Gregory Bender

Wheel disassembly (how to remove the nipples and spokes)

Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models

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Gregory Bender's technique

Moto Guzzi used good quality components when they put together our wheels: Borrani rims, stainless steel spokes (except for V700), brass nipples, and heavy duty hubs. Even the choice of straight pull spokes meant very little needed to be done in the way of wheel truing maintenance. It is no exaggeration that the spokes on most original wheels have never been touched since they left the factory.

All that being said, there are times when you'll want to completely disassemble a wheel. Perhaps you want to replace the zinc plated spokes on your V700 with stainless spokes. Or perhaps you want to thoroughly polish all the components individually (much easier to do and much easier to get high quality results). Whatever the reason, here are some tips and tricks I've learned along the way that should make your life easier (and prevent you from destroying the spokes and nipples in the process).

Joe Tokarz's technique

Thanks to Joe Tokarz for sending me this information in a private e-mail. In Joe's own words:

Fast Wheel Disassembly

Age has never been a friend of spokes and nipples. Nipples get stuck on spokes and spokes get stuck in wheel hubs. I learned the hard way that it takes much more effort and time trying to salvage spokes (either plated steel or stainless) instead of replacing with new stainless. Out of 80 spokes and nipples some are bound to be damaged or unyielding. A wise man told me that the time it takes to lace a wheel using new stainless spokes is the same for using salvaged spokes but the results pay off in dependability and fresh good looks that will last 40 years.

Fast disassembly is done by cutting the spokes. The trick is to cut the spokes at a spot just above the nipple using an angle grinder fitted with a cut off wheel. That allows for the thick part of the spoke to clear the wheel hub so it won't interfere with the adjacent spoke. Always wear eye protection and gloves for this task.

To drive out the spokes use a small size 14 inch drive socket that just fits the spoke diameter and add an extension. Use a small hammer to tap the spokes out.

All that's left is cleaning and polishing the wheel hub and rim. Lace the new stainless spokes and nipples using recommended thread oil.

Here is an excellent wheel lacing video tutorial featuring expert wheel builder Dave Moore building a wheel for Cycle Garden Moto Guzzi.

Cut spokes.
Cut spokes.

Photo courtesy of Joe Tokarz.

Spokes ready to remove.
Spokes ready to remove.

Photo courtesy of Joe Tokarz.

Tap out the spokes.
Tap out the spokes.

Photo courtesy of Joe Tokarz.

Wheel on truing stand.
Wheel on truing stand.

Photo courtesy of Joe Tokarz.