Topic: Noob question, how do I know if wheels need to be replaced?

[Prozach]

Hi, I looked in the faq and archives and there are instructions on how to relace a wheel, restore ETC...

My question is sadly more basic. My wheels are rusty, (1974 cb750) but seem structurally sound. How do I know if I should replace or restore? None of the spokes seem bent or broken, just slathered in surface rust.

I have pics, but I'm not sure how to post them here. Boy, it seems I have a lot to learn.

[Prozach]

Ok here are a couple of pics of what I'm working with over here.

[flybox1]

http://www.twowheelmania.com/2013/01/16/tech-tips-read-motorcycle-tire-date-codes/

[Retro Rocket]

Replacing the fork seals would be high on my list of things to do...

[martin99]

Structurally you're probably ok, aesthetically a new set of spokes will make a heck of a difference! If you plan to keep them, at least grab them one by one and check you don't have any loose ones. If there's too much corrosion you may not be able to tighten them up. Probably best left for when you change the tires, so you can get a good look at them.

Thanks for the link by the way Flybox, I've bookmarked it. Somehow I don't think it'll be necessary in the OP's case though!

[Prozach]

That's great, thank you. It's been parked for 15 years at least.
Yeah Retro Rocket, this is the first of many questions I imagine...

[Stev-o]

Replacing the fork seals would be high on my list of things to do...

And tires, especially if it's been sitting for 15 years.

[jmelche2]

That chain could use some lubrication.

[Dunk]

When you pull those old tires off to change them you'll be able to tell. Depends on how rusty the wheels are under the strip. If it's light rust you can just knock it off and paint or lightly oil to protect then you're fine. If it's more rusty you may have to worry about spoke nipples pulling through. Either way, can't really tell from outside how bad (or good) they are. If they're not too crusty inside I'd lace 'em up with new spokes.

[Bodi]

Man, these guys are picky. Those wheels look sweet to me. I suspect that the insides will look pretty nasty, clean off the rust with a wire wheel in a drill then see how deep the pitting is. The spokes are probably rusted to the nuts but tap the spokesl with a screwdriver, if they all ring roughly the same note then all is fine. One or two clunking spokes is acceptable though not ideal. If you soak the nuts in penetrating oil and apply a bit of torch heat you might be able to tighten them but probably would just snap them.
Anyway: I say these are almost certainly good to go until you decide to spend spoke cash. For now, new tires are the absolute necessity.
If the bike was parked outside 15 years the wheels should look a lot worse... but if it was, expect the bottom of each wheel wherever it was when sitting to be really really badly rusted out, probably making the wheel unusable.

[Don R]

For sure replace the rear brake shoes, my bike looked like that and the friction material seperated. It can lock up your rear wheel. Owning a bike like that can be a great learning experience, just take your time and don't cut corners. Things can be done in the order of importance once it's running and safe.
  Those rims aren't too bad, I'd get some turtle wax chrome cleaner and go to town on it. You'll be amazed how much better they look.  The spokes, eh not so pretty but may be servicable for now.

[Prozach]

Thanks for all the replies! New front end, brakes and tires are for sure going to happen. It was outside, but in the inland empire in Southern California so I suppose that saved it a little. I'm starting with the basics, just enough to get it safely on the road. I'lI pull the tires off and report back.

[flatlander]

yeah, pull off the tires and have a good look at the rim bed etc. while at it, go over every single spoke, tighten it if necessary. that will give you a good idea of the shape things are in.
as others have said, i reckon the wheels will be structurally ok and you can clean up the rusty parts a bit.
if you decide to keep the rims coat the bed with something like tectyl to protect it.

[PeWe]

Be careful when cleaning. My wheels looked much better and the chrome flaked off when using the Kärcher pressure washer. Spokes were shiny compared with the brown here. My bike had been stored for 20 years in barns, away from rain, snow etc

NEW rims and spokes make a huge difference!

[lrutt]

ride it till winter then make a winter project out of it. no big deal.

buy a truing stand at Harbor Freight and DIY.

While I've never re-laced a wheel, if I get the 66 Triumph basket bonnie I'm looking at it will be my first and will not be afraid to tackle it. Plenty of Youtube hints etc. to guide you through.

if you do, get SS spokes. Those rims will clean up nicely though I'd believe. I've salvaged worse.