Hello Fam, Just bought a 2022 Scrambler 1200 XE about a month ago. While cleaning and lubing the chain, I noticed a loose rear wheel spoke. I attempted to tighten it by holding the small bolt with a ratchet while turning the nipple, but the bolt ended up getting rounded. There isn’t enough room between the nipple and the bolt to cut it or grip it effectively. I also tried holding the spoke itself with locking pliers and a piece of rubber, but it kept rotating. Over the last 3-4 days, I’ve been applying PB Blaster and tried again, but the bolt only rounded off further. At this point, I’m considering finding a better way to grip the spoke securely, applying some heat with a torch, and working on the nipple again. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated!
@Ash1982 Welcome to the family. You may end up having to cut the spoke and replace it. But if only one spoke I'd just leave it till something has to be done.
Thanks Joe! I may let it be as it is. But I'll keep eyes on it and will fix it/cut it once find a way.
I agree with @joe mc donald . If I was you and it bugs you, as it would do me, then I'd buy a few new ones then chop the old ones out. Any wheel builders should be able to supply you suitable replacements if Triumph can't/won't/too expensive ( delete as appropriate).
Just noticed the wheels on the 1200 Scrambler are alloy rims with stainless steel spokes which isn't a good combination on the galvanic scale. The rims are painted of course but the tubeless design means the rim ends of the spokes are more exposed to the weather and road crud.
Wonder how on earth its sized.....maybe be used on salted winter roads. I dribble liquid wax down into my spoke heads. First off buy a proper spoke key. I would say you need to take the tyre off and cut the old spoke off.
Personally I would fix it ASAP. Spokes can suffer a domino effect. If one is loose this puts more strain on the adjacent spokes, which may then loosen which then affects their adjacent spokes until catastrophic failure occurs. I had exactly this scenario on a Honda 175 (not exactly high powered) where I had a loose spoke which was seized and because I needed it to commute to work I foolishly decided to wait until the weekend to fix it - unfortunately the wheel collapsed before I could fix it. Since then I have taught myself how to build, true and maintain spoked wheels which require a lot more maintenance than cast wheels. I would strongly advise anyone with spoked wheels to add a good spoke wrench to their toolbox and regularly check spoke tension, including tapping each spoke to check they "ring" equally.
Thanks Eldon! Just cut it last week and ordered new spokes. None of my previous motorcycles had sopkes. Im completely new to this. Never ending learning life .
I 100% agree. I haven't ridden my motorcycle since I noticed that spoke. I cut it and ordered a new ones. Waiting to receive them. I have checked the rest of spokes from both rear and front wheels and adjusted their pressure if needed. Thanks for the input.
Often parts on a motorcycle seize due to bi-metallic corrosion caused by mixing stainless and alloy parts. I usually use anti-seize compound as a preventative measure to avoid this.
