Author Topic: Rusty spokes.  (Read 922 times)

Offline A10 JWO

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Rusty spokes.
« on: 17.02. 2019 15:43 »
I have visible surface rust on one of my projects spokes. How does the MOT tester judge this issue. I will rebuild the wheels in the future but need an MOT sooner rather than later. Thanks.

Online Rex

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #1 on: 17.02. 2019 16:32 »
Way back when I had a bike which needed MoTing the tester used to say they were OK if the weren't actually pitted. He seemed to be more interested in all the spokes having a similar pitch though.

Offline RogerSB

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #2 on: 17.02. 2019 16:38 »
If only surface rust use Brillo pad or those soapy steel wool pads with water to clean it off. I've used it many, many times on classic cars and motorcycles, it doesn't scratch the chrome.

Here's my check list I took off the Gov.UK website:-

1. The test doesn’t cover:-
Condition of the engine, clutch, gearbox.

Tested in the MOT:-

1. Lights.
Condition.
That they work properly.
That they are secure.
That the headlamp(s) are the correct colour.
Rear lights, indicators and reflectors.
Headlamp(s) checked to see if the aim is correct.

2. Steering and suspension.
Condition.
That forks, handlebars, grips mountings, head bearings, swinging arm, shock absorbers and damping effect etc are secure and work properly.

3. Wheels and tyres.
Condition.
That they’re secure.
Size and type.
Correct fitment.
Tread depth.
Valve condition.

4. Frame.
That it’s free from cracks, damage or distortion.
For corrosion which is likely to affect the steering or braking.

5. Braking.
Condition.
Operation and performance (the braking efficiency test).
Brake controls.

6. Exhaust system.
That it’s secure, complete & not too noisy.

7. Fuel system.
Leaks and security of components.

8. Seats.
For the presence of a rider’s seat and that any seat is attached securely.

9. Wheel alignment.
Correct alignment of front and rear wheels.

10. Sidecars (when fitted).
For secure attachment & alignment.
Suspension.
Wheel bearings.
Wheel alignment.
Lights and tyres.

11. Horn.
That it works properly and suitable for the vehicle.

12. Registration plates, vehicle identification and frame numbers.
That they’re present and legible.

13. Drive chain and sprocket.
That the chain isn’t too loose, tight or worn.
That the sprockets aren’t too worn.
That a chain guard is secure.

14. Throttle.
That it works properly.

15. Clutch lever.
That it isn’t so bent, damaged or shortened that it can’t easily be used.

16. Footrests.
That they are present and fitted securely.

1960 Golden Flash

Offline A10 JWO

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #3 on: 17.02. 2019 17:00 »
Thanks lads. Got lots of Brillo's.

Online Black Sheep

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #4 on: 17.02. 2019 18:17 »
I took my shabby Norton for an MoT on Anglesey. The tester stood back and reminisced about these grand old bikes whilst writing out the certificate. Waiting behind was a Yamaha for its first MoT. It was failed on a rusty spoke. The disgruntled owner had a very English accent...
2 twins, 2 singles, lots of sheep

Offline RogerSB

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #5 on: 17.02. 2019 20:41 »
The tester stood back and reminisced about these grand old bikes whilst writing out the certificate.

Yes, some tester are relatively sympathetic to our old Brit bikes and some later regulations are not that applicable anyway. A tester on one of my bikes (I think it was a Matchless) said the throttle should automatically shut off when it was released. I told him that situation would be very dangerous because how would I continue to make headway up a steep hill if the throttle suddenly shut off when giving a right hand signal.   Pause *conf* looked puzzled and then proceeded to write out a pass certificate.

1960 Golden Flash

Offline BSA_54A10

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #6 on: 18.02. 2019 06:22 »
Another product that works really well is wadding polish.
Not popular with the auto industry now days but usually can be found in hardwear shops , sporting goods shops & gun shops.
Cleans off rust , does not scratch & leaves a passivated surface that resists rusting for a good deal of time.
Bike Beesa
Trevor

Offline Swarfcut

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #7 on: 18.02. 2019 08:46 »
 Try rubbing the rust with scrunched up aluminium foil and water. Works pretty well for me.

 Swarfy.

Offline Butch (cb)

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #8 on: 18.02. 2019 09:02 »
Way back I ran a little Honda 250 RS for my commuter bike and it didn't get cleaned from one year to the next. Alloy rims but the spokes got real rusty, to the point where one year my MOT tester advised that they were getting unfeasonably thin and he would fail it the next year. 

So the next year I scrubbed them with a wire brush and then applied a nice thick coat of luscious black Smoothrite. Pass. Result.
Warning - observations made by this member have a 93% unreliability rating.

Of Bikes; various, including ...
'58 S/Arm Iron Head Flash Bitza


Offline A10 JWO

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #9 on: 18.02. 2019 17:35 »
Cyclobutch. I like that one, thanks.

Offline metalflake11

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #10 on: 20.02. 2019 03:48 »
Silver foil and coke seems to work on this video.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nFR2SqLCGHk

I suggest you turn the sound down though!
England N.W
1960 A10
England

Online Black Sheep

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #11 on: 20.02. 2019 06:18 »
Doesn't have to be coke, water works ok and is less sticky. I much prefer the foil dishes that Mr Kipling's cakes come in. A shame I have to eat the cake to get at the foil dish.
2 twins, 2 singles, lots of sheep

Offline shabashow

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Re: Rusty spokes.
« Reply #12 on: 20.02. 2019 19:02 »
When I rebuilt my A10 the spokes were rusty but still ok so I sanded them smooth and painted them black. Saved the cost of rebuilding the wheels and I think it looks smart.