Rims - any opinions appreciated

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dmkahler

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Sep 10, 2011
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Existing Dunlop WM2 rims are severly rusted/pitted/peeling and probably not worth rechroming. Any opinions on replacements? Stainless, chrome? I really want to stay with as much British as possible on the bike if possible and not crazy expensive. Already have the 4.1x19 Dunlop Roadmasters and stainless spokes with Nickel plated nipples for the rear.
 
Go to the "wanted" and the "For Sale" postings in this forum. You may need to move things you're replacing. Those rims may be junk to you where someone else may need them.
Sounds like you have plenty of time. Stay glued to Ebay and wait for just the right time........... then pounce.
I plan on upgrade to alloy rims this winter. The wm2's that I have are in excellant condition. I will keep you in mind. If you are not in a hurry, you will be in for a great deal.
 
I you don't mind, you used the word "upgrade" to alloy. Why is that an considered an improvement to the WM2's if they are in great shape. That is the opinion I am looking for.

I have been trolling Ebay constantly, have over 2k in stuff off there in the last 3 months. There is a Jones front on there now I am watching.
 
dmkahler said:
I you don't mind, you used the word "upgrade" to alloy. Why is that an considered an improvement to the WM2's if they are in great shape. That is the opinion I am looking for.

I have been trolling Ebay constantly, have over 2k in stuff off there in the last 3 months. There is a Jones front on there now I am watching.
Click to expand...

Although I could cruise just fine, my bike is set up for more performance. I have spoken with many, who are not particularly purist, that say that alloy rims just feel lighter and a more responsive.

I have done many things to my bike that just were not needed but were done for the sake of performance. I don't recommend this to everyone but it's my bike and I do what I want. But you are right, the Made in England Dunlop wm2 are just fine. They are hard to beat and when shiny look great.
 
Peter,

I am very interested in you WM2's if you make them available. I was gonna look for some tomorrow at the Battle of the Britts. What are you thinking your gonna want for them? Your right I don't need any till probably Feburary.

How do you send private messages on here?

Dave
 
I got original looking WM2 chromed rims from Walridge, UK made but not Dunlop. He should be coming out with his autumn sale flyer soon and he may have them on sale. The SS spokes may be on sale too. There is also a SS rim out there somewhere that I understand is not much more than the chrome one. Don't ask me where, I forget, a search for stainless rim may turn it up. Of course you can go with newer style lighter ones too. Your choice. I like the original style. Forget about putting that safety lug back in the rear.

Dave
69S
 
Thanks Dave,

I have the Walridge catalog, didn't know about a possible sale event. Appreciate it.
 
Thanks Ian,

I had their site saved from earlier. I have been looking at alot of potential suppliers, there are so many options. That's why I need feedback from those who have traveled this road.
 
Another thing Walridge has is the sealed double row bearings for the front and rear wheels. About $35 ea. Much easier than doing all that machining to put new bearings in. They fit right in replacing the originals. I think Fair Spares has them too. Mike has real nice bronze exhaust 'nolts' too. Yeah, wait until his fall sale if you want to save a few bucks, there's usually quite a bit of stuff on sale.

Dave
69S
 
One of my hesitations about buying used rims is knowing whether or not they were drilled for a Norton, disc or drum, etc.

It is one thing to count 40 holes and another to know if it is the right drill pattern. The original Dunlops were stamped MC275 on the front for the disc brake, and MB41 for the rear drum brake.

I have no idea what kind of mess you would find yourself in if you swapped them around. I am sure somebody else here can tell a story about it. But it has kept me from buying Ebay rims a number of times just by the fact that the seller didn't really know the difference and I wasn't willing to gamble on it. So proceed with caution on used rims...buyer beware and all that.

Russ
 
The spokes and rims I got from Walridge were perfect. No problemo. Hardly worth trying to save money.

Dave
69S
 
Thanks Russ,

I have passed on Ebay before due to exactly what you mentioned, those are the numbers on my rusted out rims. Swap meet tomorrow and if a pretty set seduced me I probably would have forgot to be so careful without your reminder.

Thanks, thanks.
 
Thanks again for the reminder about the rim codes,

Found a very nice Dunlop MC275 front at the swap meet. Originally asking 60, got it for 25 bucks and no shipping! Early morning rain cleared and enjoyed checking out the bikes. Surprised there were probably only about 12 Nortons of the 150-200 bikes there. Lots and lots of Triumphs. Also got Amal carb rebuild kits, new original footpeg rubbers and a NOS stator.
 
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