Spokes

[2strokelove]

I've used the spokes from Thailand. They are ok but not perfect. They will work. I used Buchanan spokes on my 72 GT550. I sent one of each spoke and had them match to exact specs. Went with polished stainless. The total shipped was like $322, so not cheap for sure. My originals were to far gone to mess with.

[Coyote]

I said it before and I'll say it again, I just love what you did with those rims! Very cool and a really sweet looking ride. It's easy to see a lot of time and a substantial amount of $ went in to her. It's true love

[Alan H]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-72-SUZUK ... 6016.l4276" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

US dealer.

[2strokelove]

That's not a bad deal except of course the shipping $ sucks.. One problem may be getting a new front set to match. One other thing on the spokes from Thailand, they will be one complete diameter front to back. They don't have the fluted end at the hub end .Also the nipples can sometimes be a problem. Make sure you have a good spoke wrench as they can round off pretty easy. The Buchannan set does have the fluted end and nipples are real nice.

[Coyote]

That's a good price Alan. Too bad they wont fit my 76. Like you pointed out, the hub is different for the later models.

[Coyote]

I am becoming increasingly interested in the Thailand spokes. I notice they are one continuous diameter for the full length of the spoke -- no larger diameter where the spokes fit through the hub. I'm just wondering if that causes problems in fitting them? They would be somewhat loose at that point the way I see it. I have already laced 6 wheels, so that part doesn't scare me.

[Alan H]

Darn. Forgot yours was a late one.
I'll keep an eye out, but if you do a search for 'GT550 spokes' on ebay and save it, it will automatically email you when a new item with that description comes up.

[2strokelove]

Here are some rims that I've used the Thai spokes inn. The RD350 has had the in for quite some time now. Been rode hard at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon with no issues. The other is a 75 Yamaha DT400. Both these bikes stock use the fluted spokes. They are a good value for sure.

[Spamy]

With that Newson or Buchanon you can tell them if you want all one size or butted/swaged. They typically are 8g(4mm) and 9g(3.5mm).

Too bad they may be different than my 74'. Changing the spokes out is about the only thing left on the bike I still want to do. Id order a few sets if others wanted them state side. The stainless look great and hold up very well.



http://www.power-barn.com/images/PB-Spoke_chart-All.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;[/IMG]http://http://www.power-barn.com/images ... rt-All.jpg

[Coyote]

Do you polish your key?

[2strokelove]

Well since you asked. As a matter a fact I do..

[Powderfinger]

A vibratory tumbler does a great job on old spokes and nipples.

[Alan H]

A vibratory tumbler does a great job on old spokes and nipples.

I'll have to get one. It'll save me a job and I can spend more time with the bikes then.

[tz375]

What are "fluted" spokes? Butted and double butted I get but what flutes in a spoke?

And is teh front end of a GT550 the same - more or less - as a GT750 or are the spokes different?

[Coyote]

The entire wheel is shared throughout the GT production. Even the 380 shared the same wheel. So no, the spokes are not different.