Bent alloy wheel rim repair
Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 10:12 pm
I was cruising at 50 mph on an asphalt road when I encountered a long, deep pot hole in the asphalt. I successfully avoided that one but the avoidance maneuver lined me up exactly for another one which I could not avoid. The result was a bent lip on both front and back wheels. The bike never lost directional stability (amazing!) and the tires never lost air, but I could feel the resulting imbalance.
My Haynes manual says never try to repair a bent alloy wheel; replace it with a new one. My riding buddies tell me of several people they know who have bent rims in similar circumstances and had them very successfully repaired by wheel speciality shops. So now I am in a quandary. New wheels are very expensive - almost $2,000. Wheel repair is advised against by the manual.
I would very much appreciate hearing from members who have had this experience of a bent rim and had it repaired. I am certain there must be others out there who have had similar experience and have good advice for me. I am also wondering if there is other potential damage I should look for.
Thanks in advance.
Maccraith
'03 R1150R
My Haynes manual says never try to repair a bent alloy wheel; replace it with a new one. My riding buddies tell me of several people they know who have bent rims in similar circumstances and had them very successfully repaired by wheel speciality shops. So now I am in a quandary. New wheels are very expensive - almost $2,000. Wheel repair is advised against by the manual.
I would very much appreciate hearing from members who have had this experience of a bent rim and had it repaired. I am certain there must be others out there who have had similar experience and have good advice for me. I am also wondering if there is other potential damage I should look for.
Thanks in advance.
Maccraith
'03 R1150R