Alloy Rims

I have come across two alloy rims that look a lot like Akronts. They are 19 inch, 40 spoke holes, and are stamped 250C/19/42998/74
I found a reference on the web that says that they are "factory HD sporty drop center"
Anybody know if these can be laced up on a Norton Commando? Any ideas on a tire size? Will the rims and tires fit between the swing arms and forks???

Stephen Hill
1968 Fastback
1969 Mercury
1971 Roadster
1973 Interstate

Stephen Hill said:

I have come across two alloy rims that look a lot like Akronts. They are 19 inch, 40 spoke holes, and are stamped 250C/19/42998/74
I found a reference on the web that says that they are "factory HD sporty drop center"
Anybody know if these can be laced up on a Norton Commando? Any ideas on a tire size? Will the rims and tires fit between the swing arms and forks???

Stephen Hill
1968 Fastback
1969 Mercury
1971 Roadster
1973 Interstate

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I was always told that the hole angle is important. So even if it's the right diameter and number of holes it can still be wrong.

If they are in your possession then you can probably sell them for enough to afford new Norton rims.

Harley Sportsters came from the factory with shouldered alloy rims back in the late 60's or early 70's. I think they were Akront rims. Hole angle could be an issue, especially if you plan to lace them to disc brake . For drums, you just might be able to make them work with the proper length spokes. How wide are they?

Gday Stephen, as Swoosh and Dannao have already pointed out, the angles will more than likely be wrong as they are drilled to suit the Harley hub. Also something to take into consideration is the lacing up and overlap of the spokes. Some rims have only a two spoke cross over where as three looks much nicer. This is they way I will have my Grimecca hub done and will have a sharper angle on the rim spoke holes. Hopefully I havent confused you?
rgds Foxy

my name is mike or "chille" as my friend calls me.. i just became a member today, howdy fellas !!.. i have had a 850 for 10 years.. i also found some sporty rims and woundered if they would lace up.. it is my understanding there ar some variations of lacing styles some are stronger than others.. is there a posibility that one of those different styles would work? currently a i have an old front rim and am going to experiment.. but its allways better if to see if its allready been tried and had any sucess.. my buddy has a set of borranis with norton hubs and the rear one looks like it is eather laced wrong or has the wrong size spokes because they are bowed out?? just a little off, its strange.. if anybody has anymore ideas that would be great! i also dont have the money for the correct ones and i like to keep it REAL LOOSE..

thanks.... sorry for the grammar.. im just a biker..

If the spokes are bowed out, it may be from the spoke heads not fitting correctly where they go into the hub so they fit straight (correctly). I had that problem when I got some new SS spokes, the front went together fine but the rear, I had to bend the heads at a sharper angle to keep the spokes from "bowing" out when assembled. didn't take much.

Dave
69S

Lets put it like this, has anybody done it? harley alluminum to norton? Also i got a ninteen and eighteen, thinking two ninteens would de easyer?


thanks chille..

chillemike said:

Lets put it like this, has anybody done it? harley alluminum to norton? Also i got a ninteen and eighteen, thinking two ninteens would de easyer?


thanks chille..

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Let's put it this way, not recommended. Does that help? :mrgreen:

indeed thanks..

The rims are 2.5 wide. I think that is what the 25 in the part number refers to. Would that be too wide for a Commando?

What I am hearing so far is that there could be issues with lacing pattern and the angle of the holes in the rim. Good cautions, but it would be interesting to hear from someone who has tried it.

Stephen

Stephen Hill said:

The rims are 2.5 wide. I think that is what the 25 in the part number refers to. Would that be too wide for a Commando?

What I am hearing so far is that there could be issues with lacing pattern and the angle of the holes in the rim. Good cautions, but it would be interesting to hear from someone who has tried it.

Stephen

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2 1/2" is standard rim width for a 19" Britbike wheel. You can fit up to a 4.10x19 tire. I have one on the front and an 18"x3" on the rear where I think up to a 4.50x18 tire will fit if it clears the chain. Comparing these rims to some stock steel rims would be the quickest way to check if the hole angles are similar. What was posted earlier about a 3-spoke cross pattern can not apply to a 40-hole rim and hub, so the angle of the holes in the rim should be the only thing preventing you from lacing them up to Norton hubs. Both of mine (and the previous 19" alloy) were drilled for a 750 Commando with drum brakes and I was able to make them work on the disc brake hubs. I talked Carl Donelson into cutting and rethreading the stock rear Mk III spokes by 1/2" each and rethreading them to use with the 18" rim. He was a litle wary because according to Carl, the spoke threads are rolled rather than cut, but it's been on there for 25 years and never gave a problem.

Thanks.. its starting to make sence.. very helpful info. im not going to give up yet and will share anything else i find out..
nortons rock!!

chille mike out..

Drop-center rims DRILLED and laced by Buchanans on my Blue Monoshocker-



(alloy out back, steel up front. DON'T ASK)

I really hate to say this, but I don't think I could put a Norton badge on that bike except for the motor. I'm sure it is a fine bike and looks very fine.

I didn't know there were palm trees in Laredo

My very old view.

Dave
69S