Hi, this is my first post as a new member. I just bought a 2009 Spyder GS with 8K miles. My wife and I took it for our first ride today, and discovered a problem. At exactly 52 mph, the front end begins to shimmy, and it gets worse (WAY worse) as speed increases. Below 52, there is no problem at all. I traced the fault to a seriously out-of-true right front rim. I can see the rim wobbling faster as speed increases (I verified that the lugs were all correctly tightened and nothing was amiss with the suspension). My spyder has the optional chrome rim and rear fender mount-arm package. My question is, if I decide to replace both front rims, will ones from newer year models fit? I know around 12 or 13 BRP switched from 14" to 15" front rims, but I was hoping newer 14s might fit.
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Front Rim Question
- Thread starter Camper73
- Start date
That rim hasn't had a hard whack on a kerb at some stage has it?? Or maybe the bike was involved in a little bit of biffo with a car?? :shocked:
Either way, if the rim is 'only' bent a little, it could still be worthwhile taking it to a rim manufacturer & seeing if they can straighten it; altho if the warp/bend is too much they probably won't want to touch it as the hit or whatever that caused the damage may have weakened the structure of the rim.... or straightening it could do the same!!
pps:
Still, worth an ask, & possibly somewhat cheaper/easier than buying a pair of new rims & fitting tyres to them. Then again, it could be a good excuse to get new rims & tyres! :thumbup:
Ps: welcome, & congratulations on your new (to you) Spyder! :clap:
Either way, if the rim is 'only' bent a little, it could still be worthwhile taking it to a rim manufacturer & seeing if they can straighten it; altho if the warp/bend is too much they probably won't want to touch it as the hit or whatever that caused the damage may have weakened the structure of the rim.... or straightening it could do the same!!
pps:Still, worth an ask, & possibly somewhat cheaper/easier than buying a pair of new rims & fitting tyres to them. Then again, it could be a good excuse to get new rims & tyres! :thumbup:
Ps: welcome, & congratulations on your new (to you) Spyder! :clap:
Any rim will bolt up. However, the 14" rims off of an RT and all of the 15" rims have a slightly different offset which will require a mod to the fenders.
Not sure 100% on the 09' but on the 11'-12' RS have 1/2" spacers (2 of them at each fender) at where the fender arms attach to the hub. To run RT wheels or any of the 15" wheels you would need to remove the spacers and pick up 1/2" shorter bolts. This moves each fender outward 1/2".
Not sure 100% on the 09' but on the 11'-12' RS have 1/2" spacers (2 of them at each fender) at where the fender arms attach to the hub. To run RT wheels or any of the 15" wheels you would need to remove the spacers and pick up 1/2" shorter bolts. This moves each fender outward 1/2".
billybovine
Active member
As Drew says any rim will fit an 09 you would have to adjust the fenders because of the different offsets. There should be lots of wheels around. In fact I have a pair of original painted wheels in my basement from my 09. They need a new coat of paint but are in good shape. It would cost more to ship them to you from Canada then they are worth. So start looking there should be a set near you.
Thanks!
Guys, thanks for the replies! I removed the suspect rim/tire after using a run-out gauge to verify that it wasn't "true". Close inspection turned up a pretty severe "divot" in the edge of the outside bead as well as a deep triangular cut in the tire sidewall near the rim damage. 'Nuff said... I checked the bearings and the axle and they're fine (whew!). I've already ordered a new pair of front tires (oem's). Larryd, is the 08 rim you have chrome plated or the matte alloy finish? Where do spyder owners get tires mounted and balanced, a M/C shop or a cage tire shop? Interesting point, my spyder still has the original front tires, and there are no balance weights on either rim (also no adhesive residue from "thrown" weights). If I decide to go with newer factory rims (14"), will the slightly different offset cause a change in handling (I'm assuming it widens the track a little)? Thanks again! You guys are great!
Guys, thanks for the replies! I removed the suspect rim/tire after using a run-out gauge to verify that it wasn't "true". Close inspection turned up a pretty severe "divot" in the edge of the outside bead as well as a deep triangular cut in the tire sidewall near the rim damage. 'Nuff said... I checked the bearings and the axle and they're fine (whew!). I've already ordered a new pair of front tires (oem's). Larryd, is the 08 rim you have chrome plated or the matte alloy finish? Where do spyder owners get tires mounted and balanced, a M/C shop or a cage tire shop? Interesting point, my spyder still has the original front tires, and there are no balance weights on either rim (also no adhesive residue from "thrown" weights). If I decide to go with newer factory rims (14"), will the slightly different offset cause a change in handling (I'm assuming it widens the track a little)? Thanks again! You guys are great!
SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN
New member
if the wheel is bent it might be repairable, if it is structurally out of round i would recommend replacement only.
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