Rim repair

[Jimmy Siu]

Does anyone know if cracked rims can be repaired? I cracked my rear last Sunday. Not big, but it's there, 'bout 1cm long on the lip. Are they magnesium? It's a 99 900supersport. Does 94-98 fits the same? There's one on eBay now. If it's the same may be that'll be cheaper. Any info would be great, thanks.

[The Goochman]

Jimmy,

IMHO a cracked rim should be "repaired" by taking a hacksaw and cutting out a 3" section of the rim crosswise and throwing out the piece that is removed.

Seriously, a bend wheel can be straightened, but I wouldn't trust my life on a rim that has been cracked and then repaired.

Others may disagree.

Dave Gooch

[Rocket Rick]

How in hell did you do that? Although you could have the crack welded, I'm inclined to agree with Dave, especially if the replacement rim is cheap. Repair would probably cost $2-300 by the time the rim is painted & back on the bike.

[Rocket Rick]

The rear rim on the earlier 900ss is listed as a 5.50x17. If your cracked one is the same size, the earlier one on e-bay should work.

[Jimmy Siu]

Thanks for the advise. It's a small crack on the lip about 3/4 of an inch. I was at the edge of the apex at turn 2 and went on the rough for a second. According to the guy behind me it looked like we were both gonna go down. The bike was bouncing and swinging but sorted itself out. I assure you Rick it was done through me not by me. The front tire got cut too and got a bulge on it and I thought the rear was OK at the time but after I bought a use tire off of Ray from Sudbury I saw the crack at the rear. Had to call it a day Sunday afternoon. Still, could've been a lot worse....