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[Billy]

My Wife has spoked wheels on her Low Rider 52,00 miles Tech said rust on inside of wheel and it needs replacement.  Is This normal?    Thanks Billy

[grc]

My Wife has spoked wheels on her Low Rider 52,00 miles Tech said rust on inside of wheel and it needs replacement.  Is This normal?    Thanks Billy

Hard to say without seeing it in person, but if it's a plain steel rim then I'd say it's very possible.  Of course, there are different levels of rust.  A light surface coating that can be cleaned off isn't cause to replace a wheel.  Rust that has actually caused pitting of the surface is cause for concern and replacement.  Often the rust forms most heavily at the spoke holes, just where it can cause the biggest failure.

If you don't trust the tech, and don't feel comfortable about looking at it yourself to determine if it needs to be replaced, take the wheel to another shop and get a second opinion.  Just remember, trying to stretch the life of a compromised wheel on a motorcycle is sort of like playing russian roulette.  If there is any doubt at all about the safety of the rim, replace it.


Jerry

[Billy]

Thanks Jerry, This is the way I see it also. Just wondering if and why the wheels have rusted. I trust the tech so i will go with new.  Safety first I know Thanks Billy

[2k]

Most chrome spoke wheels are mild steel. They look good on the outside, but have very little protection on the inside. Air from a compressor has lots of moisture, therefore.......rust. I agree completely, if you see any flakeing, REPLACE.

[skreminegul07]

Most chrome spoke wheels are mild steel. They look good on the outside, but have very little protection on the inside. Air from a compressor has lots of moisture, therefore.......rust. I agree completely, if you see any flakeing, REPLACE.

the air is in the tube with most spokes, not tubeless.  Water tends to sit in the large groove in the wheel rim.  The newer profile spooked wheels do not have that issue.

[2k]

I guess many are tubed, I have been running tubeless for over ten years. A tiny dot of silicone at each nipple. I did this to have the ability to do a plug to get home. Saved my as* at Biketoberfest 7 yrs ago. Scooter would have been down without it. Rode the plug 600 miles home, no issue.