[Jeremy]

Hi, guys! I'm hoping to do a bunch of work on my CB350's rear end before the spring riding season starts up. I'm sure I'll have a bunch of questions for you, but I'll start with an easy one.

Some of the spokes on my rear wheel are broken. There are at least three that have the hook end broken off and are no longer attached to the hub. One spoke is completely missing (see picture). Would it be easier for me to replace the broken and missing spokes, or should I just replace the whole rear wheel?

Thanks everyone. As always, I really appreciate your insights and expertise!

 

[mack]

Spokes are a pretty easy replacement. If you have a nice rim already, I'd respoke. You can find OEM spokes fairly easily online. Buchanan also makes some good replacements.

 

[Jeremy]

How do I replace the missing spoke? Based on the picture I posted above, does it look like the "mount" for the spoke was damaged when the spoke broke off?

 

[jayel]

How do I replace the missing spoke? Based on the picture I posted above, does it look like the "mount" for the spoke was damaged when the spoke broke off?

yes the head of the spoke has pulled thru the rim.... new rim at the very least

 

[tbpmusic]

Just get a "new" used wheel somewhere.
Lacing and truing a wheel can quickly turn into your worst nightmare, as discussed here in several previous threads.
It's the sort of thing that, if you don't do it all the time, can be supreme frustration.

Just my advice......

 

[66Sprint]

Helpful Hint.... A "newer" production 360 rear wheel is a bolt-on......And possibly likelier to be in "pretty" shape....

 

[Jeremy]

Lacing and truing a wheel can quickly turn into your worst nightmare, as discussed here in several previous threads.
It's the sort of thing that, if you don't do it all the time, can be supreme frustration.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Sounds like I'll be replacing the whole wheel with a used one from a 350 or 360.

On a related note, when does a wheel need to go through the truing process? Is it only after it's been completely re-laced? If you're just tightening the spokes as part of your routine maintenance, do you ever have to true the wheel again?

 

[tbpmusic]

On a related note, when does a wheel need to go through the truing process? Is it only after it's been completely re-laced? If you're just tightening the spokes as part of your routine maintenance, do you ever have to true the wheel again?

Not to be a smart-ass, but whenever it needs it.
Spoke-tightening should not be a routine thing that you do. Just tightening spokes for the sake of doing it may throw your rim out of true.
Just eyeball the rim as it turns - it will be obvious if it's out of true.

 

[tbpmusic]

Here's a nice one on EBay - there are several, this is the nicest....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HOND...3245973QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

You'll have to spend a bit for a nice one - but spoke kits usually cost more than you'll spend for a nice used wheel, so it's probably your best out on this.

 

[jayel]

truing a wheel is like tuning a piano .... tap on your spokes you'll hear the difference if you have a loose one, just don't go tighten them if they don't need it and if you see any obvious run-out in the wheelthen it will need trued

 

[Jeremy]

Here's a nice one on EBay - there are several, this is the nicest....

Thanks for the link, Bill. I'm all over that auction!

The rear wheel that's currently on my bike is in "OK but not perfect" condition. Should I just reuse the same tire, or should I just go ahead and get a new one? If I get a new rear tire, do I need to get a new front tire to match?

 

[tbpmusic]

Here's a nice one on EBay - there are several, this is the nicest....

Thanks for the link, Bill. I'm all over that auction!

The rear wheel that's currently on my bike is in "OK but not perfect" condition. Should I just reuse the same tire, or should I just go ahead and get a new one? If I get a new rear tire, do I need to get a new front tire to match?

That's your call - depends on what sort of shape the old one is in, and how old it is.
I wouldn't want to run any tire on my bike that was over 4 or 5 years old, but that's just me.
I also probably wouldn't mix modern/vintage styles front and rear either.
Cheng Shin's higher-end tires are matched front/rear, and seem to be pretty good tires - I use them on two bikes. Reasonably priced, too.
I'd love to have some nice Continentals or Avons, but can't afford them.