/5 wheel rims – Duane Ausherman BMW motorcycles

This article is about the /5 and later models that used spoke alloy rims. The rims were all made of aluminum alloy by Weinmann.

The front rim is 1.85 X 19 and used a 3.25 X 19 tire.

The rear rim is 2.15 X 18 and used a 4.00 X 18 tire.

The first two years, 1970-71, BMW had serious failures of the spoke heads. You may read about the fix here.

Modern rim information by Mike Cecchini

Buchanan’s can supply just about any un-drilled rim on the market………even Borrani that are now back in production.

Personally, I’d much rather have Buchanan supply all the parts and drill everything to their spec’s so I know it’s been done correctly and have recourse should something go amiss……..which has never happened in the 20+ yrs I’ve been dealing with them. Send them your hub and they will supply everything and spoke up the wheel. You will get a finished wheel ready for the tire.

Also note that modern valanced rims, especially Excel rims (alloy or steel) are so much stronger than most so they can be tensioned to much higher levels for longer use and stay in tune. For instance, the max most rims can handle is 65-inch lbs of tension. Stock /2 front is done to 35-inch lbs and rear is done to 50-inch lbs. Excel rims can be done up to 100-inch lbs. Buchanan did mine @ 55-inch lbs as they’ve found this is best for /2 size rim (2.15″ x 18″).

Yes, Excels are a little more $100 –$150 vs $70–$80 ……..but you get a world class quality product that will run true for decades so your bike will ride smooth and straight.