Advice on replacement rims

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 said:

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

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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 said:

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.

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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 said:

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

Ashley

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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 said:

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

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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?

mark99 said:

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?

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When I changed to a !8" rear rim that was a concern of mine, too. When I did some research, I found that a 120/90-18 had about a 1/2" less in circumference than the 100/90-19 it replaced. That's less than 0.16 (5/32) inches in ride height change.Tread wear is more than that. I doubt either you or your Norton will notice the difference.

Hey,

It is more important to go with the tire manufacturers recommendation in regards to size on the rim. This to ensure that it gets seated properly and doesn't balloon to alter the footprint. Older type tires have a huge sidewall compared to modern Metric type tires and the two types certainly have different recommendations when it comes to rim sizes.

JimC suggestion for sizes are spot on. A wm3 in the front for a 100/90-19" and if you go with a wm4 or 4.5 in the rear, then a 110 or 120/90-18" will be perfect. These two tires sizes will have the same, or very close to the same, rolling diameters (since the wider rear also gets taller). In other words, as far as the bike knows...you are spinning the same tire sizes.

Staying with the 19" rear does certainly limit the tire choices as a 19" rear is pretty much an obsolete size as far as the tire manufacturers are concerned. Few good tires are available and one is an Avon AM26 Roadrider that can be mounted front or rear by simply reversing the rotation. If you ran a 100/90-19" front and rear...then I would use a wm3 rim for both.

I would recommend an alloy rim for your wheel set. Light weight, strong and looks great. Go with some stainless steel spokes and nipples. Go with Buchanans. They offer some great product and stand behind it 100%.

Of course, opening the door to the 'wheel and tire recommendation' will definitely get you plenty of different advice, just like when starting and 'oil' thread.

Matt / Colorado Norton Works

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

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Madass,

What sizes (width) are you selling?

Did you see Matt Ranbow's post?

There are some who swear a Commando has to have WM2-19, front and rear. Maybe with 1960's design tires that would be good advice. Not with today's tires. They need a wider rim to perform at their optimum. I predict that a 19" rear will no longer be available, at a competitive price, in a few years.

Looking at the prefered tyres recomended rim width mightnt be a bad idea .

A bit of rim width makes useing the sides a bit easier . This is economics
as useing all the tread you pay for only makes sense .

CNW said:

Staying with the 19" rear does certainly limit the tire choices as a 19" rear is pretty much an obsolete size as far as the tire manufacturers are concerned. Few good tires are available and one is an Avon AM26 Roadrider that can be mounted front or rear by simply reversing the rotation. If you ran a 100/90-19" front and rear...then I would use a wm3 rim for both.

I would recommend an alloy rim for you wheel set. Light weight, strong and looks great.
Matt / Colorado Norton Works

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That is what I did, WM3 19 front and rear. Avon Roadriders.

Note that the Excel shouldered alloy rims won't save you any weight from the stock steel rim, they are approximately the same weight, although I didn't weigh them.