I have an 01 classic with chrome rims and what I assume is steel spokes. Unfortunately the spokes and nipples are starting to rust so I plan on doing a winter project of replacing the spokes and/or black powder coating the rusted spokes.

Anyone ever tried this? How hard is it to relace a rim? And any leads for purchasing pre powder coated spokes?

Ive done some searches on google myself, but I guess I am not using the correct search terms because Im not finding much information.

Thanks guys.

 

You will not be able to re-spoke them yourself unless the correct tool. I have the same problem and called the harley shop about a re-spoke and it cheaper to buy new rims .

 

Try this link for some insight.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc.../spoke-wheels/

http://www.dansmc.com/spokewheels.htm

I laced the wheels for my 01' EGC awhile back. It was my 1st attempt at lacing too. I had on many occasions disasembled many wheels. Had no real troulble getting them laced up. However I did have a laced wheel for reference. When I had them laced I didn't true them myself. When I got the tires I wanted, took them to a local wheel shop for truing, mounting the tires and balancing. Not all that difficult. There is a learning curve, take it slow and double check as you go. I wouldn't hesitate to true them myself next time, mounting the tires and use Dyna Beads to balance. IMHO

Nate

PS Sorry for the Dyna Bead reference on tubed spoked wheel application. I don't think they work that way. They stuck in my mind as I just used them for the tubeless mag type wheels on my 09' Ultra.

 

HD spokes have always been POS. Get some stainless from Buchanan's Spoke and Wheel, not chrome. Find an indy to do the relacing, dealers are always too expensive.

 

+1 on Beemervet's comment. I bought Buchanan SS spokes and nipples and even new rims (went to an 18" in front). My Indy laced the new rims to my stock hubs. It definitely saved a few bucks.

 

This is the place to go, I plan on going with polished stainless. Lacing a wheel is not rocket science a dial indicator is helpful for truing.

http://www.buchananspokes.net/

 

Not only helpful, but necessary...

 

Unless your spokes are loose, I think there is no need to re-lace them...if you where riding them "motocross style" then yes you should have it done, but normal street riding, not hitting every freakin' pothole, will not cause a need for re-lace. However, I am not saying that this is the case every time...JMO

 

I used to work in a bicycle shop years back. I built quite a few wheels. There's more to it than just getting the lacing right. Even tension on all spokes, and you'll need a truing stand. I would never attempt to do it on my bike. When my wheels go bad, I'll just get a new set.

 

My 08 Street Glide has the smoothie spoke wheels. I know the spokes will at some point need to be replaced with stainless. I was wondering how it would look if I changed the front to a 21", same style with smaller fender of course. Has anyone done this?