if you really want to indulge in the stainless check out whats available here 
The (unprofessional) 'restoration' of an 1100GS...
- Thread starter Dave T
- Start date
Are you sure the plain alloy rims were anodised?
Brilliant, thank youif you really want to indulge in the stainless check out whats available here
and Dome nuts , if they ever come off.
cos you never ride it in the winter !Yep. The spoked wheels on my 24 year old 1150 are still like new.
View attachment 546069View attachment 546070
1100GS’s were chromed mild steel spokesyou sure about that ?? the three 1150,s ive had inc the current one where all stainless spokes
Had them rust on me in the 1990’s
1150’s are different
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Depends on the month/year in 1997
Late 1997 onwards and 1998/99 1100 GS were anodised silver rims
94 to early 97 were plain alloy
1997 was the changeover mid year
This bike and subject of the thread is a 1997 (although the tank graphics are from a 1998/99 black bike), so owner better check which rims he has ?
I shall have to have a look at that - the graphics look the same as other 97-on red bikes on't net...
Graphics on a black bike would have been red?
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It has the later M97 gearbox, so I'm going to assume (
) it's the later model with anodised rims. Although I guess they'd still have used up what was available, so mid 97 could be any combination really...
You may have a point there!
I hardly ride in the summer anymore either. Especially if there rain in the forecast.
And I like cleaning my bike.
Fixed.
This might help Dave, Checking wheels if anodized or plain alloy, Rub a small area with a metal polish or cloth; if it turns black quickly, the wheel is plain alloy, while anodized wheels won’t produce that black residue.
To check if your bike wheels are anodized or chromed, look for a mirror-like finish for chrome wheels, which is highly reflective, while anodized wheels typically have a more matte or textured appearance. Additionally, you can check for any color options; anodized wheels can be colored, whereas chrome is usually just shiny silver.
To determine if your bike wheels are anodized or chromed, you can look for specific characteristics in their appearance and finish.
Anodized wheels are generally more durable than chrome wheels, as anodizing enhances resistance to corrosion, chipping, and scratching. Chrome wheels, while visually appealing, can be more susceptible to visible scratches and require more maintenance to prevent rust and oxidation.
Now you know, you will always know!
To check if your bike wheels are anodized or chromed, look for a mirror-like finish for chrome wheels, which is highly reflective, while anodized wheels typically have a more matte or textured appearance. Additionally, you can check for any color options; anodized wheels can be colored, whereas chrome is usually just shiny silver.
To determine if your bike wheels are anodized or chromed, you can look for specific characteristics in their appearance and finish.
Visual Characteristics
| Feature | Chrome Wheels | Anodized Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Mirror-like, highly reflective | Matte or textured appearance |
| Color Options | Typically shiny silver | Available in various colors |
Additional Checks
- Reflectivity: Chrome wheels will have a bright, shiny surface that reflects light, while anodized wheels will appear less shiny and may have a more muted finish.
- Surface Texture: Anodized wheels often have a slightly rougher texture compared to the smooth, glossy surface of chrome wheels.
Anodized wheels are generally more durable than chrome wheels, as anodizing enhances resistance to corrosion, chipping, and scratching. Chrome wheels, while visually appealing, can be more susceptible to visible scratches and require more maintenance to prevent rust and oxidation.
Now you know, you will always know!
Not the colours - just the stylised writing is that of a later bikeI shall have to have a look at that - the graphics look the same as other 97-on red bikes on't net...
Graphics on a black bike would have been red?
From memory these were the 1997 tank graphics (I had one new)
Not reallyFixed.
The 1100GS has some better features
Gearing was better matched to the torque of the engines and that mistake was only corrected in late 2002 when the Adventure model was introduced
You can tell plain Ali rims as they are Akront and a complete fxxker to keep tidy if you ride in inclemency... Also copperslip can cause more probs between stainless and Ali so I'd use a different grease...
The chrome corrodes off the spokes but they are hefty things so usually stay strong... People have had them re laced but the rims are notorious bastards to keep true due to the spoke pattern for tubeless tyres... There have been specialists about but whether they still are I dunna ken...
The chrome corrodes off the spokes but they are hefty things so usually stay strong... People have had them re laced but the rims are notorious bastards to keep true due to the spoke pattern for tubeless tyres... There have been specialists about but whether they still are I dunna ken...
Aha
A pic of Threedawgs 1997 R registered with the correct tank graphics for a 1997 model black R11GS, as I recall
@Dave T yours has different tank graphics or a later 1998/99 tank
Not that it really matters - but I do prefer the 1997 graphics personally
Just dug out the V5, registered November 97, so as it's late in the year, could (I guess), be one of the 1st with the 1998 graphics
Anyway - it's got what it's got
Anyway - it's got what it's got
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