I have a 2008 Street Bob with spoked rims. How difficult would it be to unlace the wheels so that I can get the rims powder coated? I would be able to relace the wheels but may take them to somebody to true up, or how difficult is it to true wheels? Would it be possible to get aluminum rims instead of steel ones to save some weight? I would also be able to get rims for a 180 rear tire then!

 

There are several good you tube vids on lacing and truing wheels.

Yes you can replace rim with aluminum. Not sure what rim you have on an 08 but if it's 4.5" inside the bead area there are several tires that specifically fit that rim width including the new Avon chrome 180. The size should be stamped on the outside of the rim.

How difficult? To true a wheel, get the right offset, and all the spokes torqued properly takes time. Every time you lace one you will get more and more proficient.

At least if you do everything except true it should not cost much. Try a dirt bike shop first. Many dealers just send it out anyway because they can't make money on it.

 

Unlacing the rims is the easy part. The hard thing is truing the wheel with the new spokes. I haven't done that since I worked in a bike shop in the 70's but I do know that it is a process that can't be rushed. Take the time and you'll get it right.

 

Buchanan spoke .......

 

Some good videos out there to learn from. Also, the HD manual has a really good section on lacing/truing. I had never done it before, and mine turned out great. Just take your time, understand what force-direction your spoke is imparting to the rim ( Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance ... ha)... it will turn out fine.

I will admit, after getting my initial rear rim laced and trued, then finding I needed to put in about a .2 offset, I was a little worried... but, again.. time is what it takes, and it took a bit to 'walk' the rim over.

I bought a stand and spoke torque wrench from pit posse, good stuff. I also already had a magnetic base dial indicator... which you really should have.. makes it a whole lot easier to tru.