Wheel lacing question

I went through this process last summer on the front wheel of the KZ1000. Make sure to order the spoke wrench they sell also since the Buchanan nipples have larger diameter wrenching flats than the OEM spokes. The torque spec is also surprisingly high compared to the FSM value, so a good wrench is mandatory. Adds about $20 to the total cost, at least when ordered directly from Buchanans.

Oh, and at least with the front wheel no "forming" (I do like that term over "bending") was required. The angles and lengths were exactly the same as the OEM spokes being replaced.

Spokes are no different than any other threaded fastener. There's a correct torque spec.

Part of the spec is to ensure the threads are not stretched excessively or stripped altogether.

When it comes to spokes in hub flanges, flanges can be damaged/cracked/pulled apart & separated from the hub body completely due to the combined tension of many over-torqued spokes pulling on the flange in unison. That combined tension force on the flanges is part of the reason the spoke torque spec is what it is.

Spokes too loose will result in a wheel that won't remain true. Spokes too tight will often break at random intervals, and may result in damage to the hub flanges.

A couple of good torque wrenches are in any competent DIYer's tool chest. Spokes are no different, and are arguably more critical to safety than, say, correct torque on head nuts.

Tusk and Fasst Company both offer adjustable spoke torque wrench sets with interchangeable ends. Highly recommend for anyone wishing to learn wheel building. Both can be found on a variety of websites. Others are available pre-set to one torque spec, if that one spec is all it is to used for. Cheaper, but not as versatile.

When we started our first foray into wheel building, we bought the Fasst Company adjustable spoke torque wrench set, as well as a regular fixed-size spoke wrench for general use.

kz650guy,
If you're using stainless spokes along with with stainless nipples, Buchanan recommends stainless thread lube to keep the threads from seizing during tensioning.


Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

The equal torque or tension, (not the right torque!), of a spoke can be sound checked like a guitar string with light tabs on the spokes.
Just for your first check. Wheel spoke truing professionals have a better hand, eye, sound and torque feeling like us.

New spokes went in without problems much better quality than emgo it did come with some assembly lube easy install much better fit and the spokes are thicker than original and the emgo spokes

the Emgo spokes are OK for the money. I have laced two sets of wheels with them and had the same problem with the spoke bend being incorrect on one. I called up a professional wheel builder to ask advice and he said he bends spokes by hand all the time. So i bent them to fit and haven't looked back since. Buchanan's makes a far superior product but spokes for two wheels at $220 is pretty steep.

Started on the front spokes rim has several dents in it and will need replaced spokes are usable but do not look anywhere near as good as the rear spokes I really don't want to buy 130 dollar spokes and a 65 dollar rim but I don't think I would be happy with these old spokes on a new rim I'll post some pic when I get home

you could get them replated. I found a place that will zinc plate up to 35 pounds for something like $65. if you're doing a resto, you could get other hardware plated.

Try aluminum paint. It won't look as good as new spokes, but will look surprisingly good at a glance.


Good Shootin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

Not a bad idea I think I'm just going to replace the rim for now and put the spokes in some evapo rust just to clean them up a bit I will replace them the next time I change front tire probable be a few years already spent to much in parts but that's how it goes

Finally got it all done I've been converting my 76 ltd 900 to a kz clone the wheels are from a 77 kz750 twin all bolt on

looks great

Nice job on the wheel swap.