Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

Do you use the standard rim-locks or screws to hold the tire in place on your rims?

J

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#829 The "Factory Novice"

1988 Honda CR250RJ
1983 Honda CR480
1981 Can-Am 250 MX6-B
1979 Honda CR250RZ
1979 Kawasaki KX250 A5
1978 Husky 250CR
1978 Honda CR250R
1977 Yamaha YZ400D
1977 Suzuki RM125B

Rim-locks. You would only need screws if you are going to run very very low pressure. You can now get spacers and nuts for the rim-lock that are designed to fit the curve of the center channel of the rim and stop the nut gouging your expensive Excel rims.

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Michael Stiles
1979 Honda CR250R Elsinore | 2006 Husqvarna SM510R | 2007 Service Honda CR500R-AF

I remember articles about using the screws on the side of the rims to save weight and the hassle of the rim-locks. Has anyone tried the sheet-metal screws?

J

_________________
#829 The "Factory Novice"

1988 Honda CR250RJ
1983 Honda CR480
1981 Can-Am 250 MX6-B
1979 Honda CR250RZ
1979 Kawasaki KX250 A5
1978 Husky 250CR
1978 Honda CR250R
1977 Yamaha YZ400D
1977 Suzuki RM125B

I remember Husqvarna giving up rim locks in the late 70s and using spikes cast into the rim. This was the time of the 17" rear with a Trelleborg tire. Also I think people who run real low air pressures need to screw the tire to the rim. Otherwise rim locks do just fine.

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Michael Stiles
1979 Honda CR250R Elsinore | 2006 Husqvarna SM510R | 2007 Service Honda CR500R-AF

I purchased a 71 SL-125 back in 1977. I was told the bike was raced by the previous owner in CA where I purchased it. Can't imagine racing competitively on that model but it did have some modifications i.e. swing arm extended, etc. The aftermarket rims had holes in the side with sheet metal screws. Still have the front rim and tire. They seemed to do the Job.