RIMS & SPOKES
For proper function, the spoke holes in a rim must be drilled to match the hub it will be laced to. Because of the investment required to stock both steel and alloy rims in the various widths and diameters available for all the models we deal with, we normally order alloy rims from our suppliers as they are needed. Though this may cause a slight delay in delivering your rims, it insures you will get the correct one at the lowest possible cost.Rim Width - If you are replacing the rims on your bike with the factory size you should also be planning on running the original tire size. If you are considering increasing your tire size for improved traction, looks or wear you will probably need wider rims. A typical 90/90 front and 110/90 rear need WM2 & WM3 rims as minimum, move up to 100/90 front and 120/80 rear and you need aWM3 & WM4. Remember these are not optimum rim sizes they are minimum recommended width. Incorrect rim sizes reduce tire performance. Most major tire manufacturers have websites, www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/ and www.dunlopmotorcycle.com being just two, where recommended rim widths are included in the tire specifications. A WM2 rim measures 1.85", WM3 2.15" and WM4 2.50"
Alloy Rims - Akront, which were the most popular alloy rims for vintage motorcycles, ceased operations in 1998 and their shouldered rims have pretty much disappeared from the market. Shouldered Japanese Excel and CWC Valante rims have recently become available in the most popular “British” sizes. Both are similar in style to the Akront. The Excel rims appear to be of very high quality but come with a bright-anodized finish instead of being polished so care must be taken not to damage the finish. The Valante rims are supplied polished but are a little rougher looking around the dimples than the Excel, though this may improve with time. Call for prices and availability.
High quality, but non-shouldered Sun and Excel alloy rims are available for most models. Sun rims are normally anodized a grayish silver, with Gold, Red, Blue, and Black available.
The following rims are normally in stock:
| Excel WM3 x 18 shouldered rim for Norton front or rear drum hub. | - #N030 | - $198.00 |
| Excel WM4 x 18 shouldered rim for Norton rear hub. | - #N029 | - $199.00 |
| Excel WM3 x 18 shouldered rim for Norton front disc hub. | - #N032 | - $198.00 |
Steel Rims -
English made chrome plated rims are available for most BSA and Triumph models in addition to the Norton ones shown below.
Call for availability and price.
The following rims are normally in stock:
| WM2 x 19 for Commando front disc. | - #N040 | - $179.00 |
| WM2 x 19 for Norton front or rear drum. | - #N041 | - $179.00 |
| WM2 x 18 for Norton front or rear drum. | - #N042 | - $179.00 |
| WM3 x 18 for Norton front or rear drum. | - #N043 | - $179.00 |
Stainless Steel Spokes -
Stainless steel spokes & nipples for most British models run $80 to $105 per wheel depending on gauge, nipple type, etc.
Call for current prices and availability on spoke sets.
The following spoke kits are normally in stock.
| For #N029, N030 or N038 18” rims and Norton drum hub. - 8/10 ga. | - #N031 | - $101.00 |
| For #N032 18” rim and Norton front disc hub - 8ga. | - #N033 | - $ 89.00 |
| For #N034 19” rim and Norton front disc hub- 8 ga. | - #N035 | - $ 89.00 |
| For #N036 19” rim and Norton drum hub - 8/10ga. | - #N037 | - $101.00 |
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