Elderly cast wheel question

Hi folks.

Over the years, I have noticed that cast wheels on motorcycles seem to
have a limited life span, with regard to being airtight for the use of
tubeless tyres evn when they are otherwise undamaged.

Up until now, the standard reaction seems to be "fit a tube in it".

I'd really like to have the convenience of tubeless tyres, and also not
have to pump the tyres up ever time I use the bike, so....do any of you
know how older cast wheels can be made to be non-air leaking, or
whatever the correct word might be?

regards.
CrazyCam

 

I would recommend getting them powder coated or ceramic coated at HPC high
performance coatings.

http://www.hpcoatings.com.au/

That should do the trick.

Boxer

 

What; those big viewer thingies that used to be on the counters at parts
shops?!!?!

 

Thanks, that looks like a possible....pity about being in Vic.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

In aus.motorcycles on Tue, 24 Aug 2004 07:16:24 +1000

YOu are retired now, plenty of time, you could take Bluey down with
them....

Zebee

 

One is in Brisbane as well, you may have one near you.

Boxer

 

If I'm not mistaken I think you'll find that hairline cracking is
indeed the problem, and is actually why from one perspective you might
be well advised not to attempt to rejuvenate them. They are an
increased danger of failing altogether. You should buy a brand new
set...

Check the state of the rim, sans tyre, to see if it looks like there's
cracks, or just lots of dings that are preventing the bead sealing.
Use a magnifying glass (nb even if you can't see them with a
magnifying glass doesn't mean they're not there, magnaflux(sp?)(IIRC)
is the only way you'll know for sure.

Now, having stated the safety conscious position(which I'm sure you'll
ignore I would suggest that powder coating will be a temporary fix
at best - if it's a result of cracking in the rim the flexing will
quickly create new fissures for the air to escape through. I'd
definitely investigate a more permanent style of coating - the ceramic
coating prev mentioned or nitriding might work or similar.

Or just go with the tubes and save yourself mega bucks on an old bike


JL

 

I'd be a bit worried about the structural integrity of a wheel that used
to be non-porous, but was now letting air through. I'd be a bit
concerned about whether or not it was still as strong as it is supposed
to be. Painful scenarios suggest themselves.

My cast wheels were porous from new. BMW say they were never intended
to be used with tubeless tyres. (well, it WAS 1979!).

Had an interesting time with a tyre place that tried to fit tubeless
tyres to them.

Moike

 

this might be a solution

http://www.pro-masystems.com.au/Default.aspx?DN=136,14,1,Documents

 

Thanks Christ SOMEBODY responded!!
(I was about to post "sound of crickets chirping")
--
Clem
[Snoorer to the stars]
~

 

Is it really a crack if it so small?

Hammo