| PART NUMBER | TOOL NAME |
| HD-48985 | SPOKE TORQUE WRENCH |
| HD-94681-80 | SPOKE NIPPLE WRENCH |
| FASTENER | TORQUE VALUE | |
| Spoke nipple | 55 in·lbs | 6.2 Nm |
Warning! Spokes that are too tight can draw nipples through the rim or distort hub flanges. Spokes that are too loose can continue to loosen when put in service. Either condition can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury.
Warning! Do not over tighten spoke nipples. Protruding spoke nipples can damage rim seal, resulting in rapid tire deflation, which could cause death or serious injury.
Notice: When lifting a motorcycle using a jack, be sure jack contacts both lower frame tubes where down tubes and lower frame tubes converge. Never lift by jacking on crossmembers, oil pan or other housings. Failure to comply can cause serious damage resulting in the need to perform major repair work.
Identify wheel spoke groups
Note. Spokes are grouped in sets of four.
1. Raise wheel with a suitable lifting device.
2. See Figure 1-18. Starting at the valve stem, identify the first group of four spokes (1-4).
3. Using a different color for each spoke in the group, draw an alignment mark across the spoke nipple and onto the rim.
4. Continue around the wheel marking the rest of the spokes the same as they were marked in the previous way.
Wheel spoke adjustment
Notes:
- Do not tighten spoke more than 1/4 turn past alignment mark. If more tension is needed, label spoke and check after completing rest of wheel.
- Do not use the spoke torque wrench to loosen spokes. Use SPOKE NIPPLE WRENCH (Part No. HD-94681-80) to loosen spokes.
1. See Figure 1-18. Starting with the first group of spokes, loosen spoke (1) using SPOKE NIPPLE WRENCH (Part No. HD-94681-80) 1/4 turn.
2. Using SPOKE TORQUE WRENCH (Part No. HD-48985) tighten spoke (1) to the value listed in Table 1-9.
- a. While tightening, if the torque wrench clicks before the alignment marks align, continue to turn the spoke nipple until the marks align.
- b. If the alignment marks align and the torque specification has not been reached, continue to tighten the spoke nipple until the correct torque is achieved, but do not turn spoke nipple more then 1/4 turn past alignment mark.
3. Repeat previous two steps for spoke (4) in the same group.
4. Continue around the wheel checking spokes 1 and 4 until all groups are done.
5. Repeat procedure for spokes (2, 3) in each group.
Note. When checking any spokes that were labeled, make sure to use the original alignment mark.
6. Check spokes, if any, that were labeled as not reaching the proper torque value after tightening 1/4 turn past alignment mark.
- a. Loosen spoke 1/4 turn past original alignment mark using SPOKE NIPPLE WRENCH (Part No. HD-9468180).
- b. While tightening, if the torque wrench clicks before the alignment marks align, continue to turn the spoke nipple until the marks align.
- c. If the alignment marks align and the torque specification has not been reached, continue to tighten the spoke nipple until the correct torque is achieved, but do not turn spoke nipple more then 1/4 turn past alignment mark.
7. True the wheel. See 2.7 CHECKING AND TRUING WHEELS.
Table 1-9. Spoke Nipple Torque Specification
| RIM TYPE | MINIMUM TORQUE |
| All | 55 in·lbs (6.2 Nm) |
Figure 1-18. Tightening Laced Wheels (typical)