Topic: Question for those with 16" HD Rear Wheel

[chopstar500]

I just laced up a 16x3 HD rim on my CB500 hub. The lacing went pretty well, but I have a question(s):

1. When properly trued, how much of the spoke thread sticks through the top of the nipple? Most of my inner spokes have 1/8"-1/4" of thread through the nipple. Even on regular rims, how much is normal? How much is acceptable to cover with rim strips?

2. Should the centerline of the rim be inline with the centerline of the hub? My rim seems to be perfectly centered on the centerline of the hub, but it just seems like the offset of the sprocket is more prevalent now - maybe it's just an optical illusion.

When I test fit the rim assembly, it seemed like the centerline of wheel was slightly to the right of the swingarm centerline - maybe the centerline of the OEM rim is the same?

Thanks guys!

[754]

Just grind off the excess.. I assume it is the same on both sides, if not that is the reason for the offset changing.

I never use rim strips, just wind a roll of electric tape around it, then trim out valvestem hole. Never moves around..

[bbrown]

I had the same experience with one last year! had to grind away excess spoke to top of nipple. I use elect. splicing tape, it's thicker and made of rubber! learned this enduro racing.   Bob

[Jonesy]

The rear wheel is supposed to be on-center with no offset. Mount the wheel on the swingarm and tighten the axle, making sure the axle is all the forward in the slots so it won't be cocked sideways at all. You should have equal distance between the edge of the rim and the swingarm.

[eurban]

Rims centerline should be over the centerpoint between the two spoke flanges on the hub.  I also have noticed on my 750 that the rear wheel centerline is slightly offset in the swingarm.  I believe it was shifted to the right by about 1/8 inch.  After much checking (levels, plumb bobs, tape measuring, string lines etc) and confirming that all spacers were of installed correctly I "determined" that this was stock. Jonesy, are you basing your comments on theory or measured reality?  I also initially felt that things should be perfectly centered but all parts are stock and correctly installed.  I started a couple of threads on this subject a good while back and others observed the offset too.  On my stock 750 frame anyway, the stops on the upper shock mounts are not symetrical with one protruding (the left one) farther from the frame rail than the other.  Swingarm assembly seems to be shifted a bit to the left, lineing up with the upper shock mounts.  Wheel shifted back slightly to the right in the swingarm to achieve centering with the overall bike. Its all stock and correct!   Perhaps Honda engineering to give the chain a bit more clearance? I also performed a front to back wheel alignment using string lines.   In the process it became apparent that the alignment marks on the swingarm forks were a good bit off.  Bike now handles like a dream with new steering bearings, new swingarm bushings and a proper alignment!

[ohiocaferacer]

chopstar500,

I had the same issues about a year ago when I laced a 16" HD rim to my CB500/4  also. Had the spokes sticking thru....took it apart a few times and relaced.....same result....finally just did like everyone else and used the grinder to knock down the spokes level. Have over 5000 miles on that rim now and have had no issues.

Also....same as everyone else......rim centerline needs to be with hub centerline. Cant remember seeing an offset in my CB500/4.

Later,
Greg

[eurban]

chopstar500,


Also....same as everyone else......rim centerline needs to be with hub centerline. Cant remember seeing an offset in my CB500/4.

How about measuring your wheels location in relation to the swingarm?  Are your upper shock mounts symetrical?  Might help with chopstars 500 as I have only measured my 78 750

[chopstar500]

Thanks for all the info guys. The rim laced up pretty well - although I had a slight bit of difficulty with the last 10 outer spokes. I figured that I'd have to grind the protruding spokes. The rim centerline is perfect with the hub centerline, but the offset within the swingarm looked a bit off - that's just "eyeballed" without the axle tightened and without the adjusters and stops.

The real test will come once the rim is trued and properly mounted with all of the hardware.

Thanks again guys!

[754]

The longer the spokes the harder they go in! In theory they should go to about the rim I think. I thought you had put the tire on, it should be fatter and probably right against the chain almost. I use about a 30 inch straight bar 1/2 x 3/8 to check sprocket alignment and rims. Keep in mind 16 inch steel rim may a fairly wavy edge, check in a few places.

I wouldnt go by the swingarm, there is an obvious (chain) need for more room on one side.. never seen anywhere that states a swingarm should have the rim in centre or be symetrical.

[paulages]

make dead sure you have the right pattern. if i remember right, i had the same problem, and it turned out i had the pattern a little off.