Bent Rim

[dakota11]

Last August while in Toronto I hit a crater on the 401. I felt fortunate the front wheel did not disintegrate right there. A little later upon powering up my laptop I found the screen shattered.

A few weeks ago while changing the rear tire I found a 3/16" wonk on the left side of the rear rim. There is little if any runout of the tire, no imbalance issues and the handling is unaffected.

I have constructed a crib out 4x4 and lag bolts and plan to straighten the rim my self with a port-a-power.

Does any body have any experience with rim straightening on the FJR cast aluminum rim? I have an '04 model and my concern is that the alloy may not be malleable enough to survive being pushed back into concentricity.

 

[madmike2]

Others have had theirs repaired at shops who specialize in frame/wheel straightening. I assume, if you have the knowledge and ability to do the repair, the alloy can stand the stress.

 

[HaulinAshe]

You are in luck. The absolute best rim/wheel straightening I've ever seen is in your backyard.

Will's Rim Repair in Greenville SC.

Great work on FJR rims and more.

 

[Grumpy]

He straighted out a couple of rims for me and I'll vouch for the work he did for me!

 

[Aasland]

This guy did a great job on my rim but took two months to do it and charged $180. Next time I'm trying Will's Rim Repair!

 

[Big Sky]

I used Viking Wheel Service in Wilmington, Delaware. Ask for Wally. This outfit even builds the machines other shops use to do the work. I don't know the process, but it involves heat which I believe means, using their methods, you need to refinish - paint or powder coat - the wheel, which is a good opportunity to add some distinction to your ride. I think I spent $300 to have both wheels straightened and powder coated, plus freight which at the time was around $90 both ways. Removing bearings, seals and disks first is a must and can be a real *****. Plenty of threads here testify to that. Only use brand new bearings when reassembling.

 

[Canadian FJR]

I have had both rims straightened twice with very good results. I have been using a company in Quebec - Penetre Moto.

Canadian FJR

 

[El Toro Joe]

I had my front rim repaired by www.framestraight.com when I had the tire re-mounted the mechanic said he could not tell where it was repaired

 

[BobMercer]

dakota11,

I would be more concerned about hidden sidewall damage to the tire. I struck a 4X4 timber that fell off of a flatbed with my Honda Odyssey and about 2 weeks later a bulge developed on the side of the tire. It was the size of a tennis ball. And that happened with no apparent wheel damage. I replaced both left side tires, even though only one developed the bubble. On a motorcycle the tires are even more critical. If I were you, I would replace the tire.

Bob

 

[Nikk]

You are in luck. The absolute best rim/wheel straightening I've ever seen is in your backyard.
Will's Rim Repair in Greenville SC.

Great work on FJR rims and more.

A friend of mine used Wills Rim Repair and was very happy.

 

[FJRless]

I know it can be done by professionals who specialize but I'd feel better buying a used wheel and here are a couple on EBAY for roughly the same money.

https://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksi...-All-Categories

 

[dakota11]

Thanks to all for your input. It is greatly appreciated. I am confident now that I can straighten the rim with the equipment I have.

I have a fresh Dunlop Roadsmart on the rim and plan to deflate it to 5-10psi and apply force to the affected portion of the rim. I'll let you know how it turns out.