H2 Spokes

[Mike Steer]

Just had new stainless spokes put into the original 1972 750 H2 rims. Wheel builder tells me that the spokes aren't long enough (see attachment pictures). Bought from Central . Contacted Central who assured me they are to the spec of that bike. On my invoice it clearly says 1972 Z750???. I didn't think they made the Z750 until 1973. Importantly I don't know where they got Z750 from?? If indeed Central did make my spokes for a Z750 are these spokes different from the H2 spokes, and therefore no good in an H2 rim? They did phone me before they made the spokes to confirm that the wheel sizes are in fact 19" Front and 18" Rear. The problem I have is that the spokes do not screw far enough into the nipples to hold them securley, most importantly though, safely. In some cases the spoke is 5mm below the nipple surface, the rear wheel seems to be the worst. On other bikes I have, the threaded part of the spoke is hidden in that the nipple secures a good length of the spoke. When compared to the original spokes the Central spokes are a little smaller in length, and the threaded part is longer. Before I stripped the wheels down, to send the spokes back to Central, as they requested, I had a second opinion from a good friend of mine, who has his own motorcycle repair business, in his view the spokes aren't long enough. He also raised the safety concern. They tell me if I send them back they will credit the money back to me, minus 25% of the purchase price to stick them back on to the stock shelf. If in fact they have messed up why should I penalised to the tune of £50, and still have no spokes. Did the H2 have slightly larger rims than other 750 triples which might explain the problem? I'm asking for members thoughts on this. I've looked through the Forum posts on here to try and get some clarification.

[Triple Parts]

Spokes are the same on all H2 and Z1/900. Japanese had a 750 version of the Z1, the Z2. Z750 twin appeared in UK in 1976.
May be a daft question, but I assume that the lacing pattern is correct? I had a similar problem when I replaced some spokes on wheels with alloy rims, I copied the same pattern but they had used longer spokes with a different pattern. When I realised and reverted to correct pattern, the standard spokes were fine.
But it does sound like they just sent you the wrong spokes.

[Wolfie]

Well you've put them side by side on the table and they are definitely too short, looks like you need to have more words with the supplier I'm afraid.

They also need to know that they have incorrect information on the Spoke size for H2.

[Mike Steer]

Thanks for the input fella's. I've de-spoked the rims now ready to send the spokes back to Central. As for the spoke lacing pattern suggestion I would assume that the wheel builder would have got this right . It was something I did think of. As was the info on their data base, and was it in fact correct, with regards to the H2. At the end of the day all I wanted to do was to replace the original spokes which are 53 years old now. Initially I looked at the Z Power site who had the standard spokes. I decided to go for the Stainless version which Central made. For the hassle it's causing I wished I decided to replace like with like. Much cheaper as well

[Wolfie]

Have you asked Malc Wildeman?

He's the Triples Club 'go to man' for Wheelbuilding etc.

[Mike Steer]

Wolfie thanks. No I haven't. I'll get in touch with him