Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: So Cal Joe on June 25, 2012, 08:01:56 AM
-
Last week I was on some nice twisties coming down from Big Bear, I hit a pot hole in one of corners, I didn't think anything of it, when I washed the bike Friday I noticed a ding in the front rim. I guess I should have it replaced. Do you think it's O.K. to ride until I need a new front tire or should I get it done now. It hasn't loss any air since it happened and it hasn't affected the ride, no wobble or vibration.
(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d804b3127ccef027e1eca1a500000030O01CcNWzly0Yg9vPhw/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/)
(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d804b3127ccef026572e004000000030O01CcNWzly0Yg9vPhw/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/)
(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2d804b3127ccef0271d7aa14d00000030O01CcNWzly0Yg9vPhw/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/)
-
If it is not loosing air then I would ride it. I rode mine some before I replaced it
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l140/n7myr/2012-04-26_14-44-21_964.jpg)
-
You can usually get those fixed cheaper than replaced... that doesn't look to bad, I've seen worse.
Just a thought.
-
Thats so minor you may be able to deal with it.
How To Fix Bent Motorcycle Rim 1 of 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCHGavkNfCg#)
-
Thanks for the replies, I have the bike up for sale and I showed the guy the ding and he's worried about it. He's checking on the price of a rim and then he is suppose to call me back today. I told him I would knock off $300 of my asking price. I'll show him the replies I got here and that might ease his mind.
-
Doesn't look bad. I'd whack it with a lead filled rubber mallet.
-
Doesn't look bad. I'd whack it with a lead filled rubber mallet.
Yeah me too
-
Doesn't look bad. I'd whack it with a lead filled rubber mallet.
Me three! ::) ;D
-
Me three! ::) ;D
(http://www.hittoon.com/450/231550-royalty-free-rf-clipart-illustration-of-a-coloring-page-outline-of-a-number-four-character-saying-four.jpg)
-
I never had a bent rim so I'm new to this, I guess I can try a lead filled rubber mallet. Thanks for the suggestions.
-
If it was me I'd leave it on the bike. Brace the off side against a solid immovable object, protecting the rim and rotor, and the tire full of air. Make sure when you swing the mallet you don't hit the rotor. If these steps are not possible, dismount the wheel and block with 4X4s on the ground taking all precautions. Don't be bashful with the mallet, you have nothing to lose.
-
Many of us on the site (myself included) have bent rims a lot worse than this and never lost air pressure or experienced any instability problems with the bike. My own front rim was way worse. I had the rim straightened at a local wheel shop and it cost me less than $200. They straightened it to within factory spec and I had no problem getting the new tire dynamically balanced.
-
If you don't use a rubber mallet, hold a 2 x 4 or such in front of it and have a friend swing
(http://www.costumecauldron.com/shop/images/P/DG25871-04.JPG)
-
Oooo... Thor's sister, Mhor! Yes please! 8)
-
I have had similar experiences with cast wheels and straightened them myself. However, to repair the damage I did not use a hammer, rubber, lead filled plastic or otherwise. I removed the tire from the rim and used my press and hardwood blocks to both support the lip of the rim adjacent to the dent and one between the dent and the ram. Worked like a charm with no evidence of harm remaining when done. Since you probably don't own a press, you can probably employ someone to do it for a nominal fee. I would never buy a new one to replace a rim with only cosmetic damage. If the damage was more severe, then a replacement would be in order.
If you do decide to use a hammer, I suggest that you remove the tire and place it on something quite solid that is soft enough give when you hit it. I would put it on three equally spaced 4 x 4's and then cut two pieces of hardwood to fit snugly between the beads adjacent to the dent and then whack the dent. These two supports are crucial because you will do more harm than good without them. You will need a hammer of substantial weight and it must be soft enough to prevent denting the rim. Again, a piece of wood held in place by another person would be a good buffer between the dent and the hammer. You will also be amazed at how hard you will need swing the hammer to get the rim to bend.
By the way, what was the tire's air pressure when this happened?