Gs450 rear rim composition question

[Guest]

I purchased a digital speedo for my 1983 gs450gad and it requires Magnets to be place on the rim. I was thinking of welding a couple of tabs to rim but I am not sure of the rims composition. It is the spoked wheel version for the Suzukimatics. Anyone know what it is made of? Thanks

[Big Rich]

Will a magnet stick to the metal? If so, it's steel and you can use a mig welder on it.

Can't you put the magnet on the rotor somewhere?

[Mop Bucket]

Thanks big Rich, a magnet does not stick, so it must be cast aluminum? I have a tig welder that I can use if cast aluminum can be welded. I will research that. And I would put it in the rotor but it has drum brakes

Although, after staring, measuring, test fitting, and looking for a few hours I got a different prospective... the other side is way easier to get to. I think I can drill the part of the hub where the spokes hook without issue. I might go that route.

[Big Rich]

Ya know, when I put a digital speedo on my GR I ended finding a "digital speedometer cable" for it. The cable hooked to the wheel side of the speedo drive like a stock cable, but it had wires at the speedo side. Maybe that would work for you if you can find it?

[smartin108]

Epoxy them on. Regardless of the wheel material, you'd have a hard time welding the magnet.