Long time BMW rider trying to help my friend restore his '76 BMW 900 with sidecar. Dave had a bad wreck in Tennessee a few years ago and no longer rides, but he wants his bike restored. In the wreck, the windscreen had a big chunk torn off and I'm getting a new one manufactured. The only other damage in the wreck was to the sidecar wheel. Eight spokes got pulled out and the outer wheel does seem a bit warped to say the least. It should be easy to find spokes and the hub still looks good, but I don't know what other options I have. The original wheel is a 16 inch chrome wheel with the stamping ''SUN Warsaw Ind. USA''. Hopefully someone on this forum can get me headed in the right direction. I'm in northernmost Maine. Ed
It's very possible a warped spoke rim can be trued. Depends on how damaged it is, of course. I'd look to a motorcycle repair shop that deals with rims of this type for an experienced opinion. I've seen many antique rims rescued that I'd have thought there was no hope.
Otherwise, a lot of leg work determining the specific rim to match the hub. Several variables there to meet.
Stroker recently posted that he has a number of BMW wheels available. Might be worth looking into.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
Edwin James @egray,
SUN spoked wheels are relatively easy to find.
https://www.buchananspokes.com/categories/rims_sun.asp
https://www.thevintagespoke.com/shop/c/p/Sun-Aluminum-Rims-x32256967.htm
https://procycle.us/product/1921-rim-spoke-kit-sun
All three companies linked to above have very high reputations. I have dealt with ProCycle in Springfield, Oregon several times, with 100% satisfaction. The best know on the list above is Buchanan...very highly recommended.
Two Million Mile Rider
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