machine like a bicycle shop does a bicycle wheel?
Do they have a machine that the bike can be placed on?
Is there a special tool that is a torque wrench that they use to get the correct torque?
Does the person checking the spokes, and how true the wheel is, specifically trained?
Do they get an arm patch to show they are specifically trained to true wheels and tighten the spokes?
How do I know if they actually did this during a 1000 mile service?
How long does checking and adjusting the spokes and wheel trueness take?
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 587
Likes: 1
From: Ga.
Do you have enough questions?
Problem I have is, who would know how they (who is they) do this? I mean there is a procedure to doing it, as far as to which spokes and the order, does everybody follow the procedure, I am sure not.
If you feel you have a problem, or if you ask for it to be checked, I would say a mech that has been around would probably spin the wheel and use maybe a screwdriver or something and touch the spokes while the wheel is spinning, this will make a less tightened spoke sound out of tune with the others. Then you would adjust these spokes. If you don't use this method, then it would be to check every spoke individually with the wrench, which I have done, but not often, since the tuning method works fine.
I have never used any type of torque tool, only the feel tool.
I would guess that most shops would not check (even though they should) the spokes unless you mentioned it when you dropped off the bike, which I would make sure I did, if I were you.
Not sure any of this helps, but hey, I wrote something.
Problem I have is, who would know how they (who is they) do this? I mean there is a procedure to doing it, as far as to which spokes and the order, does everybody follow the procedure, I am sure not.
If you feel you have a problem, or if you ask for it to be checked, I would say a mech that has been around would probably spin the wheel and use maybe a screwdriver or something and touch the spokes while the wheel is spinning, this will make a less tightened spoke sound out of tune with the others. Then you would adjust these spokes. If you don't use this method, then it would be to check every spoke individually with the wrench, which I have done, but not often, since the tuning method works fine.
I have never used any type of torque tool, only the feel tool.
I would guess that most shops would not check (even though they should) the spokes unless you mentioned it when you dropped off the bike, which I would make sure I did, if I were you.
Not sure any of this helps, but hey, I wrote something.
Last edited by Copyless; Jun 10, 2011 at 11:27 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
They use a truing stand, that has feeler gauges for truness on both side to side and up and down. it takes a special skill to get them right. If you are only at 1000 miles, and not experiencing any wobbles or bounces you are fine.
When I have issues, i find an old gray beard that knows what he is doing. I have had dealers screw my wheels up in the past.
When I have issues, i find an old gray beard that knows what he is doing. I have had dealers screw my wheels up in the past.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 545
Likes: 5
From: California
The spokes just happen to be one of the items I am curious about.
The ownwer's manual says to check the torque on the wheel spokes (If equipped) at the 1,000 mile service and I got to wondering how it is done. I have to guess that if they were going to need tightening then would be the time they would need it.
Brand new spokes, never been stressed or stretched. I would guess that there is more of a possibility of them stretching in the first 1000 miles than, pretty much, at any time thereafter.
If this is something they just run their finger nail over to see if one sounds different am I really getting a proper check? Should there not be a special procedue and a special tool with a special end that has a torque set therein to use to check each and every spoke, one by one?
Back in my younger days a bicycle shop would simply do it by feel. They have a truing stand that they use. But, generally, they just do it by hand. And they removed the wheel from the bicycle. Is this the procedure for a motorcycle?
However, typically a bicycle is not ridden at 60, 70, or more miles per hour. So, I was wondering how "it is done" for a machine that could be ridden at 100+ miles per hour.
And I know it will do 80 mph and a person might not know it. They might simply be trying to merge onto a freeway and some schmuck might think it is fun to block the cyclist's way. Then as a person is making an attempt to get onto the freeway one might forget to keep track of the speed. Then, when the person thinks to look at the speedometer they find they are passing 80 mph without any effort at all.
Back to the spokes.... They are to be rechecked at the 5,000 mile service. Then every 15,000 miles there after.
Most of the other items I can see doing with a service manual and typical shade tree mechanic tools. But the spokes.... That is a different story.
The ownwer's manual says to check the torque on the wheel spokes (If equipped) at the 1,000 mile service and I got to wondering how it is done. I have to guess that if they were going to need tightening then would be the time they would need it.
Brand new spokes, never been stressed or stretched. I would guess that there is more of a possibility of them stretching in the first 1000 miles than, pretty much, at any time thereafter.
If this is something they just run their finger nail over to see if one sounds different am I really getting a proper check? Should there not be a special procedue and a special tool with a special end that has a torque set therein to use to check each and every spoke, one by one?
Back in my younger days a bicycle shop would simply do it by feel. They have a truing stand that they use. But, generally, they just do it by hand. And they removed the wheel from the bicycle. Is this the procedure for a motorcycle?
However, typically a bicycle is not ridden at 60, 70, or more miles per hour. So, I was wondering how "it is done" for a machine that could be ridden at 100+ miles per hour.
And I know it will do 80 mph and a person might not know it. They might simply be trying to merge onto a freeway and some schmuck might think it is fun to block the cyclist's way. Then as a person is making an attempt to get onto the freeway one might forget to keep track of the speed. Then, when the person thinks to look at the speedometer they find they are passing 80 mph without any effort at all.
Back to the spokes.... They are to be rechecked at the 5,000 mile service. Then every 15,000 miles there after.
Most of the other items I can see doing with a service manual and typical shade tree mechanic tools. But the spokes.... That is a different story.
Last edited by Matt0987; Jun 11, 2011 at 12:43 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 449
Likes: 22
From: In a van, down by the river
What John said is correct.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
Here is some basic info I found.......
"The process of truing a spoked motorcycle wheel is adjusting the tension of spokes so that the wheel is balanced, with no humps or twists in the rim, allowing the wheel to rotate without wobbling. Truing can seem intimidating, but with an understanding of how spokes work, it is a simple process.
Truing Stand
A truing stand is a device used to hold the wheel and allow it to rotate freely so that any wobble in the rim can easily be seen and corrected. Commercial stands are available, but they can also be improvised (for example, by clamping the wheel's axle in a vise) or custom built. If the motorcycle is positioned so the wheel can freely turn, the wheel can be left on the bike.
Adjusting Spokes
Use a surface gauge or an improvised indicator to check for wobbles as the wheel is rotated. A spoke wrench is used to tighten or loosen spokes to even out high and low spots in the rim. To correct a vertical hump or dip, tighten spokes on one side of the hub (the top or bottom) and loosen spokes on the opposite side. To correct a horizontal wobble, make adjustments opposite each other horizontally (to the left and right of the hub). Make small adjustments (one or two turns of the spoke nipple), and check the rim's alignment between adjustments. The goal is to have the rim no more than 1/16 inch out of alignment.
Spoke Tension
When the rim is true, spokes should be checked for proper tension. All the spokes should be tight and should make a clear, ringing sound when tapped. A spoke that produces a dull vibration when tapped is too loose and should be tightened. When all the spokes are properly tightened, the alignment of the rim should be checked again."
There are companies that specialize in setting up wheels.
If you have never done this I would have an expert do any repairs,etc-
"The process of truing a spoked motorcycle wheel is adjusting the tension of spokes so that the wheel is balanced, with no humps or twists in the rim, allowing the wheel to rotate without wobbling. Truing can seem intimidating, but with an understanding of how spokes work, it is a simple process.
Truing Stand
A truing stand is a device used to hold the wheel and allow it to rotate freely so that any wobble in the rim can easily be seen and corrected. Commercial stands are available, but they can also be improvised (for example, by clamping the wheel's axle in a vise) or custom built. If the motorcycle is positioned so the wheel can freely turn, the wheel can be left on the bike.
Adjusting Spokes
Use a surface gauge or an improvised indicator to check for wobbles as the wheel is rotated. A spoke wrench is used to tighten or loosen spokes to even out high and low spots in the rim. To correct a vertical hump or dip, tighten spokes on one side of the hub (the top or bottom) and loosen spokes on the opposite side. To correct a horizontal wobble, make adjustments opposite each other horizontally (to the left and right of the hub). Make small adjustments (one or two turns of the spoke nipple), and check the rim's alignment between adjustments. The goal is to have the rim no more than 1/16 inch out of alignment.
Spoke Tension
When the rim is true, spokes should be checked for proper tension. All the spokes should be tight and should make a clear, ringing sound when tapped. A spoke that produces a dull vibration when tapped is too loose and should be tightened. When all the spokes are properly tightened, the alignment of the rim should be checked again."
There are companies that specialize in setting up wheels.
If you have never done this I would have an expert do any repairs,etc-
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Supporter
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 587
Likes: 1
From: Ga.
I am a person who prefers spoke wheels, where a lot of people don't like spokes, I actually prefer them, so I have put several thousands of miles on spoke wheels. The method I use, and many others do also, works. At least for me it has worked for over 40 years without incident (and I sure hope it continues to work for me), so although it may be shade-tree mechanics, it is one I have no problem with using.
The truing stand, I'm sure they have one, but it is not necessary that it be used, unless several spokes were broken, or other mishaps were involved, not just to check the tension on the spoke.
I check mine on a new bike as suggested at the 1000 service, but I ride what some might call fairly fast, so I also check them at every single service, so every 5000 thereafter. I do this because I have found that most of the time one loose spoke will relate to others becoming loose, and then broken, or some other problem.
To the tool again, I never said there isn't one, I just never used one or looked for one, but I would guess that there is such a beast for sure. The wheel manufacturer probably has one, and some mechs may, but remember, the mech buys his tools, so how many would purchase an item they may very seldom use. Some would, but I'm sure not many.
My final take on spokes, I tighten my spokes using the above method, I also ride in the 80mph range most of the time, and have recently been 100+mph a couple of times with two up (not recommended) just to check a few thing out on the ultra. My machine is typically driven above the 60 or 70mph you mention, and though I may have been lucky all these years, I still feel there is no need to worry with it being done this way, since I have never had any sort of problem, and know of many others that also have not.
The truing stand, I'm sure they have one, but it is not necessary that it be used, unless several spokes were broken, or other mishaps were involved, not just to check the tension on the spoke.
I check mine on a new bike as suggested at the 1000 service, but I ride what some might call fairly fast, so I also check them at every single service, so every 5000 thereafter. I do this because I have found that most of the time one loose spoke will relate to others becoming loose, and then broken, or some other problem.
To the tool again, I never said there isn't one, I just never used one or looked for one, but I would guess that there is such a beast for sure. The wheel manufacturer probably has one, and some mechs may, but remember, the mech buys his tools, so how many would purchase an item they may very seldom use. Some would, but I'm sure not many.
My final take on spokes, I tighten my spokes using the above method, I also ride in the 80mph range most of the time, and have recently been 100+mph a couple of times with two up (not recommended) just to check a few thing out on the ultra. My machine is typically driven above the 60 or 70mph you mention, and though I may have been lucky all these years, I still feel there is no need to worry with it being done this way, since I have never had any sort of problem, and know of many others that also have not.
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 587
Likes: 1
From: Ga.
Well there you go, while I am wasting all my time trying to put thoughts together (getting harder nowadays) 1flhtk goes and copy and pasted some real info (shame on you 1flhtk) that just happens to mention the tuning method for checking the tension, so maybe it's not as shade-tree as some would think.