Opinions needed on wheels.

[thrownchain]

In a seperate post I'm posting my journey on redoing a Steens/ Hodaka. The rims I have won't salvage up good enuff to rechrome or powdercoat, should I try to find a better pair of old rims and redo them? Or get more modern rims and upgrade ?

[BrianZ]

What size are the rims?

Maybe someone on this forum has a pair for sale?

In my experience I have found that rechroming is pricier than replacement rims. There is a seller on ebay from Thailand selling chrome rims to fit Hodakas for about $200 a pair (with shipping). I know that they are likely the wrong size, but it gives a ballpark dollar figure. About 7 or 8 years ago I restored a Honda SL70 and I could still buy a new rear rim from Honda for about $60. I guess what I am saying is try to find a more common bike with the same wheel size and spoke count, and then see what is available.

Brian

[socalhodaka]

I believe Ty Falcon used rims from a late model yamaha and his Steen won at Hodaka Days a few years ago. You can find his e-mail address in the Hodaka Club member directory.

Kelly

[thrownchain]

The rims are 16" rear, 36 hole, fairly narrow. Front is 17' , 36 hole, also narrow. Excel lists both in multiple colors, and I'd go Buchanans for spokes. If anyone has good used or new options I'd be interested in listening. Not sending my money to Thailand. Like to keep the money in the 50 states if at all possible.

[gregg_floren]

Kelly is correct. Ty does have a cross reference to a "big four" part, although my recollection is that is was Honda. We used them on the Steens raffle bike for Hodaka Days 2010.

Also, I can understand you wanting to support the good 'ole USA, but I know several people who have done business with the "guy from Thailand" and he is legit. Be aware that the rims will have "Union Cycle" embossed on the side, but they seem to be a good product. There's a pair of "Siamese" rims on to 20013 Hodaka Days Dirt Squirt raffle bike and I know Ben Schenk has a pair on his prototype 175 replica. I also own a pair that currently are serving as a decoration in my basement, but hopefully will go on my Dirt Squirt. (some day... sigh)

Gregg

[thrownchain]

As I mull over the rim options, does anyone have a cross reference for brake shoes for this bike? Seem to be the same for front and rear .

[tyfalcon]

so I cant help on the 17 front, but looking in the parts unlimited reference guide there many bikes with a 17 front. just a few.
1980-2002 cr 80. 74-78 xl 100 suzuki rm 80 1980-2005 Yamaha yz 80 1980-2005

[thrownchain]

The issue with the application chart is it doesnt tell you what the spoke count is, so unless you can find that out, it's useless info. I have sourced what I need , thx for the help and we'll see you in Athena next year.