Adventure Bike Rider Forum

I’m currently getting a few items powder coated in black for the BatBike

I was talking about this to a friend of mine who would like to get the rims of his old Yamaha TRX 850 powder coated

Is is possible to do this as I’ve heard it can damage/weaken the rim

Are there any powder coaters on here who can clarify

Thanks in advance

I've had lots of stuff powder coated can't see why it would weaken anything. Only thing I could think is if there's any real heavy corrosion thats need the hell blasting out of it to prep it

Shouldn't affect the strength of the rims but I've heard it's a pain clearing out the spoke holes for rebuilding the wheel.

Steve

With the TRX rims there should be no issues in powder coating.

Issues may arise with the grit/shot blasting. If there are any holes defects etc the blasting can and will make bigger

Bearings would most likely need to be replaced, you may get away with the big washers and bolt trick then just repack the bearings (not ideal)

As the powder coating oven is only around 200c the heat is insufficient to cause any warping damage to rim unless external force is applied to the rim while it is hot.

You are better of speaking to the coatings for their opinion and whether it is feasible and worthwhile, also what experience and success they have had in the past.

Have done it several times many years ago now, to alloy motorbike wheels (including race bikes) and no issues
it is a lot easier to cover up holes/threads etc than to remove excess paint afterwards!
advise tape up exposed areas that you need clear of paint eg wheel bearing holes, sprocket carrier threads etc, use studding to cover thread holes, make up covers or bungs to avoid aggro afterwards

Thanks for your thoughts guys

I’ll pass them on