Bent rim?!?

[anoopb]

So i've had the bike for 3 years now and i've never dropped it or anything. I've put about 3K miles on it since i've had him.

Yesterday, i was putting in a new clutch cable and cleaning/lubing the chain. After, I was just cleaning up the rim and on the right side, I noticed this bend.

I've never noticed it until now and it hasn't given me any problems per se.

But i'm going on a 900 mile trip next week and i'm a little freaked out about it.

Any advice on this? I'm guessing this is not at all normal. I don't even know how something like this would happen!

Can't upload pics so i'm using imgur.com

[1034am]

I would try a block of wood and a hammer, and a lot of patience! 

[anoopb]

I would try a block of wood and a hammer, and a lot of patience!

haha. ok. that's not a problem. ;p

[Slack]

How often do you check your air pressure?
It looks like you hit a pot hole with an under inflated tire.

[anoopb]

How often do you check your air pressure?
It looks like you hit a pot hole with an under inflated tire.

not very often. In fact, i didn't check it this year at all post winter and it rides just fine.

[Big Rich]

This is only my opinion, so take it for what it's worth: Would I ride on that bent rim until I could afford a (relatively inexpensive) replacement? You bet. And this is the part that I hope you're really understanding anoopb - would I ride on that bent wheel, without checking tire pressures regularly, and 7 year old tires? Ummm.... I'd say maybe it's time to park the bike and really do some maintenance.

Seriously man, riding a motorcycle is dangerous enough. Your life is depending on how well you maintain the collection of steel / aluminum / oil / rubber underneath you. I understand what it's like to get busy with life and get caught up. Believe me, I do. Nobody wants to hear about your butt skidding down the pavement for any reason.... especially not something you can prevent.

[anoopb]

This is only my opinion, so take it for what it's worth: Would I ride on that bent rim until I could afford a (relatively inexpensive) replacement? You bet. And this is the part that I hope you're really understanding anoopb - would I ride on that bent wheel, without checking tire pressures regularly, and 7 year old tires? Ummm.... I'd say maybe it's time to park the bike and really do some maintenance.

Seriously man, riding a motorcycle is dangerous enough. Your life is depending on how well you maintain the collection of steel / aluminum / oil / rubber underneath you. I understand what it's like to get busy with life and get caught up. Believe me, I do. Nobody wants to hear about your butt skidding down the pavement for any reason.... especially not something you can prevent.

Believe me. You're preaching to the choir.

I'm concerned now about it and will be fixing it for sure.

I'm really reconsidering this trip around Lake Michigan. I wish I didn't have to postpone this trip because we've planned it for so long that I feel bad bailing.

On the other hand, I've done 160-200 miles per day on this before and never even noticed it.

So will it last through this trip? I'm thinking yes but I'm also worried.

Either way, that rim and tires just have to go very soon.

Thanks!

[fetor56]

Try to get the dent out yourself but be fully prepared to buy a 2nd hand rim on ebay....i would not go for a trip the way it is.
A descent foot pump with a gauge isn't expensive and is a must.

[anoopb]

Try to get the dent out yourself but be fully prepared to buy a 2nd hand rim on ebay....i would not go for a trip the way it is.
A descent foot pump with a gauge isn't expensive and is a must.

Oh yeah. Got the mallet and a 2x4 chunk ready.

And also ready to buy the rim when I get back.

Just need new tires along with it. So the research has begun for sure.

Thanks guys. Really appreciate it.

[sledge]

DONT just hit it FFS!! 

Wheels can be straightened but for the process to be successful and reliable it needs controlled pressure and heat, then jigged and clocked to ensure its within tolerances

If you break a section of the rim off you are stuffed and if you put a hairline crack in it you wont know until the tyre looses pressure and that could be days. You might get the rim back to something like its original position by smacking it cold without cracking or breaking it but at the same time you might increase its run-out or bend it somewhere else making the problem worse.

If as you claim its been like that for 3years and 3k, a week and 900 miles it shouldnt be an issue and short term I would chance it.

Long term it needs replacing, or repairing by someone who knows what they are doing. Rule of thumb is if the tyre is staying up it can usually be repaired but for a GS5 chances are a professional repair will cost more than a used one especially if you cant find someone local and have to pay shipping.

http://motorcycle-frame-straightening.co.uk/motorcycle-wheel-repairs.asp

[Slack]

Believe me. You're preaching to the choir.

EDIT:
I decided to remove my post. I apologize to anyone I may have offended. When I posted that I was fuming about someone who is a racist, bigot, sexist, and sings in the chior!

Leave it at this: You aren't in the choir if you don't check your tire pressure weekly.

[Janx101]

"We're sorry but the religious flame board is 3 doors down the hallway on the left" ...

Sometimes people use a catchphrase like preach to the choir. .. as just a catchphrase. .. no need to spark up on it eh?!

[EdChen]

If you need, I have my old rear wheel (after a Kat upgrade) here in Chicago. Rotor and wheel bearings are in good shape. If you like, I can help lever the tire off and put it onto my wheel.

[anoopb]

If you need, I have my old rear wheel (after a Kat upgrade) here in Chicago. Rotor and wheel bearings are in good shape. If you like, I can help lever the tire off and put it onto my wheel.

Hi EdChen.

i think i'll be ok for this ride but when i get back, i'd love to buy that wheel off you if you want to sell.

PM sent too

thanks!