CL175 Racebike project, part 6: Building a new wheel

In part 5, you saw the very distinct wobble in the front wheel. In this episode, I've finally got all the parts, and can assemble my new front wheel. But first, I have to get that damned tire off.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• cl175
• honda
• motorcycle
• wire
• wheel
• building
• truing
• spokes
• tire
• racing
• vintage
• restoration

[jeg559]

How would I measure spokes to change wheel size from 16 to 18 and steel rim to aluminum? Will I need larger nipples for aluminum since it is softer metal. I would like to order some spokes and lace it myself.

[IanJSeattle]

@jeg559 No idea. See if you can locate a wheel builder in your area. In Seattle, the man to talk to is Morry the Wheel Master (wheelmaster . com).

[whesselton]

You should have just cut the tire off. It looked old.

[IanJSeattle]

@whesselton How would you cut the tire off? Tin snips? Beefy scissors? Diagonal cutters? I'd be concerned about damaging the rim, but that's a good idea for crappy old tires like that.

[elinker]

AT 6:14 into the video you blocked the 2 set of spokes pattern. I am stumped. Any chance of adding this spoke pattern detail? I took pictures but of course the detail is not there.

[IanJSeattle]

I actually ended up not using the pictures I took of the spokes -- the hub and the rim are pretty indicative of where the spokes need to run, due to wear marks on the hub (as far as which side the spoke exits on) and where the hole is drilled in the rim. Match those up and I bet you'll have no problem. The rim will be drilled so that the hole aims at the point in the hub where the spoke should be. Rear wheel is the same spoke pattern, too.

[Dilip122S]

Great vid! I love seeing being a "fly on the wall" in someone else's garage-build. I would'nt dare post vids of myself working, too much swearing, headscratching ..and a lot of time spent just looking at it, coffee in hand, and saying "hmmmmm".. fair play to you, mate.

[dirtyrydn]

VERY impressive my man! I LIKE this guy!

[raynesdanimal]

A good tip when pulling off or putting on a tire is real soapy water, usually dish soap works the best. Dip a rag into the water and glop it on.

[dufondutrou]

s'cuse me, mr distryer, Arn't you suppose to drift the tire in the midle grove of the rim on the other side opposite than where you are forcing the tire with a too iron? you got to release tension at the opposite end and the bike repair kit little tire iron are plenty for the task. Alittle talc powder will be ok.

[elebeu]

When I change the tire on a motorcycle or lawnmower rim I put the axle,a bolt, even a big screwdriver, through the hub and then clamp it in the vise. It makes it a little more stable.

[whesselton]

If you were just accessing the hub, the first thing you can do is cut the spokes; I use Klein Tools 9" Ironworker's pliers; it makes the rim more flexible for tire removal. I watched the video of you with the pry bars and it didn't look like you were too worried about damaging the rim; weren't you replacing it anyway? As far as cutting the tire, a box knife works great! I enjoy your video's so keep 'em coming!