Original Finish on the "Y" Wheel Rims on the Monoshocks

[Jeff in W.C.]

Here's an interesting question. How were the "Y" wheel rims finished originally from BMW on the monoshocks (and early K bikes for that matter)? I've thought that the rims were painted. However, now that the tires are off and I'm taking a closer look, the rims do not appear to be painted or coated, but rather just some alloy. The parts fiche says cast iron, but I doubt they're iron. The wheels, while in average to good condition, don't look so nice anymore. My first thought was to powder coat them, but the mechanic who took the tires off gave me some advice on where to and where not to have powder coating applied. And now, I'm second guessing whether to powder coat them or not. Perhaps a really good cleaning would be better. I just want them to look good.

[melville]

My son's R80 project has powdercoated Y spokes in a deep red shade. The PC was commissioned by the recently retired independent MC mechanic in Old melvilleville. I don't see any problem. Of course, you'll want to have the bearing bores on the front wheel and the mounting flange area of the rear wheel masked off.

[Jeff in W.C.]

Melville, a couple questions. Have you had to remove and replace the weights yet for balancing? If so, how has the PC held up? What did you do about the wheel bolts? Did you powder coat the nut ends as well?

If I go the route of PC, the mechanic told me the areas that he's seen be issues. His suggestions were the bearings go, the cone indents for the bolts (rear wheel), the brake drum area (rear wheel), where the rotors rest on the front wheel.

[jagarra]

My rims on the K75 are painted, here is something that is close to the original finish.https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/du ... pl0/hsk100

[Rob Frankham]

The 'y' spoke rims are coated. I believe it's powder coat but I'm not sure.

I looked into powdercoating alloy wheels a while a go and the best information I can come up with is...

Make sure the powdercoater REALLY knows what he's doing. There are many types of powdercoat with different curing temperatures and attributes. Use the wrong temperature and the strength of the alloy can be badly affected. The worst thing is that it will look perfect... until your getting up close and intimate with the ground.

Rob

[Jeff in W.C.]

Use the wrong temperature and the strength of the alloy can be badly affected. The worst thing is that it will look perfect... until your getting up close and intimate with the ground.

Then, the big question is what temperature is too hot? My guess is that would depend on the alloy. On the plus side, the place I’m thinking of taking them to does car and motorcycle wheels, so this is not new to them.

[melville]

Melville, a couple questions. Have you had to remove and replace the weights yet for balancing? If so, how has the PC held up? What did you do about the wheel bolts? Did you powder coat the nut ends as well?

If I go the route of PC, the mechanic told me the areas that he's seen be issues. His suggestions were the bearings go, the cone indents for the bolts (rear wheel), the brake drum area (rear wheel), where the rotors rest on the front wheel.

The PO had the PC done and remounted old tires so the bike could be a roller. No weights on the wheels at this time.

When new tires get mounted and balanced, I expect that stick-on weights will be used.

[Rob Frankham]

Use the wrong temperature and the strength of the alloy can be badly affected. The worst thing is that it will look perfect... until your getting up close and intimate with the ground.

Then, the big question is what temperature is too hot? My guess is that would depend on the alloy. On the plus side, the place I’m thinking of taking them to does car and motorcycle wheels, so this is not new to them.

We can always hope

Rob