Bent wheels

[88blkiroc]

I had my cb750k4 in for some work last fall and the shop told me that both wheels are bent badly. Is it normal practice to repair a bent wheel or do you just replace them? I want to stay with wire wheels, are there any affordable alternatives to stock that would be an upgrade or improve performance or should I just find some straight stockers? Do any of the other bikes in the cb series or any other honda wheels measure the same as the 750? Thanks for the help.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

I once made a jig to straighten a vintage Triumph rim, but it would probably be easiest to lace up a new rim. Lacing a wheel isn't all that difficult.

 

[Tim]

I'd try to find some Honda 750A or Goldwing rims - alloy. 40 spoke rims are more difficult to source than 36 hole (most Honda CB's have 40). CB550, CB750 rims should all work.

Wheels get pricey when you start building them. Your best bet might be a straight set of used wheels.

All that being said, have you been riding it with the supposedly bent rims? Take the wheels to a proper wheel 'guy' who laces wheels for people. If they're just out of true, they might be able to be straightened up.

 

[VonYinzer]

Are the comstar wheels? If they're not spoked, throw them out and get new ones.

 

[VonYinzer]

Also... Its weird that both would be bent. I would do a VERY thorough inspection of the rest of the bike.

 

[Rich Ard]

Re: Re: Bent wheels

Take the wheels to a proper wheel 'guy' who laces wheels for people. If they're just out of true, they might be able to be straightened up.

Old school bicycle shop may be your best bet on this one. We used to true motorcycle wheels when I worked at one as a kiddo.

 

[88blkiroc]

The bike bounces and shakes really bad between 35-50 mph. The guy said the rear wheel is egg shaped and that I shouldn't ride the bike till its fixed. I don't claim to be a motorcycle expert but I am an automotive mechanic by trade and I don't know if I trust this guy. They were supposed to sync my carbs too and I am doubting that they did. I don't doubt that there is a problem wth the wheels but I was wondering if they just might need to be trued. There is another shop closer to my work that I may take a look at it.

 

[notlob]

if they are that bad you should be able see it when you spin the wheel. Even just holding some thing close to your rim and spinning the wheel will give you a good idea if they are anywhere near out of true.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

"Egg shaped" is not bent. That is just out of true. If there are no areas where the rims are actually deformed, such as from hitting something, then it should be a simple matter to true up those wheels. A dial indicator makes it easy, but I did it for years using nothing more elaborate than a pencil.

First get it close to round. Loosen spokes a little where the rim goes "in," and tighten them a little where they bulge out. Then when it is reasonably round, adjust the side-to-side alignment. Again, loosen spokes on the spots where the rim goes to one side, then tighten them a little on the other side.

Start over, and do it again, until your wheels are nice and true. Finish up by making sure all the spokes are about the same tension. Just go around and around the rim and tighten each spoke a little till they all feel about the same. Re-check or roundness and side-to-side wobble and make any fine adjustments that you need to. When you tap the spokes one-by-one with a wrench, they should have a nice uniform "ping." A spoke that is not properly tensioned will go "plunk."

Your only investment is a spoke wrench and some time.