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Hi All
I have a 75 MK3 that needs new rims, the original ones are bent
I would like to retain as stock appearance as possible
I know about the Sun and Excel alloy rims and the SS, chrome and Elite chrome from CWC
I would be interested in other peoples experiences and opinions, particularly the quality and appearance of the difference choices from CWC and the difference between the spoke choices, especially the Buchanan’s SS and the CWC SS
I would probably compromise original look and opt for the SS spokes
I think at this point I am leaning towards the CWC SS or Elite
What do you think? Anyone have the SS or Elite rims and what spokes? Any issues?
Thanks, Mark

mark99 wrote:I would probably compromise original look and opt for the SS spokes

I don't think its that much of a compromise.

The non-shoulder Excel alloy rims look very similar to the original rims, in shape anyway. Order them polished and the logo is gone. If I were going to changes rims, I would definitely consider wider rims (WM-3 front, WM-4 rear) and changing the rear diameter from a 19" to a 18". Many more choices of 18" rear tires than 19" rears. Today's modern tires are not designed for the narrow WM-2 rims that are stock. I know many Nortons are run with modern tires on WM-2 rims, I'm just relating what the tire manufactures recommend.

A 4.00-4.25 for the front and a 4.50-5.10 for the rear. thats big tires for a Commando Jim, maybe I'm a bit to conservative.

I have a set of the SS rims from CWC along with SS spokes from Buchanan on a MK3. WM-2 on both ends. Works well for the Avon 90/90-19 on front, but if I did it over again I'd probably go WM-3 for the rear (with a 100/90-90 Avon).

A little anti-seize and they went together reasonably well, look good, but won't fool anyone compared to the OEM zinc plated spokes, Dunlop rims, etc.

Worth noting perhaps that both front and rear came in a 3-1 spoke drill pattern. Said to make it easier to lace up, can;'t verify as these were the first I ever laced/trued.

Go with alloy rims as it will make the bike handle better and I think they look better as well.

Ashley

madass140 wrote:A 4.00-4.25 for the front and a 4.50-5.10 for the rear. thats big tires for a Commando Jim, maybe I'm a bit to conservative.

No, a WM-3 rim is 2.15", a WM-4 rim is 2.5". Avon recommends a WM-3 (2.15") rim for 3.25-19 front Roadrider, and a WM-4 (2.5") rim for a 100/90-19 Roadrider. Check here for WM to inch conversion: http://www.oldbritts.com/14_067712a.html

ashman wrote:Go with alloy rims as it will make the bike handle better and I think they look better as well.

Ashley

No doubt. A far better choice than other material.

So Jim with standard Norton rims being WM2, 1.85, what size tire should they be fitted with 2.75-3.00?
http://www.oldbritts.com/14_067712a.html

Note: Rim sizes - WM3 = 2.15" inside width, WM4 = 2.5" inside width.
The recommended tire sizes for a WM3 are: 4.00" to 4.25" or 100 to 110 Metric.
The recommended tire sizes for a WM4 are: 4.50" to 5.10" or 110 to 120 Metric.

I really couldn't say. I'm just quoting tire manufactures recommendations for rim width. I think what's happened is tire motorcycle construction has changed dramatically since the sixties when our Commandos were conceived. Since the old tires are not available, nor would I want them, I chose to go with a wider rim, a 2.5" in the rear. I've yet to upgrade the front, still running a 1.85".

this is the tire sizes from the Oldbritts link you supplied
Note: Rim sizes - WM3 = 2.15" inside width, WM4 = 2.5" inside width.
The recommended tire sizes for a WM3 are: 4.00" to 4.25" or 100 to 110 Metric.
The recommended tire sizes for a WM4 are: 4.50" to 5.10" or 110 to 120 Metric.

different size tires than what you stated.
I sell lots of alloy rims and spokes for Commando's, no one has ever asked me for a WM3 for the front or a WM4 for the rear. each to his own I guess

Hi all , on the strength of all the above, what rims whould you recommend for my cafe racer(track days and fast use) on the twisties of NZ?
I have the original rims on my Roadster , both chrome VM's , runnong Avon 100/90 on the front and a Dunlop TT 100 on the rear.m It steers quick enough for my abilities.
Regards Mike

well, you will surely get plenty of different opinions here. remember they used to race on the standard rims.

Brooking 850 wrote:Hi all , on the strength of all the above, what rims whould you recommend for my cafe racer(track days and fast use) on the twisties of NZ?
I have the original rims on my Roadster , both chrome VM's , runnong Avon 100/90 on the front and a Dunlop TT 100 on the rear.m It steers quick enough for my abilities.
Regards Mike

Sounds like you are a pretty aggressive rider. That being the case, tubeless radials would be the best choice. This would necessitate changing to cast rims. I guess some have mounted tubeless tires with spoke rims, but it wouldn't be my choice. No doubt, cast rims from a salvage yard could probably be had for considerably less than a new complete laced up alloy spoke rim.

Some of our resident racers can probably give you some good advice on tires. I'm just a street putter.

thanks for all the advice so far
has anyone bought the Elite chrome rims?
Why is the handling better with alloy rims? just less un-sprung weight?
If I put an 18 on the rear, wouldn't it change the height at the rear and therefore the rake and things like that?
Or is it too small too matter?