Polishing plated spokes on wire wheels

[quaycrest]

I have a set of used wire plated spoked wheels to fit to my 1150gs and wanted to know if the spokes can safely be polished without removing any coating or protection. And if so what polishing product is best to use. There is no rust on the spokes at present just some light discolouration which I hoped to be able to remove.

 

[Mzokk]

If they are R1150GS wheels then the spokes should be stainless steel unless the spokes have been replaced. If stainless a bit of autosol is as good as anything.

 

[Neil W]

If they are R1150GS wheels then the spokes should be stainless steel unless the spokes have been replaced. If stainless a bit of autosol is as good as anything.

Early 1150gs had chrome plated spokes an utter pita for rusting

 

[Mzokk]

Early 1150gs had chrome plated spokes an utter pita for rusting

Ah best not rub too hard then

 

[quaycrest]

So polish or just clean?

 

[Neil W]

So polish or just clean?

Nah, just do this instead ,no more pesky spokes

 

[Cheney Triumph]

I have a set of used wire plated spoked wheels to fit to my 1150gs and wanted to know if the spokes can safely be polished without removing any coating or protection. And if so what polishing product is best to use. There is no rust on the spokes at present just some light discolouration which I hoped to be able to remove.

Why not just go stainless & forget all the hassle.

 

[quaycrest]

I bought these wheels at a reasonable price as I couldn't stretch/justify the cost of a set of the stainless adventure ones or the price of a rebuild with stainless steel spokes. I like the idea of converting to alloys but prefer the look of the bike with spokes.

 

[Ian J Hartley]

I bought these wheels at a reasonable price as I couldn't stretch/justify the cost of a set of the stainless adventure ones or the price of a rebuild with stainless steel spokes. I like the idea of converting to alloys but prefer the look of the bike with spokes.

I wouldn’t sweat it much, the bikes at least 20 years old.

Just give them a go with chrome cleaner and get out and ride the bloody thing.

 

[Bem]

Wonderlace - surely this is still available - or am I the oldest one in the room?

 

[Wrigsby1]

View attachment 327551

Nah, just do this instead ,no more pesky spokes

Funnily enough my spoked wheels are going to get the black treatment as cleaning is such a PIA... Satin black and 15 mins and no worries about overspray...they all get it eventually when my patience wears out...