2. Nipple condition—When truing a wheel, the
nipple should turn freely on the spoke. It is common
for the spoke threads to become corroded and make
turning the nipple difficult. Spray a penetrating liq-
uid onto the nipple and allow sufficient time for it to
penetrate. Use a spoke wrench and work the nipple
in both directions and apply additional penetrating
liquid. If the spoke wrench rounds off the nipple, re-
move the tire from the rim and cut the spoke(s) out
of the wheel.
3. Rim condition—Minor rim damage can be cor-
rected by truing; however, trying to correct exces-
sive runout caused by impact damage will damage
the hub and rim due to over-tightened spokes. In-
spect the rims for cracks, flat spots or dents. Check
the spoke holes for cracks or enlargement.
Wheel Truing Preliminaries
Before checking runout and truing the wheel,
note the following:
1. Make sure the wheel bearings are in good condi-
tion.
2. A small amount of runout is acceptable, do not
attempt to true the wheel to a perfect zero reading.
Refer to
Table 1
for specifications.
3. Perform a quick runout check with the wheel on
the motorcycle by placing a pointer against the fork
(
Figure 40
) or swing arm and slowly rotating the
wheel.
4. Perform major wheel truing with the tire re-
moved and the wheel mounted in a wheel truing
stand.
5. Use a spoke nipple wrench of the correct size.
Using the wrong type of tool or one that is the incor-
rect size will round off the spoke nipples, making
adjustment difficult. Quality wrenches (
Figure 41
)
grip the nipple on four corners to prevent damage.
Tighten spokes to 3 N•m (27 in.-lb.).
Wheel Truing Procedure
1. Set the wheel in a truing stand.
2A. When using a dial indicator, check rim runout
as follows:
a. Measure the radial runout with a dial indica-
tor positioned as shown in
Figure 42
. If radial
runout exceeds the service limit specified in
Table 1
, replace the rim.
b. Measure the lateral runout with a dial indica-
tor positioned as shown in
Figure 42
. If lat-
eral runout exceeds the service limit specified
in
Table 1
, replace the rim.
2B. If a dial indicator is not available, check rim
runout as follows:
a. Position a pointer facing toward the rim as
shown in
Figure 43
. Spin the wheel slowly
and check the lateral runout.
b. Adjust the position of the pointer and check
the radial runout.
3. If lateral runout is out of specification, the rim
needs to be moved relative to the centerline of the
wheel. See
Figure 44
. To move the rim to the left,
WHEEL AND TIRES
297
10
41
42
WHEEL RUNOUT
Radial
runout
Lateral
runout
