Another Wheel Mod Question.....

[andyb]

What kind of wheel is it specifically? 

Sunstar makes sprockets in the $50 range, but I didn't see a 40 that fits.  A 42 is available, though, as is a 38.  Sprocket Specialists can make whatever tooth count you want, but it'll be pricy and aluminum.

[Travis398]

 Decisions, decisions, paint the front black or paint the new one white???    


CraigO
90FJ1200

Black, because they won't show chain lube nearly as much.

JMO

[Pat Conlon]

"OK Guys... my wheels are white, this one is black and has a better finish than the front.
 Decisions, decisions, paint the front black or paint the new one white???"
CraigO
90FJ1200

Easy question. Answer: neither. With your white and silver bike, strip off both white and black paint, and run the natural silver. Far more durable.
You could always polish up the rim sections if you were feeling frisky.
The only way to run colored rims durably, is to have them powder coated and heat cured.

IMHO, Black rims do not complement the white/silver combo, and white rims are a major pia with the grease from your chain.  Cheers!   Pat

[Marsh White]

However, the sprocket is worn out, and I need to replace it.  Need a 530 40 Tooth.  Any suggestions under $60?  Steel or Aluminum???

Steel - especially if you are an aggressive rider.  More than one FJer has worn the teeth right off of an aluminum sprocket.  I always purchase mine directly from http://www.sprocketspecialists.com/

[craigo]

Thanks Pat, so take them both off, take them in for powdercoating and make them silver?  When I said paint, I meant powdercoat.  I would never waste time, energy and $$$ on a rattle can paint job. 

I would make them the same silver that's on the bike, not some brite silver.  I like the color...  Still a mess to clean up after though.

Cheers back,

CraigO
90FJ1200

[craigo]

Marsh,

So steel it is, thanks for the tip.  It's been awhile since I have had to buy a sprocket.

CraigO
90FJ1200

[wakdady]

AFAM is a good name. and go with steel, the weight savings of aluminum dont add up against the wear rate.

Also, if you can. make a proper how-to write up

[craigo]

AFAM is a good name. and go with steel, the weight savings of aluminum don't add up against the wear rate.

Also, if you can. make a proper how-to write up

I plan on taking pics and doing a write up as I progress.  I will then submit the whole write up with pics at one time, so it is a one print out deal.  After looking at the parts, it really looks not that difficult.  Just need a couple of washers between the wheel pack to fill in the gap to the swing arm making sure the sprocket is exactly the same distance from the swingarm as it is with the stock wheel.  Once I get the parts that are missing, I will go to it.  Should be posted within the next month.

CraigO
90FJ1200

[Dan Filetti]

 Decisions, decisions, paint the front black or paint the new one white???    


CraigO
90FJ1200

Black, because they won't show chain lube nearly as much.

JMO

Listen to the man.  My Gixxer has white wheels, and I'd like to meet and punch the man that made that ridiculously-hard-to-keep-clean design decision.  Black would be dramatically better.

JMO -but I know of what I speak....

Dan

[craigo]

I found at (of all places) 99cent only stores, a large bottle of this stuff called Pro Power Stainless Steel Cleaner.  This stuff kicks a$$ on the rear wheel grease like no ones biz.



Take a look at my white wheel



I have a few rides on this without a cleaning.  When I do clean it, the grime comes off real easy with minimal work.  Use rubber gloves when you use this stuff.

CraigO
90FJ1200

[Arnie]

Craigo,

I'll add my vote to the throngs who are saying to NOT go with white.
You'll have a difficult time finding a 40 tooth sprocket for that wheel.
If you go with a 42t steel and an 18t countershaft sprocket, you'll be very close to
the same ratio and the chain will last longer, but you'll need a 112 link chain.
AFAM is a good name in sprockets and they also make an 18t countershaft sprocket.  So does JT and Sunstar and Renthal.

Cheers,
Arnie

[rktmanfj]

Craigo,

I'll add my vote to the throngs who are saying to NOT go with white.
<snip>

Cheers,
Arnie

+1, and I'll have to disagree with Pat on the black wheel not complimenting the silver/white color scheme.

I have three sets of YZF wheels, all black, and at first I fully intended to polish or paint them.  But the longer they were on the FJ, the more I liked them.  I'm considering polishing the edges of a set of them to see if I like that, but I think the black is there to stay.



FWIW, I did have the stock FJ wheels powdercoated gold for a long time, but I got tired of that,and wanted a change after several years.



Randy T
Indy

[craigo]

Craigo,

I'll add my vote to the throngs who are saying to NOT go with white.
You'll have a difficult time finding a 40 tooth sprocket for that wheel.
If you go with a 42t steel and an 18t countershaft sprocket, you'll be very close to
the same ratio and the chain will last longer, but you'll need a 112 link chain.
AFAM is a good name in sprockets and they also make an 18t countershaft sprocket.  So does JT and Sunstar and Renthal.

Cheers,
Arnie

Arnie,
I already sourced the sprocket:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220637181100&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT
I emailed and asked if it was a 530 and they came back w/ a resounding yes.

CraigO
90FJ1200

[craigo]

I don't know what I am going to do about the color of the wheels.  There really is not enough money left in the budget after just buying a new front tire, this wheel/brake assy and a new rear tire, not to mention a new sprocket.  Throw in a set of EBC brake pads for the GSXR caliper and I am tapped out.

I think I will have a white front and black rear wheel on the bike till one of the tires wears out.  Then I can float a powdercoating for both.  Who knows what the future holds.  I will say that I will not do a rattle can paint job on these wheels.

Thanks All,

CraigO
90FJ1200

[Pat Conlon]

Craig, stripping off the black/white paint is a low cost option.  Go to Ace Hardware get a can of heavy duty stripper, a wire brush on your cordless drill, some golves and eye protection and a garden hose with a power nozzle and you're in business.
Then, if you don't like what you have (I think you will) as funds accumilate you can always powder coat. In fact you will need to strip off the paint anyway before you powder coat.
The paint stripped off leaves a natural finish of a medium silver pebble finish on the spokes and hubs with the rim bands having a machine finish.
The stripped finish is easy to clean, no worries with solvents. No need to clear coat the finish, leave it raw.    Cheers laddie!

Here's a 2005 shot of my '84:



Here's my '92: