Rims splitting on BMW Airhead

98kellrs

98kellrs

Been Around the Block
I've had my airhead a about 3 months now and was about to start polishing the rear spoked rims when I noticed 3 or 4 splits in the metal. The splits are around 5mm in length, and maybe half a mil wide.

At first I thought they were just splits in the chrome but they appear to be actual splits in the rim and run parallel to the rim, radiating from 3 separate spoke holes. My first quesiton would be can this be repaired (welded?) and still shine up well, or secondly do anyone know a decent source of BMW airhead rims? I've got a '74R60/6 which I believe is 40 hole and 18inch.
 
Got any pics of this?

Most airhead rims I've encountered have been aluminum, not chrome steel. But I don't know what stock is on an R60/6. My R75/6 has a 19 front, 18 rear. Yours has 18 front and rear?
 
Tim said:
Got any pics of this?

Most airhead rims I've encountered have been aluminum, not chrome steel. But I don't know what stock is on an R60/6. My R75/6 has a 19 front, 18 rear. Yours has 18 front and rear?
Click to expand...

You are correct, they appear to be aluminium. Here is one of the cracks/splits, this is the smallest, the others actually make it across to the next spoke hole. Mine is 19 front and 18 rear the same as yours, the splitting is on the rear and the front seems fine. Spare rims seem to be pretty rare on ebay and those that are up there look in worse condition than mine...im thinking a repair job may be the way forward!

IMAG0035.jpg
 
Ouch!
You could tig weld it without much trouble, but honestly I'd be worried about the integrity of the rest of the wheel if it were mine.
I'm by no means an expert though so hopefully someone will chime in with more advice.
 
My thoughts are if that is happening around 3-4 spokes and you fix it how long will it be before it happens to other spokes. I would trash that rim and replace it for sure.
 
i would send a picture of that to someone at buchanans and get them to look at it

i have seen that in racing and the wheels would be tossed
 
Thanks all, the front looks like it's starting to show the same kind of fatigue. Looks like I'd better dip into the savings and get the both replaced. Anyone had any experience with Akront? Or any other aftermarket manufacturers?
 
Right off the bat, Buchanan's Spokes carries a variety of rims and can hook you up. Are you looking at this as an opportunity to change the style and go with a shouldered rim?

Only issue would potentially be the BMW's larger than typical front hub. The spoke angles of an off the shelf rim might not be quite spot-on. Plus they're 40 spokes, which is not typical (aside from Honda CB's).

As a benchmark, give Buchanan's a ring and get a price or check their site, then start shopping around. While you're replacing rims, you might consider some stainless spokes (Buchanan's again). Slippery slope :D
 
Buchanan's is a great vendor....I received a lot of good advice from "Kenny" who turned out to be Kenny Buchanan. He is a motorcycle enthusiast too....

He isn;t a discount house for sure, but his products are high quality and worth the price. Despite me being a pretty cheap bastard, I sprung for the SS Spokes and Nipples for my CB360......I am sure your bike is worth the quality ...
 
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