Anyone know what these wheels are?

[TheCafeKid]

ALu with a high Zinc content. Like carburetors...

[Steve]

Apparently the early GPz had 5-spoke wheels, but the '77 KZ650, the 79 KZ1300 and the '84 ZN1300 that I had all had 7-spokers.

I heard once that the Kawasaki mags were made by Morris.

.

[GregT]

They probably are Magnesium. There was quite a number of Italian foundries got into the bike wheel business - most didn't stay in for long.
There was also a lot of copying went on. I've seen a lot of mags of this period but can't identify them sorry.
If they've been dry stored, corrosion shouldn't be a problem. As far as a coating goes, this type of wheel is often porous - usually solved by powdercoating. The problem with this is that if they get chipped it's nearly impossible to remove the powder - the normal solvent will also dissolve the Magnesium. I'd bead blast, Chromate prime and use baked enamel as a top coat.
Nice find

Greg T

[srsupertrap]

WTG Bruce! Found srsupertrap a match!!!
Way too cool! Super, are they Alum. or Mag.? They weight NOTHING!

If I have not mentioned it before, let me say... I LOVE THIS SITE!!!!

Eric

I must have bought the cast aluminum "lead" version because my mystery wheel weighs 13 Lbs . Last year I repainted the stock wheel and while it was apart I checked to see if the GS1000 cush hub would drop into my mystery wheel and it did with no fit issues.

IIRC back in 2007 I saw one or two of those 19" front wheels sell on Fleabay with the title GS1000/GS750 AHRMA Morris Mags. I think the front wheels are also used by flat trackers, regardless there was lot of watchers and one went for close to $275 and the other I stopped watching when it went over $400

[srsupertrap]

So does the Suzuki sprocket hub fit in this wheel?

Yes it drops right in

[67fire]

D*mn! I sure hope that Bruce can get a deal on them.
I only played with the front rims. You will have to ask Bruce how much the rear one weighed. I seriously doubt that it was more than a few pounds.
If the guy finds the other rear rim, I just might have to get a pair also!
I/We only saw 1 rear and 3 fronts.

Eric

[Sandy]

IIRC back in 2007 I saw one or two of those 19" front wheels sell on Fleabay with the title GS1000/GS750 AHRMA Morris Mags. I think the front wheels are also used by flat trackers, regardless there was lot of watchers and one went for close to $275 and the other I stopped watching when it went over $400

If that's what they are you'ld better grab them quick, Good find. Here's a link to check.

http://www.650motorcycles.com/RichPollack101.html

[1980GS1000E]

They look like Morris wheels to me.

[Tom MLC]

Pot metal?

Is that legal in Nevada?

[renobruce]

They probably are Magnesium. There was quite a number of Italian foundries got into the bike wheel business - most didn't stay in for long.
There was also a lot of copying went on. I've seen a lot of mags of this period but can't identify them sorry.
If they've been dry stored, corrosion shouldn't be a problem. As far as a coating goes, this type of wheel is often porous - usually solved by powdercoating. The problem with this is that if they get chipped it's nearly impossible to remove the powder - the normal solvent will also dissolve the Magnesium. I'd bead blast, Chromate prime and use baked enamel as a top coat.
Nice find

Greg T

Good info...thanks! He did say that he thought they were Italian made.

If that's what they are you'ld better grab them quick, Good find. Here's a link to check.
http://www.650motorcycles.com/RichPollack101.html

They sure do look like the Morris. I'll definitely get them even if they are not. I think they are cool!!

[srsupertrap]

Was the gent interested in your offer? . . . .

[russr33]

Well, none of my bikes are daily drivers, just toys. I would be powdercoating them. If I can swing it, I'll get them. I like that they are unique.

Bruce those look just like the mags on my '78. Mine also had no markings whatsoever and were definitely magnesium. When I got them powdercoated they had to go back 2 times b/c the porous nature of the magnesium kept letting air through and screwing it up. They eventually had to use some type of primer first to seal it then powdercoat. If you want I can try and find out what they used.

[renobruce]

Was the gent interested in your offer? . . . .

He didn't show up at the bike night. I plan on calling him in the morning.

[renobruce]

Bruce those look just like the mags on my '78. Mine also had no markings whatsoever and were definitely magnesium. When I got them powdercoated they had to go back 2 times b/c the porous nature of the magnesium kept letting air through and screwing it up. They eventually had to use some type of primer first to seal it then powdercoat. If you want I can try and find out what they used.

Yep, those look identical. Thanks for the info! And yes, if you can find out what they prepped them with that would be great.

Those look nice on your bike!!

[GregT]

Porosity is always a problem with low - volume low - pressure casting mag wheels.
No one worries about it in their correct application - race use - but on a road bike it becomes annoying
I believe the Lester wheels went through a sealant impregnating process.
Japanese OE wheels were usually high pressure die castings which only required a clear coat on the inside of the rim to seal.
If they're not sealed or have not been properly dry stored corrosion can be a major problem - they absorb moisture & go crystalline. Something to watch for on old stock wheels.
Judging by his superb carbs I'm sure Bruce will make them look good.

Greg T