Anodise or powder coat?

[Shaunie]

The chromed spokes on my R1150GS are quite rusty, so I'm having the wheels rebuilt with stainless spokes by Devon Rim Company.

http://www.devonrimcompany.com/bmw.htm

At the same time, I thought it would be cool to have the rims and hubs coloured black, like the KTM990Adv and the new Harley Nightster (sad I know but it looks really nice). Does anyone know what finish is used for these 2?

AFAIK std GS rims are anodised aluminium with painted hubs, however Doug at Devon Rim Co recommends powder coating for the best results. Apparently the aluminium is inconsistent quality and when re-anodised with a colour the finish often reveals blemishes. From searching this forum, I am worried that the powder coating may be too thick and/or too brittle for spoked wheels.

It's not cheap either. Over £400 a pair stripped, blasted, powder coated, rebuilt and trued. I don't mind the cost, but I want them "right"

 

[Timolgra]

(sad I know but it looks really nice).

You said it

The black Excell rims on my 650 do look good but your man at Devon Rim co probably knows best

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

the aluminium will be soft anodised - hard anodising is for military level protection and costs a fortune.

the alumium rim is a strip that is welded into a hoop and will show the weld. Also - the anodising will fade incosistently over 5 yrs or so. Black anodising is actually very dark blue - and wll fade to that .
Bike cleaners will also attack it.

Get 'em powder coated :Thumb

 

[ragerover]

the aluminium will be soft anodised - hard anodising is for military level protection and costs a fortune.

the alumium rim is a strip that is welded into a hoop and will show the weld. Also - the anodising will fade incosistently over 5 yrs or so. Black anodising is actually very dark blue - and wll fade to that .
Bike cleaners will also attack it.

Get 'em powder coated :Thumb

LIKE THE MAN SAID

 

[Grizzly]

Just Buy "Black" Wheels???????????????

Why not just buy a pair of s/hand or even new wheels, with the BMW "black" rims - I think later wheels were built with stainless spokes anyway?? - I know if I buy a new spoke for my wheels from BMW, the spare is stainless -although originals were chrome ('01 1150GS)
Your current project sounds like a lot of work AND worry which could easily be avoided with new or flea-bay "black" wheels - or am I missing something

Cheers......................Grizzly

 

[Dick Dastardly]

That sounds like a good idea from Grizzly. A set went on here recently if i remember correctly

Or contact BM dealers to see if they have a set languishing in their back room.

 

[Shaunie]

The BWM "black" rims are actually dark bluey purplish, which I don't like. I didn't realise that later bikes had stainless spokes but I think you're right, certainly for Adventures.

The project is twofold. To replace dirty scruffy rusty wheels with nice and shiny and easy to keep clean. And to have something unusual and individual.

As always, searching different terms has revealed more answers. IIUC anodising is not recommended for old aluminium because any existing corrosion will show as blemishes. Powder coating is OK for spoked rims but must be applied with the wheel disassembled (seems obvious really).

Any more advice would be gratefully received and especially any photos of black wheel rims to convince me wallet. Oh, and should they be gloss or satin black?