I want to put new spokes on the front wheel of my 98 fxdl and was wondering if it would be possible to replace the spokes and nipples one at a time instead of taking them all out at once. I have never messed around with spoked wheels beforeand was trying to avoid making a mess of it. What do you guys think?

 

Changing spokes is an art.
Done with a balance stand.
Not something most pick-up in an afternoon due to potential problems with balance.

 

I was kinda thinking the same thing when the idea hit of replacing them one at a time. Anyone know of a person or company that can respoke a wheel? Its a stock front wheel

 

Check around with the Indys in your area.
Or, send it to the pros. http://www.buchananspokes.com/categories/labor.asp

 

That's where I bought my spokes , to redo my front & back, rims.
Went with the Twisted Stainless. Top notch stuff.
I let my indy do it, because they need to be true & it is an art.
I think FSM calls for them to be within 1/32, runout & my indy trues his to within 1/64.
I'm sure Buchanan would do a great job, also.
They're price on labor is not bad either. Think I payed around $125 labor for each rim.
I ride a 1996 FXDL.


Ride Safe,
Harold

 

You can replace spokes one at a time, rather R&T all at once. Loosen all spokes until 90% of tension is removed. Leave a little tension on each one. Then replace one for one. You will then have to tension and true the wheel.

Edit - r&r'ing one at time will necessitate bending spokes slightly to get them in/out. Not optimal.

 

I've only ever watched a wheel builder build a wheel from scratch, but can't imagine replacing only one or two, although I suppose that must be possible. I have also watched someone true a stock Sportster wheel which came in for a new tyre, but was out of true. Looks like a black art to me! Doesn't need a Harley dealer or indy, as wire spoked wheels are universal, so any competent local shop may have the right skills, certainly my local Yamaha dealer does.

 

I read somewhere that a guy took his wheel to a bicycle shop an had a wheel done. they use a similar stand an charged a heck of a lot less.

 

Bicycle shops build and true wheels all the time. In my experience with both, truing a motorcycle wheel is MUCH easier than a bicycle wheel.

When I wanted to replace my rusted spokes back in '05, I couldn't find anyone to do it, so I did it myself. The factory service manual outlined the procedure and gave the offset specs from the rotor flange to the rim edge. I used a spare axle and built a truing stand from scrap lumber with a piece of a coat hanger and a c-clamp for a pointer. I was able to get the wheels within .015 runout. This was as good as the rims ran.

I've built two sets like this now. I'm riding on the second set I built now.

 

Yep, as mentioned Buchanan is the place for spokes. As far as lacing a wheel, it's not for the novice. Check with a dirt bike shop in your area. They are usually very reasonable.