Spoked Wheels on '99 Honda Shadow - I think I have a job ahead of me

**Lance Mark** · 03-08-2022, 12:57 PM

Hello all. I offered to clean an old bike that has sentimental value to my brother and I'm looking at the spoked wheels both front and rear.

There's no way I get these done without removing the tires. I'll have full access to both sides, the rotors will be removed as well

I want to bring the shine back in all of the spokes and rim as best I can by cleaning and polishing. I don't mind putting in time and effort and investing in quality tools and chems to get the job done. Once I get it as good as I can, I'd like to seal it and protect the work with a quality sealant or coating.

I'd also like to clean the whitewalls. I'm guessing there are lots of options for cleaning. Are there ways to seal the whitewall portion of the tire after cleaning it?

Spoked Wheels on '99 Honda Shadow - I think I have a job ahead of me-img_3008-jpg

Spoked Wheels on '99 Honda Shadow - I think I have a job ahead of me-img_3009-jpg

Spoked Wheels on '99 Honda Shadow - I think I have a job ahead of me-img_3010-jpg

Spoked Wheels on '99 Honda Shadow - I think I have a job ahead of me-img_3011-jpg

Spoked Wheels on '99 Honda Shadow - I think I have a job ahead of me-img_3012-jpg

**Rsurfer** · 03-08-2022, 02:04 PM

Are those wheels and spokes chrome plated?

**Lance Mark** · 03-08-2022, 03:39 PM

likely cadmium coated...as i'm researching

**chilly** · 03-08-2022, 05:05 PM

The first closeup of the white sidewall makes me think that tire is long gone

The sidewall looks weathered and chalky and pretty much trashed and the transition into the blackwall looks dicey as well

I realize the white sidewall is ornamental but if the entire tire is in the same shape I would be worried

I am not saying it is, it just looks that way to me

I would proceed carefully cleaning it and protecting it and assuming that makes it good to go

YMMV

**Rsurfer** · 03-08-2022, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by Lance Mark

likely cadmium coated...as i'm researching

The easiest and fastest way to clean spoke wheels is with Wheel Brightner. Very toxic, ppe a must. I know it works on chrome, but not sure about cadmium.

**Lance Mark** · 03-11-2022, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by chilly

The first closeup of the white sidewall makes me think that tire is long gone

The sidewall looks weathered and chalky and pretty much trashed and the transition into the blackwall looks dicey as well

I realize the white sidewall is ornamental but if the entire tire is in the same shape I would be worried

I am not saying it is, it just looks that way to me

I would proceed carefully cleaning it and protecting it and assuming that makes it good to go

YMMV

Thanks for looking out....

They look pretty bad, but they are dirty....it's been a garage queen, tires have less than 500 miles on them and are only 2 years old....been riding 25 years and I've seen way worse....when i saw them, at first, I thought....those gotta get changed....the bike belongs to my brother....he was surprised and said...seriously...look at them, they are almost new.....tread depth gauge has it buried in green everywhere, no spider cracking or evidence or rot

Any other thoughts on cleaning the rim and spokes?

**chilly** · 03-11-2022, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by Lance Mark

Thanks for looking out....

They look pretty bad, but they are dirty....it's been a garage queen, tires have less than 500 miles on them and are only 2 years old....been riding 25 years and I've seen way worse....when i saw them, at first, I thought....those gotta get changed....the bike belongs to my brother....he was surprised and said...seriously...look at them, they are almost new.....tread depth gauge has it buried in green everywhere, no spider cracking or evidence or rot

Any other thoughts on cleaning the rim and spokes?

The only wheel that looked like that I ever dealt with was chrome plated and off the bike and without a tire mounted and that was the late 70s

I don't remember what I used

You mentioned cadmium plating, is the end result still supposed to be shiny like chrome or more of a matte finish?

**Lance Mark** · 03-21-2022, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by chilly

The only wheel that looked like that I ever dealt with was chrome plated and off the bike and without a tire mounted and that was the late 70s

I don't remember what I used

You mentioned cadmium plating, is the end result still supposed to be shiny like chrome or more of a matte finish?

More of a matte finish.

**glen e** · 03-21-2022, 06:50 PM

A big horsehair brush and any of the sonax wheel cleaners….

**chilly** · 03-21-2022, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by Lance Mark

More of a matte finish.

This will sound crazy but I would grab a toothbrush and some Barkeeper’s Friend and find the most inconspicuous place on the wheel and scrub a spot

It’s amazing on lots of metals

A can or bottle is a few bucks and if it doesn’t work use it in the house

Nothing to lose

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