H-D Chrome Profile Rims

[SJC69]

Following on from Spicys post on chrome, there is an issue with the Chrome Plated profile rims.

Bloody Chrome !!

They were introduced in ’05 model year and are chrome plated aluminium which can be a tricky combination at best.
The early ones can start blistering with no misuse or lack of cleaning whatsoever.
The chrome blisters and starts lifting, normally around the spoke holes first, this is probably due to it being the thinnest plating and could have been damaged or worn by the spoke nipples.

The current wheel rims have now been modified and this is reflected in the part number.

To get this in perspective it can and has happened to bikes that have never been out in the rain or ever been anywhere near salt, but not to all bikes.
The dealers do know about it and will replace the wheels on a case by case situation, yes generally the whole wheel rather than the rim as it is the cheaper/easier option for them as H-D warranty labour time is sparse for the job.
Wheel rim rebuild versus replacement, in warranty and workshop labour time, no contest!
Plus they do need someone who can rebuild a wheel in the first place!

Now before you all go rushing off and start screaming for new wheels, if you do not keep them cleaned/maintained as per instructions, i.e. wash the salt off, clean them now and again etc. they are quite within their rights to refuse, but to refuse point blank is not an option on a vehicle in good condition whilst still within warranty.

It is generally obvious if a vehicle has not been cleaned after being used in salty conditions as the cadmium plating will go black, you’ll see surface rust marks, etc. so bear that in mind.

So, if you have profile rims, my advice is to make sure you have a good look at them before your warranty runs out!

Now how do I know this? Well I had an incredible piece of luck. Whilst at Black Bear for their open day, a guy comes up to Kitty and asks if she has had any problems with her profile rims on the Deluxe. He says he was having new wheels under warranty as the rims had started to blister! He was most pissed off as his Deluxe was always kept clean and had never been out in the salt.

BB said new wheels, no probs they had seen it before!
I think, better have a good look at mine as the warranty runs out in less than a week! Hey presto, the front and back had started to blister at the spoke holes, get on the bike and go straight down to Stadium to get it logged.

After some haring and humming new wheels are now on their way! When speaking to the service manager on the following Monday, to be fair who wasn’t there on the Saturday, they did say about the modified rim and that they have had one bike fitted with new wheels, not ones with the modified part and it now needs another set!

So whether the modification will cure the problem only time will tell!

FYI

43440-05 Rim chrome profile
now
43440-05A UK list £260.57

Complete front wheel
44605-05A UK list £464.27

Expect to see a few profile wheels at boot sales or on e-bay near you, before buying make sure you have a very good look at the rims.