Topic: Re-using spokes

[hdpredator]

I've searched the archives and I've had no luck answering the following question, "Is it a good idea (safe) to re-use spokes?"  I'm not threatened by re-lacing or trueing, just dropping $100/wheel for new spokes since the ones i have aren't bent or broken...just slightly corroded.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've got to say, these forums have proven invaluable through the disassembly process, especially with the damn oil filter bolt   I've been lurking in the shadows for about two months, learning from everyone  here...vice what I like to call "the hard way."

I've a 1974 CB550 Four which has been sitting in a barn for ten years (see pic) which I'm rebuilding, if anyone's curious/interested.  If anyone has any questions about the project, feel free to ask.

Thanks in advance.

[L.A. Nomad........]

I'd say buy new ones, they look soo much better! But if the spokes look good, have them zinc plated. You'l be saving 20-30 dollars..

Try this site: buchananspokes.com


Nomad

[TwoTired]

I know of no reason to replace spokes other than the obvious (bent, nicked, damaged threads etc.)  I think Honda charges $4-$6 for each spoke, new.

I was thinking of having mine powder coated.  But, I'm not sure the powder coat is as stretchy as the spokes. It'd be horrible to have it flake off. afterwards.  Then there is the thickness of the coating to consider.  Might be better off with chrome plating...

[oldbiker]

Dave Silver sells sets of stainless spokes for about £17, say 30 something dollars. I rebuilt both my wheels with new rims for under £90.

[Terry in Australia]

It just depends how corroded your old spokes are, if they're not pitted they should be fine, just get 'em zinc plated mate, stay away from chroming them though, the chroming process can make them brittle, when they should be reasonably flexible to cope with the stresses induced on them. Zinc plating is also pretty inexpensive, I had all the nuts and bolts on my 350/4 re-plated for less than 50 bucks.

I suppose powdercoating would be ok, powdercoat is a plastic coating and reasonably flexible, but would add some "thickness" to the spokes, so you'd need to mask off the threads very carefully (spoke threads are very fine) and make sure the spokes thread through, and seat properly in the hub. The'd be fiddly buggers to powdercoat though, after the guys in the blasting booth finish chasing them around with the bead blaster, ha ha! Cheers, Terry.

[Geeto67]

As it was explained to me, It is not entirely safe to resue spokes because over time spokes stretch and become brittle from use. If we are talking a high mileage bike and the spokes are corroded then it is probably a good Idea to replace, if it is low mileage bike and they look pretty clean then leave them alone. If you have the wheel apart already then I would recommend that you change them just to be on the safe side, and also to put stainless steel ones in so you don't have to do the clean and touch up thing every weekend.

BTW for those who don't care about 100 point restorations I usually repaint the spokes before they go into the wheel with a couple of shots of silver. Keeps them from getting rusty too fast.

[hdpredator]

thanks for all the advice!

i've decided to go with buchanons.

i contacted davidsilver spares and they don't stock stainless steel spokes.