eBay new alloy replacement rims from Malaysia???

[Chuck78]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171582304312

Has anyone ever used these rims before? The price is right, seller says he's sold tons of them with no problems, and that they are better quality than most cheap Chinese rims. Looking like about $275 shipped for a 3.50x17 rear and 2.15x18 front ($60 upgrade from stock sizes listed in auction). It'd cost me $500 for new Sun or Excel rims from Buchanan's, and I'm going for a budget build on a 325lb Suzuki GS twin on a diet.

 

[nrcb125]

Are you sure about those prices for Excel?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-15-x-18-Silver-Excel-Takasago-36-Hole-Rear-Rim-FES410-/321599780105?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ae0d73509&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Excel-Front-Replacement-Rim-for-Pro-Series-Wheels-17x3-50-Silver-EIS412N-/391006421737?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5b09cc82e9&vxp=mtr

 

[Chuck78]

Buchanan's drills them specifically at the angle needed for your specific hub diameter & spoke lace pattern, as they come undrilled, & they are a "proper fit.". Their price was $264 I believe. Drilled at proper spoke angles for your application. I have emailed Woody's Wheel Works for better pricing as well.

 

[Chuck78]

[quote author=eBay seller]
Product Description

These are the same Takasago Excel Signature series rims, but specially drilled to accept Excels exclusive lightweight Pro Series 32-hole, three-cross universal wheel assemblies.
[/quote]

States right in the auction that they are drilled for that specific hub diameter and 3 cross spoke lace pattern. For $310 shipped vs $500 from Buchanan's, I'd consider trying to mock up some sort of jig to drill whatever spoke angle I end up with. Also, at $310 vs $280-ish for the gold Malaysian rims that may or may not be properly drilled (they are advertised as replacements for specific models, such as the Suzuki GS's that I found them listed under), I think I'd go with the known-excellent-quality Japanese Excel rims. I will have to ask the 2 different Malaysian sellers about the spoke angles being drilled per application or just one angle fits all.

I have a feeling that Woody's Wheel Works will beat the Buchanan's price by far. Not sure if they are working the day after Xmas in the off season in Colorado, but I will inquire. I had them redrill some used rims 2 years ago & provide me with oversized spoke nipples to accommodate the larger holes needed to overcome the old hole angle, & I think the drilling was $30/ea rim and less than $10 extra for o.s. o.d. s.s. nipples.

 

[Tim]

That's way too much for Chinese eBay rims.

How many spokes? For 36 hole rims the best deal is MikesXS.

 

[Chuck78]

36 hole on most old Suzuki's. I'll check mike's.

 

[Tim]

Definitely then look at mikes. $100 each for nice alloy rims that are DOT certified. I run one on the front of my XS and have had it up to 115 mph.

 

[Tim]

Oh yeah and Woody's is a good shop too. I had some work done on BMW hubs there. Lots of choices outside going to eBay.

There are bikes with stock 36 hole alloy rims (mid 70s XS, TT500 etc) that could be had for less than the Chinese ones from eBay too.

 

[Chuck78]

I'll inquire with Mike's, but they don't seem to have 3.00 or 3.50 widths in 17 or 18" & 36h. Maybe they can order? Their prices on s.s. spokes for specific Yamaha application actions are phenomenal. As are their cartridge emulators that I've been running for 2 seasons

 

[Chuck78]

Found another resource for wheel building, rims, & spokes, Rad Mfg.:

http://www.radmfg.com/mobile/Product.aspx?ProductCode=CACR-17x350

Although Woody's or Buchanan's would likely be my 1st two choices. They cater more towards dirt bikes & Supermotos, & their prices on Excel rims are $$$. They make their own series of hubs & spokes as well so it seems. They have a bunch of different CNC machines to manufacture custom runs of parts.

 

[Maineiac]

I would be very hesitant to buy these, unless they come DOT certified...even then. Being a Ural owner, I've heard horror stories of US Customs confiscating rims coming in from Russia that do not meet DOT specs. Just a warning.

 

[carnivorous chicken]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171582304312

Has anyone ever used these rims before? The price is right, seller says he's sold tons of them with no problems, and that they are better quality than most cheap Chinese rims. Looking like about $275 shipped for a 3.50x17 rear and 2.15x18 front ($60 upgrade from stock sizes listed in auction). It'd cost me $500 for new Sun or Excel rims from Buchanan's, and I'm going for a budget build on a 325lb Suzuki GS twin on a diet.

The seller is based out of Thailand, not Malaysia, although that likely doesn't change the fact that the rims are probably still made in China (not necessarily, but I do a lot of work in SE Asia and most stuff like this is imported from China and resold).