Offset Lacing The Front Wheel On The Harley Davidson Big Flathead

[@CarlosAnthonyLopez]

I said it once, and I'll say it again: this man is the Bob Ross of motorcycle maintenance.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@bobpeters6532]

Fantastic video Mike! This is the first time I've seen that technique used, and I've been around a long time! What a great way to centre a wheel without resorting to spacers. What I really appreciate about your videos is that instead of just telling us how to do something, you're 'showing us' how to do it! Kind of reminds me of that wise old saying, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime!"

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I do try.

[@lisar3006]

I laced my wheels for my 72 D FLH back in 89 when i restored it. I am a cheap SOB so I laced my wheels. I had a fit getting them trued and took them to a guy to check it and I did pretty good. The first time I laced wheels was for my 46 Indian in about 74 or 75. Thanks Mike good video.

[@pacificmike9501]

This one was just moving the rim over. There are videos on our list that show it from start to finish. Go to KZbin, then pacific mike, then click on "videos."

[@christianmccollum1028]

Another lesson learned. I didn't know the spokes were meant to shift the rim that far over. I've been using goofy spacers. Thanks, Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

There are different ways of acheiving the end result. This was the one for this application. Thank You.

[@TheRustyGarageandHomestead]

Mike gets a thumbs up before the video even starts. Never produced a bad video. Very informative thank you.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@wyledkyle1172]

Lady's and gentlemen the Bob Ross of building motorcycles keep this up your are the best on the platform never change

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@howder1951]

Very interesting to see how much the wheel moves to one side. Also good tip about polishing the spoke ends for the tube. Enjoyed, cheers!

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@rustygood6336]

Rub it in that calli is nice. Freezing in Minnesota. Love the build. I got a stock 4speed 85 softail I’m restoring and your videos have helped on all my bikes especially my shovels.

[@pacificmike9501]

And Minnesota is beautiful and not crowded. Everything is a tradeoff. Thank You. Glad to help. That early Softail is an interesting bike. Check to see if the fifth bolt was installed in the bottom of the trans. I installed a lot of them in new 84 Softails. You have to remove the right shock to do it.

[@jakereese6698]

Thanks for another great video Mike! Watching your videos is extremely therapeutic for me. You’re like the Bob Ross of motorcycles!

[@pacificmike9501]

Wow, thanks!

[@Storzvogel]

Thanks Mike, Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@pacificmike9501]

My pleasure! And Greetings to you!

[@Storzvogel]

@@pacificmike9501 i meant, how many inches :)

[@foxhollerhomestead]

Got ur notification and another great lesson!! Thank ya Sir! You can only walk half way into the woods... honestly I thought my dad was the only one that said that!

[@pacificmike9501]

Yah, well, he and I went to different schools together. Thank You.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

@@pacificmike9501 ....funny

[@davemetz7368]

Thanks for showing this procedure. I would not have thought you could move the rim that much simply by adjusting the spokes. Good job Mike !

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@toddfrymire6265]

i wish you was my teacher in high school, i might have learned something,,,anutter great vid brother keep em coming, cant wait till the bike is done

[@pacificmike9501]

Nah, when we get it done, we'll just start another one. Let's not go there yet.

[@deanphillips8270]

24 and snowing here in eastern Washington.....glad I got the elecra glide out last Saturday, it was 75 two weeks ago 😅 love watching your videos Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Glad you got a ride in. Hopefully more for a bit.

[@ThatGuy-nb7zf]

Spokes have always seemed like voodoo to me but this clears it up nicely. Thanks for the tip! Also that front end is a beauty. I love how mechanical the old hardware looks when compared to newer stuff.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I love the old "mechanical" look, feel and smell. They didn't have computers. They drew things by hand. They made prototypes by hand. I've often wondered what the conversation was like when you took the part to the boss for approval and acceptance. Did he have to mark a box that said the part was pretty? Those guys were wonderful artists. By the way, your Pan is beautiful.

[@ThatGuy-nb7zf]

@@pacificmike9501 Thank you very much. I think maybe the style back then came from trial and error. If a part was weak or prone to fail they'd add a boss here or a fin there. Gave things character. Now when you CNC a part out of billet you tend to lose that. Just my opinion.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Great video Mike.....really coming along huh!....wheel truing is an art, your a skilled craftsman at building these awesome machines Mike and I cant wait to see what you do next!...

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. I'll try to do something interesting.

[@BerserkerNick]

When lacing wheels my dad taught me that the inside spokes adjust the up and down travel of the wheel and the outside spokes adjust the side to side, also it help to run a piece of masking tape from fork leg to fork leg with a line drawn in the center to help line it up if you dont have a trueing stand

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@kjellblomstrand2497]

Hello Mike and cameraman and your dog👍. Now everyone know how to count to 2🙂. Looks easy and u got to have patience and don't rush. That is a nice way to relax i think. We are back to normal time here in Sweden and moved our clocks back 1 hour and it is raining like crazy. Take care. Kjell"the swede" 🇸🇪

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanx. Good time to work on your bike. Take care.

[@kjellblomstrand2497]

@@pacificmike9501 Yes it is a perfect day to do that🤩. 🇸🇪

[@tommontague5721]

All the bikes I have rebuilt or restored I have never seen that before. Guess I always got lucky by cutting my own spacers to center the wheel.....That's pretty nifty!....Thanks Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like it. It's what happens when you're mixing and matching things that just were not intended to go together, especially when they're from different eras. Indian had some strange offsets. That's when I was taught to do it on the bike.

[@dennisc.1189]

Great video Mike, you make it look so easy lacing a wheel.

[@pacificmike9501]

Just take it slow.

[@richardhartley7094]

Hi Mike bent my front wheel on the dirt bike the other day and I got it running true again after watching your technique, have never attempted this before well pleased thank you😄🇬🇧

[@pacificmike9501]

Keep a close eye on it. You can't be sure how damaged it may be. Watch for spoke damage.

[@pacificmike9501]

Only you can judge how good or bad and how you feel about it. You may also be real good at this.

[@richardhartley7094]

I will I do understand what you are saying I possible won't use the wheel just thought I would give it ago nothing ventured nothing gained many thanks Mike👍🇬🇧

[@davidevans8826]

Love your channel love the bike build very interesting learning ..excellent 👍👍👍

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@pugloverg6671]

A labor of love big man.....perfection takes patience and time

[@pacificmike9501]

But it's fun. Thanx for comin' along.

[@darrylbethune2120]

Hello from Melbourne Australia. Great videos

[@pacificmike9501]

Hello and Thank You.

[@haroldwiser2641]

Thanks for your videos Mike, they are informative, entertaining and therapeutic. It's getting cold here in Michigan, a very sad time of year for us bikers. Stay safe!

[@pacificmike9501]

Sorry 'bout the weather. I told the guy on the last comment, "electric vests" really work.

[@louisflege3741]

Nice and simple. Can't wait to see what's next!

[@pacificmike9501]

More to come!

[@davidlbilke]

Cooler here in Missouri as well, lows in 30's and high today maybe 50. Not riding! Great video!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Bundle up. Electric vests are the way I used to do it when I lived where it got pretty cold.

[@flytheedge]

Thank you, Pacific Mike! I really appreciate you following up with my request! I learned something new and I absolutely love learning from you. Warmest Regards! ~ Clint

[@pacificmike9501]

You're very welcome! Thanks for being here.

[@flytheedge]

@@pacificmike9501 Absolutely!!

[@KMaC-wt9lr]

Thanks for the shout out here in Canada, sad to say but my ride is now in hibernation until spring.... ❄❄

[@pacificmike9501]

But, I'll bet your summer was great. Ours was extremely hot and went up in flames. I'm glad we're alive.

[@engleharddinglefester4285]

Supposed to be in the high 30's tonight. Good weather for lighting the woodstove out in the shed and wrenching the Sportster.

[@pacificmike9501]

Grand.

[@darrell3368]

Great to see you again and enjoy your work and learning a lot and God’s blessings for you and all your family

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. And the same to you.

[@pastorbobncc365]

Always love stopping by the garage, have a blessed week my friend.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks, you too!

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

There he is, at least one could make the argument that it is romantic more in the winter? Nice job as always Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

It's nice to close the garage door from the inside, have a cup of coffee, have the dog relaxing on the floor. The seasons change, and it's a good thing.

[@mjscycles1544]

Love the videos...always nice to learn little tricks...

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like them!

[@toocozycanti]

Never heard that forest metaphor, gonna start using that!

[@pacificmike9501]

It's a good place to go to and a good place to get out of.

[@caseykelso1]

Nevada ... getting cold for 2 days 57 , then back to the 80's I'm riding too.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool! Have fun!

[@TechnMoto]

Pretty easy. Thanks for showing us

[@pacificmike9501]

You’re welcome 😊

[@MrBadgas]

Excellent tutorial Mike! Thanks for breaking it down to the simple steps. Looking forward to seeing the headlight and handle bars mocked up. Starting to come together buddy.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@SvenJunior]

Thank you very much for all your videos Mike! All the best from Germany!

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like them! Thank You.

[@1fknhpycmpr355]

Good stuff again, Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks again!

[@timothyputzke1250]

Thank you for another great informative video. Snow and cold came early in Minnesota. Rats! As always keep the rubber side down.

[@pacificmike9501]

Take care. Sorry 'bout the cold.

[@charlesrockit6352]

Weather is awesome here in TX for riding as well bro ,one reason im watching this vid so late lol. Great vid brother mike Ride hard ride safe be well

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks! You too!

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

Hi Mike, I have not OWNED a LACED wheel in DECADES - being an ALLOY WHEEL advocate 1985 FXRP & 1995 DYNA Convertible bikes currently 13 Spoke preferably ( or 9 Spoke ) H-D Alloy wheels are my forte with TUBELESS Tires but AGAIN - valuable knowledge is always gained from your VIDEOS Thanks COOP ..........................................

[@pacificmike9501]

Everybody has their preferences. That's what makes it interesting.

[@rickeysmith7674]

Thanks for the video Mike and always sharing your knowledge great job

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@andreweog]

Mike, thanks for all your great content. Been watching for a year or so now and have learned a lot. I purchased my first bike, a '95 Sportster, during the beginning of this pandemic and have had a great time modifying it into a chopper that I am very proud of. It's not completely done yet, but your videos definitely have boosted my confidence in my technical abilities. I am looking forward to building bigger and better Harleys in the future. Your videos and explanations are much appreciated.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Glad to help.

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

🇨🇦 ok mike , we get some nice days )

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes we do. Enjoy.

[@jobuck893]

Cool man I didn't thank it would be that easy

[@pacificmike9501]

Everything is easy, once you know how.

[@97irishflyer]

Going to be 5° F here in Nebraska Monday morning..lol

[@pacificmike9501]

Good. I was afraid it was getting cold.

[@donnybarns]

It's beautiful here in Maryland, I can work around with t-shirt but maybe not ride my bike :-)

[@pacificmike9501]

That's great! Fall really is pretty. I'll bet you have all the colors in the trees right now.

[@walterfechter8080]

Though I worked at a motorcycle dealership for a number of years, I never possessed the patience to lace, true and balance wire spoked wheels. Ride safe, people.

[@pacificmike9501]

It's okay. I didn't enjoy welding. I always have someone do that for me. Some people hate wiring. So, I wired their bikes. I enjoy wheels. And, I don't trust just anyone to work on them for me. I had a guy lace one for me back in the eighties. It caused me to fall down at high speed. I've done all of my own wheels ever since.

[@jaynedoe1959]

I`ll be right back. I`m watching paint dry one channel over & it`s almost done... HARRR!

[@pacificmike9501]

Doesn't sound very stimulating. But, take care.

[@darrensavory8723]

The master, love your work

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you very much!

[@maxdavies5776]

I like the new alloy monoshock girder fork front end.

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay.

[@SixShooter14]

haha, It was indeed cold here in Montana as well.... In early October we had about 2-3ft of snow on the ground.... In fact it is snowing as I type this. But I did ride yesterday for the 2nd time this year. So it's going alright.

[@pacificmike9501]

That's the attitude! Be careful, but, I get it.

[@maynard5955]

That’s just crazy how much it moved with just to flats turned what about a cast wheel? Just have to use axel spacers?

[@pacificmike9501]

Yup.

[@markbass4622]

Gonna be heading out your was soon from Ga would like to stop by and meet ya if possible,keep up the good videos.

[@pacificmike9501]

Once a month (not making it tomorrow) Long Beach Motorcyclle Swap Meet at Veterans stadium. I meet most people there. And, I enjoy meeting people that watch our channel. Other than that, Chopperfest in Ventura CA in December.

[@jimbyrne9071]

How could anyone thumbs down Mike?

[@pacificmike9501]

Ya can't please everyone. It's cool.

[@philball2166]

Rub it in Mike I'm in n.w.indiana and it's in the 30,s here bike is looking good

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I can't control the weather.

[@dawg141]

Amazing!!! Very nice video!!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@120074]

Walking into the forest half way the other half walking out, Life!

[@pacificmike9501]

Amen.

[@peteosinga8845]

Watch out for the bear poop

[@williamrenner2504]

Nice job...

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@maxdavies5776]

Thanks for the demo.

[@pacificmike9501]

Our pleasure!

[@badbruise]

Hey I’m from Maine and can still ride 10 months a year, just gotta bundle up.

[@pacificmike9501]

And, there it is!

[@cheftush]

Yep, we’re in the low 30s now Mike up here in Canada. Just waiting for the snow...I’ve resisted putting the Bike away so far as I’m in Denial...

[@pacificmike9501]

C'mon man, don't heap the guilt on. It finally got cool enough to ride here. It's been so hot this year, neither me nor my bikes wanted to function in it. Imagine about 130 degrees or more inside a helmet. But, now it's cool. Now it's fun. Now I'll get what you had all summer. Okay. Now, do you feel better? Take care.

[@cheftush]

@@pacificmike9501 I agree, I’d rather ride when it’s cooler Mike. I much prefer riding in the Spring Fall up here.

[@MrJoshlemons]

Your right harley crossbones rear rim is to one side to fit brakes and a massive rear tire

[@pacificmike9501]

Yep.

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Another problem solved. Is it engine time yet? Watched and enjoyed.

[@pacificmike9501]

Not yet! We'll get there.

[@rogersalazar2336]

Hey Mike, heading down to the swap meet in Long Beach this weekend?

[@pacificmike9501]

I thought I was. But weather says "rain." Probably not. Gotta clean house. Got people coming from up North. Do good there.

[@tonycurtis4427]

Thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

You're welcome

[@westonward735]

I have a question about truing a wheel. Let's say your buddy buys cheap stuff to build a wheel. Namely a $20 rim and it's not perfectly round. Is it possible to bring this wheel into being true? The time we have but I don't like waisting it.

[@pacificmike9501]

That's a hard call. Most rims are "butt welded" together and there's always a spot that's out of true. You try to minimize it. You stick with factory recommendations. So, what I'm saying is, "How bad is it?" You can try. The worst thing you have to say is, "That was a bad idea. Let's take it apart and get another rim." I try to not work any more. That way, if it's for me, I don't care how long it takes. I just want it done as well as I can do it.

[@westonward735]

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks for the insight. I'll give it a couple more hours and see where we end up. Thank you.

[@eddiesargent4163]

Love the videos!!! Your a wealth of knowledge thank you for passing it on. Cheers

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Glad you're enjoying it.

[@onlyhereonce7290]

It’s riding season now for me.

[@pacificmike9501]

Me too.

[@maxdavies5776]

Harley wheel & spoke & pressed robot tig welded alloy wheels.

[@pacificmike9501]

Are you speaking of the Borrani Alloy Rim that came new on an early Harley XLCH?

[@FJ80Coop]

Hell its low 30s in south Abalama on the Florida line at night the past week... Low 50s during the days isn't exactly a heat wave..

[@pacificmike9501]

Sorry I can't fix that. I would if I could.

[@ludditeneaderthal]

Hey Mike, when you whisper at Mike, we can hear you on the mic... lol

[@pacificmike9501]

Busted! I love it. I told him, but you said it too.

[@cameramanmike2072]

😁👍

[@ludditeneaderthal]

@@pacificmike9501 btw, 3.600-3.065=0.535 total difference, so offsetting 0.2675 drumward should center your setup nicely... front end looks awesome, as does the entire build thus far! The vintage bobber theme with authentic period parts and mods is a superb idea!

[@docholiday1034]

Ct finally a little wet... 👍👍👍 But extremely hot summer. . Now hurry up with that shackle 🤣

[@pacificmike9501]

Okayfine.

[@peteosinga8845]

This video was very moving

[@pacificmike9501]

Yah, but it was "sideways."

[@steve28849]

hi mike, why is it you shift the rim on the hub and not the hub on the axle? i recall you had spacers on both side of the hub. couldn't they be made to the proper size to center the wheel? thanks

[@pacificmike9501]

That's not how it works with a drum brake setup. The left spacer locates the entire brake assembly through the left rocker. This is a machined, threaded part designed by Harley many years ago. Then, the axle locates on it. Then comes the spacer in the hub. Again, this is all factory located. Modify the axle, make a spacer for the right side, set the spacing of the rim with the spokes. This is an assembly of a combination of different years of parts. It came out perfect.

[@steve28849]

@@pacificmike9501 thanks mike, i get it. i have a 71 FLH that i have owned since 92. it's taken me to every state east of WY. now that i'm retired, it's time to give it some love. i would like to pick your brain on the project if you're open to the conversation. my email is [e-mail] thanks again

[@sarahhawkins6978]

Do you know why the front wheel on the newer Harley Springer Softtail is offset from the center of the forks?

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't recall why. I just remember dealing with it. I think that's a good question. When you find the answer, I'd like to know.

[@johanlanden6295]

Hey thanks for the video. Do you have to take the tire of to offset the rim?

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes. Never adjust spokes with a tire mounted.

[@johanlanden4382]

Thanks

[@bigroryhollar5023]

😎🍻

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@maxdavies5776]

Pressed rear spoked front

[@pacificmike9501]

Lost me.

[@loddude5706]

I feel I must apologise for this one up front: 'The laws of physics must have their court, for all true evidence lingers, as the wheel of truth is gamely sought, by Mike & Justice Fingers.' (Fx: A lone pistol shot echoing through the somewhat damp Greenwood : )

[@pacificmike9501]

Many years ago in the forest in Chico, California, a professor enlightened me with one of the most valuable statements I have ever heard. He said, "Mike, the laws of physics do not decide what you can and cannot do. That which you can and cannot do decide the laws of physics." Take care, my friend.

[@ahill7099]

Whats the camera man look like never seen him? Is he in any vids just curious 🤔.

[@MrBadgas]

You never saw White Fang or Black Tooth either now did ya? (look it up on You Tube if you never heard of it)

[@pacificmike9501]

He's a good looking man with a heart of gold.

[@ahill7099]

@@pacificmike9501 well isn't that how we all want to be. Have a blessed one thanks for your time sir

[@Wooley689]

Great to watch. That spoke torque tool, damn that's cool as hell. Those nipples are aftermarket aren't they?

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

I noticed you went three on some.

[@pacificmike9501]

Sometimes you can swing it in one movement, sometimes two. Sometimes you just go by feel.

[@tommmarree3689]

Don't understand why KZbin takes days to alert me as to new video's?????

[@pacificmike9501]

It's very difficult for me to find out. I'm currently dealing with some other issues there. Sorry.

[@aw738]

Low 50's here in West Virginia.

[@pacificmike9501]

Don't for get your scarf.

[@aw738]

@@pacificmike9501 Don't need a scarf. This is just long sleeve shirt weather. It don't get cold until it's in the lower 30's.

[@azazelakira12]

With that voice you can say 1... 2... however many times you want

[@pacificmike9501]

You're too kind.

[@rodneywicks9980]

do i spot a new mic lol

[@pacificmike9501]

Nope! I'm the same Mike I've always been.

[@aleinhunter9927]

I have to say hi.

[@pacificmike9501]

Hi.

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

The one thumbs down is an angry Canadian that can't ride.

[@pacificmike9501]

That's funny. But let's be more sensitive.

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

@@pacificmike9501 I live in Ohio, so I am also all too familiar with parking my bike for months at a time 😅

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

@@pacificmike9501 also, really enjoy your videos, and I don't even own a Harley!

[@pascualcasiano2083]

Commercial interference ☹️

[@pacificmike9501]

Sorry 'bout that. Not much control here.

[@pascualcasiano2083]

@@pacificmike9501 only mentioned to see if you knew that was going on. Also I want to ask , will a ‘ 74 Super Glide front end work on a ‘71 FLH Electra Glide, it has a 19 inch wheel . Thanks Mike for all your time and effort making these videos .