Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB750 => Topic started by: Grewth on August 10, 2025, 01:02:53 PM
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I'm thinking about new spokes and rims for my 750K
I don't mind chrome steel rims, but plated spokes are a P.I.T.A.
So I'm going for Stainless spokes.
Trouble is there's so many different choices.
Cheaper from Germany than UK made apparently, although I suspect the German offerings are actually made in the Far East.
And is it worth paying extra for waisted spokes, or will straight section spokes last just as long ?
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Waisted type will distribute the tensile load more evenly along the length of the spoke. Technically more purist and saves a little weight, but quite a small margin in my view.
Effectively, waisting the centre section allows for a better match in pure tensile performance to both the reductions at the thread and bent section of the design.
Straight spoke "should" snap either at threads or bend (often it's the bend) as the increase in load capacity of the centre section places more concentration of load at those sites.
As I first noted, with a production wheel, the design and sizing will usually have some decent margin in it for longevity, this being sensible in avoidance of failure in reasonable terms. which makes it only a marginal choice in reality, either should be ok.
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Years ago I had my Commando wheels done with stainless steel spokes by CWC in the Midlands.
The rear wheel spokes started breaking at the nipple ends, I sent the wheels back and they re-spoked them with waisted spokes.
No problems since then
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Thank you both !
I've got to admit that I haven't really looked at the design of spokes in any great depth.
I was taught how to lace up wheels in a ten minute crash course from a mates dad, back in 1977.
I've always suspected that galvanised steel spokes were stronger than stainless, but they do look dead wrong on a Japanese bike.
Cadmium plated are probably the most authentic. but the plating fails after a while.
So it looks like waisted stainless is the way to go.
Now can someone please tell me, what should the spoke nipples be made from for chromed steel rims ?
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Most generally available spoke nipple will be brass with nickel plate as far as I can see. Fine for use and longevity, possibly use a lubricant during assembly to help prevent spoke "wind up" and get the tension set accurately.