Topic: 18x3.5 morad rim lacing

[JohnDRitter]

Got me a snazzy Morad 18x3.5 rim. Drop center of course. Going on a 75' cb550F. What spokes should I be looking for. Im assuming my stock length spokes wont fit. Ive laced/trued my stock rims before, anything I should look out for with lacing this guy up? Also while im posting to you guys. Any one have experience with running a 130/18 tire on a 550F? Thanks in advance.

p.s. I know how some of you feel about running wide tires on CB's. Spare me.

[hellraiserDLX]

Good luck getting a different response than "call buchanans!" I just finished up my order from them because i couldnt find any information anywhere else. $194 for chrome and ot would be $141 for stainless and an extra $65 for polished stainless. I have the same size rim as you. Probably gunna run a 140/18 depending on if i can find a matching set for my front amd rear. I have a 2.5x19 front and 3.5x18 rear.

[MCRider]

I don't think many have any issue with a wider tire, especially with a proper width rim, as you have. The swingarm/shock/chainguard will limit the width to a still reasonable 140 or so.

It's the 16" rims that set some off, me included. They just aren't  right.   

PS: +1 on Buchanans.

[JohnDRitter]

yeah thats what figured I was gonna have to do. Im just worried about spending all that green on custom spokes then finding out the spoke angle is of or something. wish there was a way to know forsure this rim will work. maybe mock it up with my stock length spokes to "feel" the angles?

[JohnDRitter]

looks like the rim is gonna fit since I just now found the link to it from the PO. Are custom spokes my only option here? No one makes swagged 7-9ga spokes for 18" drop center wheels? http://www.smprowheels.co.uk/rims/classic/morad/18-x-3-50-36-morad-tc-kawasaki-z900-z1000-rear-drum-black-anodised-alloy-rim.html#

[hellraiserDLX]

They told me if #$%* doesnt work they will "make things right" im pretty sure custom is the only way to go. i sent them samples of my stock spokes and gave them all necessary  info on the rim

[Muckinfuss]

Yep.  Custom always costs extra....and usually a lot more than was figured at the start of any project.  Measure the drop on your rim v the stock one using calipers.  If it's more than 12mm, you're on to custom made spokes.  Less than 12mm, probably just a length issue (still custom!) and the head bends etc would work just fine as stock, but I'm not much more help than that for your situation.  In the past I've re-cut threads with the correct die and cutting oil on stainless spokes and then cut them down and back the die off cleaning up the cut end.  Lots of tedious work there.  At least one day's worth.  You can do the same with chromed steel spokes, but you need to have the chrome removed by a shop in sulfuric acid using reverse electrolysis...do your work with the die and shear....then have them re-chromed.

[JohnDRitter]

thats a drop center correct?

[Muckinfuss]

yep.  I read at one time that any m/c rim wider than 2.75 is going to be drop center.  The channel is needed from the standpoint of getting tires on and off.

[hellraiserDLX]

If my $200 spokes work out ill give you exact dimensions so you can try and find them cheeper. Wont be for about 3 weeks....

[strynboen]

if the spokes are rolled threds..the spoke diameter are smaller then the thred diameter...and can not be cut longer .
..so take messure of the spoke before trying to cut threds

[754]

Measure. Inner. Diameter of rim where spokes come out.
Measure inner Of stock rim, then subtract difference.
 If its 1/2 inch difference ,then spokes are about1/4 inch or so shorter.