Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums

I recently noticed that the rear wheel on my 88/89 SB50(p?) has a fairly substantial dent in it, I'd say the flattened area is about 2.5 inches long, and I can feel it, especially so at slow speeds. I looked it up on Motor City Powersports and they're charging 100 for a new wheel, then I was thinking I might as well replace the tire, and while I'm at it the front, which comes to about 170$ not counting services or taxes (not replacing the front wheel).

This is money I don't have as well as quite a bit of work if I don't pay somebody else to do it, if at all possible I'd rather just fix the wheel, but can that be done?
And if it can be done, is it a horrible idea?

ScooterWerx is selling some wheels.

Contact him as it'll be much cheaper and less hassle than trying to repair your bent wheel.

I have never seen or heard of a bent wheel that ever was made straight again. Follow bradthreee's advice, a bad wheel can hurt or even kill you.

Ive had motorcycle wheels straightened, but id say it is probably a lot cheaper and faster to just buy a used one and use that.

Alright, I've posted in ScooterWerx' thread, hopefully something will come out of that. In the mean time, a dent like this was almost definitely caused by a single event, since the rest of the rim is fine; would this suggest something's not quite right in my rear suspension, I don't remember hitting any massive potholes, if I had I imagine the front wheel would have pole vaulted me before the rear hit anything

Ok, so once I have the wheel, how do I take the current one off and put the new one on?

Greetings:

If you're asking this question here, consider getting some experienced supervision. Have a look in the Service Manual.

Theoretically it's just one nut. But it can be a really really tough nut to crack. Sitting on the scooter, lock the rear brake, or even block the wheel spokes with a broomstick. The Miracle of Leverage is the key. I don't recall the socket size, but there's an SAE alternative that's close enough. Beware the skinned knuckles phenomenon.

Even more important is to ensure that nut goes back on with the Factory-specified torque. A loose rear wheel can ruin a feller's whole day.

Wheelman-111 wrote:I don't recall the socket size, but there's an SAE alternative that's close enough.

I believe you are looking for 23mm on the axel nut. It is not too hard to find. 39mm is harder...

what are the chances I could take my bike and the new wheel up to some sort of dealership and get them to do it? and if likely, how much would they probably charge?

Greetings:

Dealers generally charge an hourly rate. Call and ask what that rate is. There's usually a flat price for tire changes when you buy the tire elsewhere. I'm sure they'll be happy to do it. A half-hour is probably ~$50, and you won't learn a thing.

HF tools can supply what you need (except the will to learn this stuff...) for well under that cost. Look for "So You Want to Change Your Own Tires" in Technical Documents. It ain't rocket science.

Whatever you decide, good luck.

well then, would anybody in the rochester hills/troy area like to help me change a tire?

Greetings:

You can do this if I can:

http://www.hondaspree.net/phpBB3/viewto ... =5&t=11386

Good luck!

Wheelman-111 wrote:Greetings:

You can do this if I can:

http://www.hondaspree.net/phpBB3/viewto ... =5&t=11386

Good luck!

caveman style
when i was working at a tire shop, i got a new tubeless tire for my spree, and made a bet that i could change my tire with no tools, save a valve core remover. the worst part is breaking the bead. and the soap is super important. but it can be done... tubes complicate things a bit, but some rims require them

excuse me, I meant to say change a wheel

Ziraya wrote:what are the chances I could take my bike and the new wheel up to some sort of dealership and get them to do it? and if likely, how much would they probably charge?

The Belle Tire by me put the tire on for $10.00. I personally didn't care to even try to put it on myself. It took them 10 minutes and I was out the door. Take it to the Belle Tire on Rochester road north of 59. They would do it for you.