OEM Spoke Set '77 GS400XB

[Guest]

Hi All,

I have a '77 GS400XB (model two drum brakes) and am having a hard time finding an OEM spoke set. I can find the front set online but not the rear. The part numbers for the front and rear are different so I guess that makes the spokes are different?

-RM

[Rijko]

Looks like Bike Bandit sells them ..

https://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/detail/suzuki/65320-15819/b1112869?m=6023&sch=275294

[mcquillr]

Not sure how I missed this before (Bandit is one of my go-tos) but thanks so much!

[John Park]

My memory may be faulty on this, but I seem to recall some tendency toward cracking on the original rear hubs, perhaps in the brake drum webs [??] which may be worth looking into. I think some of the fronts did this also in the 70's. I'm running '78 spoke hubs on my '82 and have yet to have a problem, but I keep a watchful eye.

Are you just replacing the original spokes or are you changing up the rims as well?

[mcquillr]

Interesting, do you mean cracking around the holes where the spokes go in? I haven't noticed any cracking on my hubs.
I was just going to replace the original spokes. My rims are actually still in pretty good condition, but the spokes are heavily oxidized.

[John Park]

Now that I've though about it, it was the T500 two stroke twin that had some problem with the front drum, and I've heard of the rear cracking. I think the cracking was of the webs that come up from the center hub and out to the drum that can crack. The spoke holes are not a problem. This is one of the advantages of disc brakes and cast wheels; inherently stronger.

The original spokes are galvanized - zinc plated - and do get funky over time. Does the kit come with nipples as well? Getting the old ones off can be a challenge. If they don't move willingly, you can always cut the spoke and do the persuading and soaking away from the rim. You'll have to be careful to grind and deburr the ends flush when you're done. I've never been happy with the rubber rim strips that can wander off either and will probably move to two layers of Gorilla tape next time. Works great on bicycles.

If you haven't relaced wheels before, taking a pile of pictures before you dismantle is a boon in reestablishing the pattern.

[Rob S.]

If you haven't relaced wheels before, taking a pile of pictures before you dismantle is a boon in reestablishing the pattern.

True dat! Even if you have done it before.

...the spokes are heavily oxidized.

So this is just for appearances, everything works fine? Can't clean up the oxidation?

First you'll have to lace up the new spokes (hmm...which hole does this end of the spoke go in?)

Then you'll have to 'tune' the spokes - tightening each spoke according to how high or low the tone it gives off when you tap it.

Did it 44 years ago when I replaced the rear rim on my CB350. Glad neither of my current rides have spokes.

[mcquillr]

Resurrecting this post because the front set that Bike Bandit set me was actually for the GS400X with a front disc brake. Does anyone know where I could find spokes for the GS400XB model with a front drum brake? It looks like Suzuki discontinued this part.

The front and back drum hubs seem pretty similar and the two rims are the same size. Would a rear set fit the front hub?

Suzuki's part number is 5530044810

[storm 64]

Check out Buchanan's Spoke & Rim they'll be able to help you out.

[mcquillr]

SOLVED: Just for future reference. The stock rear spoke set fits both the front and the rear if you have the stock drum brakes on both wheels.