I'm thinking of working on a set of custom aluminum wheels for my GS cut with a CNC machine.  If I can pull it off, is there any interest out there from you guys?  Before I get too wrapped up in it, I'd like to gauge the intrest level.  

Other custom wheels, polished or chrome, cost $800 to $1600 US.  These would be much less expensive and of a very high quality.  I'll send out pictures if we get one done.   :dunno:

lets see a concept design....

I'd want a 16 inch rear wheen that can fit a 150 or so wide tire ...
Cool.
Srinath.

BTW I'd expect the aluminum for it alone to cost over $150 ... ~60lbs at ~ $2.25-2.50/lb
Cool.
Srinath.

i would be. Just let me see a pic of one done.

Here is the deal: I have a friend in Seattle that uses a bunch of CNC machines.   I have a spare rear (17 inch) wheel and we may see what we can come up with.  Then later do a front.  Pretty simple: 5 spoke or something, billit aluminum.  When I get one made I'll put the photo up and (hopefully) it will be easy to duplicate.  The GS has no aftermarket wheels available.  I own a GS, so it is a perfect bike to start with.

that sounds great! i'd be interested...

would you be able to make it any wider?

We'll see.  I am assuming that the program is fairly sophisticated, so in theory, yes.  

If we can make one that is 4.5 inches wide (isn't that bigger than stock?) then I'll have the first one!  

I am sort of worried about liability if we make a lot of them.  But the chances one would fail are slim. . . Better set up an L.L.C., just to be safe.
Especially for the front.  A failure would be fairly catostrophic.  We'll be sure to watch the tolerances and just top grade materials.

Are you just making a complete 3D model and then throwing it in the machine? Or are you starting with a wheel blank and then coming up with your own design for the spokes?

Probably the later.  I need to look at it more.  I've got to pursuade him it is a good idea and that there will be some interest, which was part of the reason for this thread.

There is  

6061 billet is incredibly strong ... all the big guys Jesse James, PM, Dominator as well as car guys use it ... 6061 also has very very good weathering and ageing ... its better than gold really ... BTW the stock shiite is cast crap ... its not worth 20 cents man .... just get a hunck of 6061 and machine away ... as long as its atleast stock thickness you'd have a 10 times better product ... make 1 make 1000 none is going to fail ... The factories that make this stuff supply aircraft, army and navy and every thing in between ... like trailers, containers, horse trailers, just you name it its made from 6061 ... Just cut it to stock or thicker and you'll be fine. Besides making 5 or 6 spoke is better than the 3 the factory made ... and of course the spokes will be solid in your case ... It will be stronger than the rest of the bike ... My hope is ... you make enough and make a profit and sell them all and eventually make a 16 just for me ...  
Cool.
Srinath.

Quote from: seshadri_srinathMy hope is ... you make enough and make a profit and sell them all and eventually make a 16 just for me ...  

fat chance!  you were really working it there for a while...spitting out all kinds of facts

would probably be interested in something like that depending on final cost. a cool 5 spoke design would be very nice. also, a 4.5 inch rear would be perfect.

Quote from: JetSwing

Quote from: seshadri_srinathMy hope is ... you make enough and make a profit and sell them all and eventually make a 16 just for me ...  

fat chance!  you were really working it there for a while...spitting out all kinds of facts

Hey jake D Take one of those 60 lb blocks and hit this guy on the head ...
Cool.
Srinath.

Yeha, i would love a 5 spoke rims. Go ahead am make em

imo what makes the most sense is just making a 4.5inch wide rear.



I know, I would rather buy one rear, than a rear AND a front I don't need

Here are some ideas.  BTW, apparently it's "OK" to rip off each other's wheel designs because it seems like every wheel manufacturer offers very, very similar designs.:

MARCHESINI 5 SPOKE CARBON WHEELS
MARCHESINI FORGED WHEELS (also a 5 spoke)
PVM Wheels (5 spoke)
EMA 5 spoke...alot like the marchesini...very popular style
BIG pimpin' EMA 20 spoke
little pimpin' EMA 10 spoke

I like the 10 spoke versions WAY better. Geeze they look hot! i prefer the MARCHESINI FORGED WHEELS (10 spoke) version. Very nice. I would definatly get me a set of those if available. A nice white set.

gold rims look pimp..i would be very interested in some aluminum wheels.  black rims are bland and boring.