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Claremont, CA, USA
This has to be the dumbest question I've ever asked but, are rim lock and valve stem holes interchangeable on most bikes? I know they aren't on Hondas. Bike is a 2023 KX450 stock rear rim. Reason I'm asking is because the hole I currently use for rim lock has sort of "ovaled out" from the rim lock moving around and now I'm getting flats almost every time I ride. Can I simply move the rim lock over to the other hole? If not, can the rim lock hole be repaired or do I need to get a new rim? The frequent flats at the track are getting super irritating and I'm willing to try anything.
Wish I had a photo of the hole but unfortunately I don't.
Thank you.
You might consider getting a new rim lock - the 'wallering out' of the hole may well be part of the OEM rim locks rubber at the rim interface giving out, thus, having it rocking.
You can get nice, all alloy ones, that present a longer 'flat' so to speak, that goes up against the rim spoke well. And, a lot of the high quality ones, have a far better ' washer and nut ' that goes up against the outer section of the rim, with more interface to the rims outer.
I replace the rim lock every tire change. At this point I think I've run every brand rim lock out there. Currently running the Tusk Billet one and I've had two flats with it.
Should be able to find the spot youe getting flats Is rim duct taped? You can double rube it also
Last two times it's been at the bottom of the valve stem. Two times ago the stem was completely ripped off from the tube. It's been impossible to keep the stem straight on this bike but usually I can run it crooked and I don't get flats. However I'm thinking this warped rim lock hole is the culprit.
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Yes, you can swap the lock and valve stem holes. In addition to the hole being wallered out, you may have also flared the rim lips out from overtightening the lock, which will also reduce it's ability to prevent tire slippage. Putting the valve stem in the oval hole will also allow it more room to lean over before it gets ripped off, like a Honda rim. Make sure you aren't tightening the stem nut down against the rim. Either back it up to the valve cap or don't run it at all.
Thanks! All of that is good advice. I've been at this for 30 years, I'm definitely not one of those Joes tightening the valve stem nut to the rim. I see SO many people doing that and it drives me crazy, yet I'm the one getting flats. Lol. I snug the nut up to the cap how it's supposed to go. I'll definitely be sure to check the rim where I'm currently running the rim lock to see if it's flared, I didn't even think about that. Maybe I've been over tightening it all along and that's what happened?
I think the problem is since the hole is almost oval shaped now it allows everything to shift (not much) and I'm spinning the stems right off the damn tube.... It's literally impossible keep the stem straight on this wheel. I can have it perfectly straight after a tire change, tighten the lock down (Roughly 10lbs, I don't torque it but these hands are calibrated) and first session out it's crooked. Super irritating.
Also, when you get one of these flats, move the tire a little on the rim when you put the new tube in. Give the lock a new fresh spot on the tire to bite into. The lock can create some deep grooves and compression in the rubber over time.
I take the tire completely off the rim when I change tubes so it's definitely being mounted in a different spot. I've never been able to swap the tube with only half of the tire dismounted like people do.
Yeah, I know some guys really fret about the yellow dot, though. Which means you end up with the rim lock biting into the same spot on the tire.
Typically the rim lock goes in the smaller of the 2 holes. Holds the tire tighter.
The valve stem goes in the bigger hole for a little wiggle room.
Aren't the holes the same size on most bikes? Like I previously said, I know Hondas aren't. I haven't actually measured the holes on my rim but they look the same.
Running a rim lock damper by chance?
https://www.motionpro.com/product/11-0076
Only familiar with Honda’s here. I thought they all had one larger. Honda’s definitely do.
Funny you mention that. I was actually digging through some old parts this weekend and found a rim lock that had one of those on. I think it's the OEM Dunlop rim lock that came with the bike. It's still.in good shape too. Maybe next time I have my tire off I'll throw it on.
No.
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