Topic: A question for K0 or Sandcast guys with original bikes...Spoke plating

[toycollector10]

I want to replace the spokes on my 1969 K0 diecast CB750 because they are dull and grey looking. About half a dozen or so are well rusted.

I have priced spokes from David Silver and CMSNL and also eBay. Not too pricey but shipping is as much as the spokes.

I am considering using my existing spokes and getting them re-plated. This may or may not be cheaper.

The question is, what is the finish that these spokes originally had so that I can replicate it.

They are obviously not stainless steel or chromium. Are they zinc or BZP (bright zinc plating)?  and/or is there any difference between BZP and just plain old zinc plating?

I have searched the DAIDO spoke and hub website without any luck and also the FAQ's. No joy.

Do the Hancock or Wyatt books give any information. I would appreciate it if you can give me an answer
and if possible your reference if any. Thanks, TC.

[Magpie]

The Mark Haycock book "Honda CB750 The Complete Story" states on page 57 only that the spokes were zinc-pated.
Cheers,
Cliff.

[736cc]

OEM is clear/white zinc spokes w/ yellow zinc nipples. I once used Stailess Steel (UNPOLISHED; polished SS looks like chrome and a bit overdone) Buchananan spokes on one bike, their spokes are slightly thicker and use Buchanan nipples only. Buchanan nipples are nickel plated which is nice but I wanted the goldish yellow zinc nipples, so they sent me plain steel nipples and I sent them out for yellow zinc plating. Rims got fresh chrome-plating, hubs were vapor-blasted and cleared w/ Eastwood. I laced them up myself. Lotta work, cost a pretty penny, too.
Those wheels came out sooooooo nice.

[toycollector10]

Thanks Cliff, thanks Andy, that is just what I was needing to know. Cheers.

[AshimotoK0]

Hi I am resurrecting this as it states in this Vic World article that he nickel plates the spokes. I can't believe he would deviate from original spec. Or was it just a misprint?

http://www.worldmotorcycles.com/Pages/MC-Retro-Article.html

Cheers .. AshD (UK)