Rusty axle spindles?

Lightest wheels you can get in metal are magnesium, I had a pair of Campags on one bike, and were even lighter than alloy rim wheels, but I did not use on the road nor try tubless tyres, although it would be possible to paint inside rim to make them airtight.
But salt and magnesium.... a big no no.
 
Bernhard said:
Lightest wheels you can get in metal are magnesium, I had a pair of Campags on one bike, and were even lighter than alloy rim wheels, but I did not use on the road nor try tubless tyres, although it would be possible to paint inside rim to make them airtight.
But salt and magnesium.... a big no no.
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So , the corrosive action of the salt will destroy them ?
 
TonyA said:
You get a better cush drive hopefully . And they look a lot better , and they are stronger ! And what happens when we can't get cush drive rubbers from TALON ? Not your problem I know .
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Big assumptions there Tony... that the Cush drive is better... and that Kineo will provide better long term support that Talon... both unknowns.

Looks is subjective of course, personally I don’t like ‘em.

I‘m not arguing that they’re bad wheels per se though... my point was only that I cannot see them offering any meaningful weight saving.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Big assumptions there Tony... that the Cush drive is better... and that Kineo will provide better long term support that Talon... both unknowns.

Looks is subjective of course, personally I don’t like ‘em.

I‘m not arguing that they’re bad wheels per se though... my point was only that I cannot see them offering any meaningful weight saving.
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If TALON continue to support my OEM spoked wheels , I will be happy to keep these.
 
Fast Eddie said:
My experience is very limited here Clive!

But to answer your question, no, I don’t think you can do much.

The bike already has alloy rims and (to my eye) fairly light hubs. So you can’t save any real weight there, or with spokes, or with tyres.

There are kits out there designed to seal the spoke holes and allow tubed rims to run tubeless. That could save you 2lbs (or more?) per wheel with all of that saving being from the outer circumference, thus having a positive impact on gyroscopic forces (in theory) and very low cost. In terms of cost / benefit, this has to be worthy of further investigation I’d say.

I’ve never ridden a bike with carbon wheels (not rich enough) and have certainly never ridden a bike before / after to compare.

Those that have claim transformational benefits. My sceptical side wonders how much of this is sub conscious reinforcement of a very expensive purchase!? But, like I say, everyone I know that’s tried them raves about the impact, and I doubt they can all be wrong !
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I've never heard anything good about these sealing kits, it seems they are very hit and miss. One thing which is vital to stand any chance of success is that the rims must have a safety bead - is that the case with the 961, does anyone know?
 
TonyA said:
I don't know what a safety bead is can you describe it ?
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Hard to describe but as far as I know it's a sort of raised area around the edges of the central recess of the wheel, designed to stop the tyre bead from collapsing inwards if it deflates. I always though they only appeared when tubeless tyres came into general use, so I'm not sure if they're ever used on tubed wheels. I'm sure someone here must know.
 
Fast Eddie said:
My experience is very limited here Clive!

But to answer your question, no, I don’t think you can do much.

The bike already has alloy rims and (to my eye) fairly light hubs. So you can’t save any real weight there, or with spokes, or with tyres.

There are kits out there designed to seal the spoke holes and allow tubed rims to run tubeless. That could save you 2lbs (or more?) per wheel with all of that saving being from the outer circumference, thus having a positive impact on gyroscopic forces (in theory) and very low cost. In terms of cost / benefit, this has to be worthy of further investigation I’d say.

I’ve never ridden a bike with carbon wheels (not rich enough) and have certainly never ridden a bike before / after to compare.

Those that have claim transformational benefits. My sceptical side wonders how much of this is sub conscious reinforcement of a very expensive purchase!? But, like I say, everyone I know that’s tried them raves about the impact, and I doubt they can all be wrong !
Click to expand...
I guess we all view function and aesthetics in a different light. Those doing a lot of mileage would see real value in tubeless. Those looking to personalise their machines may value the ability to customise colour of hubs and rims, or just like the point of difference. Each to his own.

I was a little underwhelmed with the handling of the 961 in standard trim, noting that I had not touched the standard suspension settings. Fitting carbon wheels at that point was transformational. My plans to take the bike to a suspension specialist were shelved. The very significant improvement in handling was a real surprise to me also. Find someone with them fitted and blag a ride. Guarantee this would quieten your sceptical side;)!
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
I guess we all view function and aesthetics in a different light. Those doing a lot of mileage would see real value in tubeless. Those looking to personalise their machines may value the ability to customise colour of hubs and rims, or just like the point of difference. Each to his own.

I was a little underwhelmed with the handling of the 961 in standard trim, noting that I had not touched the standard suspension settings. Fitting carbon wheels at that point was transformational. My plans to take the bike to a suspension specialist were shelved. The very significant improvement in handling was a real surprise to me also. Find someone with them fitted and blag a ride. Guarantee this would quieten your sceptical side;)!
Click to expand...
The difference is very noticeable and makes the whole experience much better.
Some might say that they are wasted on a Commando but it’s all the improvements you make that make a big difference..
Also you never ever have to to clean spokes.Humans weren’t designed to clean spokes!!
 
MAK said:
True,
Got to keep them busy now there are not many chimney’s left!
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Now with less levity..
Carbon wheels also hold their pressure a lot longer, and punctures are a lot easier to repair..
 
Even bicycles have carbon wheels now.
Really, why would any rational individual think carbon wheels would be wasted on a Commando?
Pure poppycock!
Sounds like some 200HP sportbike guy showing you how big his penis is.
Mags, whether alloy or CF improve high speed handling and turn-in tremendously.
Tubeless tires eliminate tube blowouts, so to me mags are worth the cost.
 
Ok, being serious now boys (no p*ss taking please)...

Are carbon wheels likely to be a significant improvement fitted to this 600lbs+ thing?

It could certainly use an easier / quicker turn in, in fact I’m fitting Avon tyres shortly to try and achieve just that (along with more grip)...

Rusty axle spindles?
 
Nice looking ride , But I wouldn't do it . Put that money towards your proper hooligan bike . If it were mine , I would plan to keep the Harley for fun/trips/comfort and get another bike some day . Unless of course cost is not a problem.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Ok, being serious now boys (no p*ss taking please)...

Are carbon wheels likely to be a significant improvement fitted to this 600lbs+ thing?

It could certainly use an easier / quicker turn in, in fact I’m fitting Avon tyres shortly to try and achieve just that (along with more grip)...

View attachment 79155
Click to expand...
Couldn't hurt.
Seriously, the alloys on the bike now fit the style of the HD nicely, CF wheels, maybe not so much.
CF wheels are usually styled more to a sport bikes aesthetic.
Also, your alloys are probably some bit lighter than laced wheels, so the difference in weight between the alloys and CF wheels may not be very significant.
But even if you were able to get 3-4 lbs reduction on the front wheel, you would certainly experience an improvement in handling.
Your wallet will receive the greatest reduction in weight.
 

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