Spoke Torque? (and project update)

998cc · Dec 9, 2023

Alloy rims with Buchanan S/S spokes. Standard 19" and 20" wheels. Does anyone know what the torque specs for these would be?

This is the project where I am donating my time building a basket-case Touring Rapide for an elderly man who last rode it in the early 1960's. He does insist on buying me lunch each day, however. He has been collecting new parts for decades, some components dating to the 1960's. The "new" but decades old, Series D Primary chain tensioner assembly was masking taped together back in the day. Nearly had to chisel the stuff off! ;-)

The engine is now together on the bench with Alton and Tri-spark ignition installed. MK-I Cams timed using the time-tested 4 degree approach--all opening and closing points within specs--surprisingly. Finished the primary drive today w/new large chain wheel, new Renold endless chain and new Coventry multi-plate clutch. Grosset starter is on the agenda this coming week.

Thanks.
Russ

worntorn · Dec 9, 2023

Buchanan's say that they use 80 inch pounds spoke tension on their Sun rims. They advise against using such a high tension on other rims as the nipples might pull through.
I have been using 55 inch pounds on Central Wheel rims and Devon rims.
That feels like a lot of tension to me. I can't imagine using 80!
The wheels that I have built at 55 +- inch pounds, including a set for a Rapide, have all held up well.

Glen

Fast Eddie · Dec 10, 2023

998cc said:
Alloy rims with Buchanan S/S spokes. Standard 19" and 20" wheels. Does anyone know what the torque specs for these would be?

This is the project where I am donating my time building a basket-case Touring Rapide for an elderly man who last rode it in the early 1960's. He does insist on buying me lunch each day, however. He has been collecting new parts for decades, some components dating to the 1960's. The "new" but decades old, Series D Primary chain tensioner assembly was masking taped together back in the day. Nearly had to chisel the stuff off! ;-)

The engine is now together on the bench with Alton and Tri-spark ignition installed. MK-I Cams timed using the time-tested 4 degree approach--all opening and closing points within specs--surprisingly. Finished the primary drive today w/new large chain wheel, new Renold endless chain and new Coventry multi-plate clutch. Grosset starter is on the agenda this coming week.

Thanks.
Russ

Wow.

That sounds like a fabulous bike that’s coming together. And you sound like a saint !

998cc · Dec 10, 2023

Fast Eddie said:
Wow.

That sounds like a fabulous bike that’s coming together. And you sound like a saint !

Nigel,
He is a great guy is in his 80's. We live just a few miles apart, but in two-plus decades I have lived here, we never met. He found me through the club a few years ago and called out of the blue looking for advice. After meeting him, we both realized he is not up to the task of building the bike alone, so I offered.

For me, it is the chance of a lifetime to build a Vincent that is essentially about ten years old; the fits are good, and no helicoils or other damage. He also has some nice machine tools and measuring tools that I am learning to use which is a major plus. Being retired, I have plenty of free time. If it is okay with him, I'll post photos.
Russ

Fast Eddie · Dec 10, 2023

998cc said:
If it is okay with him, I'll post photos.
Russ

PLEASE DO !

998cc · Dec 10, 2023

worntorn said:
Buchanan's say that they use 80 inch pounds spoke tension on their Sun rims. They advise against using such a high tension on other rims as the nipples might pull through.
I have been using 55 inch pounds on Central Wheel rims and Devon rims.
That feels like a lot of tension to me. I can't imagine using 80!
The wheels that I have built at 55 +- inch pounds, including a set for a Rapide, have all held up well.

Glen

Thank you Glen.
80 inch lbs does seem a bit high. Now that you mention it, I may have used 50 inch pounds for my Devon stainless rims and spokes. These alloy rims may be Borrani's.

Regards,
Russ

998cc · Dec 10, 2023

Fast Eddie said:
PLEASE DO !

Nigel. I don't think I can post photos here since I'm no longer a premium member. Between the VOC, local NOC, AMCofA, ARRL, Patreon, etc., not to mention inflation, some trimming was necessary. I have a small website and will post a few there if possible. I'll send a link if/when posted.

Russ

998cc · Dec 10, 2023

Well, I upgraded, and I think it is okay to post this:
Here is a photo of the multi-plate clutch hub chucked on the Le Blond lathe. I used it to machine the shaft length to a proper depth in the large primary chain wheel. It was also used to make an adjustable, expanding bolt to secure the timing disc in the timing side crankshaft.

Prior to this, I have only used my little Sherline metal lathe. This is a significant jump in size.

Schwany · Dec 11, 2023

998cc said:
Well, I upgraded, and I think it is okay to post this:
Here is a photo of the multi-plate clutch hub chucked on the Le Blond lathe. I used it to machine the shaft length to a proper depth in the large primary chain wheel. It was also used to make an adjustable, expanding bolt to secure the timing disc in the timing side crankshaft.

Prior to this, I have only used my little Sherline metal lathe. This is a significant jump in size.

View attachment 111478

Very OK to post.

I don't think there are any rules on what type of images can be posted other than maybe don't post human body porn.

998cc · Dec 11, 2023

Schwany said:
Very OK to post.

I don't think there are any rules on what type of images can be posted other than maybe don't post human body porn.

Thank you Schwany. In this case, I should get permission from the owner of the Rapide to post photos of his bike, and especially before posting photos of him. I was supposed to start work on the Grosset electric start today, but I have a minor medical issue--drat!

(I should start a new thread since this was mainly about spoke torque.)
Regards,
Russ

Fast Eddie · Dec 17, 2023

We are all patiently waiting for the new build thread complete with sexy pictures Russ …

kommando · Dec 17, 2023

If you follow the 80 ft/lbs its not just nipple pull through you risk but also cast iron hub flanges parting company, on Triumph/BSA 66 to 70 TLS hubs with the thin brake side flange this can even happen at 50 ft/lbs.

jan nelder · Dec 17, 2023

kommando said:
If you follow the 80 ft/lbs its not just nipple pull through you risk but also cast iron hub flanges parting company, on Triumph/BSA 66 to 70 TLS hubs with the thin brake side flange this can even happen at 50 ft/lbs.

we are talking 50 inch- pounds by the way. Not 50inch/lb, which is not a unit of torque!

998cc · Dec 19, 2023

Fast Eddie said:
We are all patiently waiting for the new build thread complete with sexy pictures Russ …

Nigel,
Still working on that--hopefully soon. That "minor" medical issue turned into a day in the Emergency Room and a few days recovery which set back progress.

Fitting the Grosset starter now and hope to have the engine plates, battery shelf, etc. next week. The UFM, RFM and girdraulics are ready to attach anytime. The main problem is finding bits that are scattered about the premises. 60 years has jumbled things around. New (re-lined) brakes are on the way from the Spares Company as advised by Michelle. Hope to have the wheels on in a few weeks.

Next post will start the new thread.

Cheers,
Russ