Spoke replacement.

[Duc]

Restoring a 76 Honda CB550

Anyone know someone who can replace all the spokes?

Auckland region pefereably

[Kickaha]

http://www.wheelandspoke.co.nz/

Wheel & Spoke Services
Tom Morriss
Pakuranga
Auckland.
New Zealand

Ph: 09 5760312
Mob: 021 313136
Email: thomas@nznet.gen.nz

[Duc]

Thanx for info - I will contact them.

[toycollector10]

Hi, go to www.cmsnl.com and price a set of new spokes and nipples. These are zinc plated and are correct for the bike. If you go to chrome or stainless it is a case of overkill, in my opinion. The nipples should be yellow zinc as per the picture on the website. Yellow zinc nipples are correct for Hondas.

As the cmsnl spokes are the right length when the rims are re-laced it will generally pull the rim to the correct offset. This means that if you are patient you can lace your own wheels. Google 'offset' if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Before you get the spokes laced up give them a good polish with Autosol or similar. There is some product in the front brake pads that is very nasty and causes the inside (rotor side) spokes to rust badly. I have been cleaning my new spokes with a brush after every ride because of this. Check your spokes and you will see what I mean.

Don't cut your spokes out as this can damage the hub. Just take your time and screw the nipples out. Polish your hubs with Autosol on a toothbrush. You might have to use paint stripper on the rear hub covers first as the factory clearcoat goes pretty nasty after 30 odd years. Then wash with soapy warm water and dry then polish with a good auto polish. Dont use wire wool as the steel breaks off and embeds in the allow hub then it rusts and turns the whole job to crap. This is important. I dont recommend clear coating the finished hubs and if it discolours or starts to flake you are in trouble.

Good spokes, rims and hubs can really make a bike, and it is well worth the effort. Good luck

[Duc]

Thanx but I dont have really time or patience to do the spoke job myself but thanx for the CMNSL link ( brilliant)