Wheel damage, replace?

[triman023]

An unfortunate accident when getting a new tire has resulted in damage to my Griso front rim. It looks like a dent about 3mm deep close to the edge. My question is, is there any way to repair this and is it safe to ride on it?
 I have parked the bike for now. It isn't very big but I have heard that Alpina advises replacing the rim if there is any damage. The black rim color makes repairs all that more difficult...

What say you?

[Vagrant]

I assume you did it or you would be back screaming! Just find some touch up paint and go back to riding.

[pehayes]

Felt tip pen applied monthly.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Tom H]

If this was just an unfortunate incident with a tire tool. like Patrick says, a black felt tip pen. This is provided it's just a scratch, nothing bent or cracked.

If this was due to it falling off a work bench to the floor, then properly inspected and a replacement may be in order. If it was a fall and the tire was already on, I would think there would be no major damage.

Tom

[triman023]

This happened at the dealer. I don't think the tire was on at the time.
Replacing the rim is a complex process of swapping parts from the old to the new. Not in my line of work.
And it has to be shipped out to someone who can do it, most shops don't want to fool with the o rings.
A new rim has been offered, just dreading the process and time it will take.

At least I could ride till the new rim comes in.

I don't see any cracks.

[Huzo]

This happened at the dealer. I don't think the tire was on at the time.
Replacing the rim is a complex process of swapping parts from the old to the new. Not in my line of work.
And it has to be shipped out to someone who can do it, most shops don't want to fool with the o rings.
A new rim has been offered, just dreading the process and time it will take.

At least I could ride till the new rim comes in.

I don't see any cracks.

Just take the new rim and put it together.
Not terribly hard when the rim is true. You’ll have heaps of fun.

[wirespokes]

It won't hurt anything riding it as it is.

Will the shop lace in the new rim for you?

[triman023]

Gents!  Thanks for the advice!
Ive decided to use the black marking pen on it. My dealer can't lace the wheel, it would have to be shipped
out. I looked closely at it and there is no cracking. I am going to ride it and keep an eye on it. If it
cracks the dealer will get me a new rim. Life is short and I am old. I need to ride not
wait for parts.
The more I look at it the smaller it gets.

 

[Huzo]

Life is short and I am old.
The more I look at it the smaller it gets.

 

A hundred lines and I can’t use one of them...!

[Lannis]

My dealer can't lace the wheel, it would have to be shipped
out.

Unfortunately true, and a sad commentary on the state of dealer ability versus bike complexity these days ... !

Lannis

[Cam3512]

Tell them to order you a new rim and wait until winter to have it done.  Ride now.

[rocker59]

I'm surprised to hear that Guzzi will set a rim as a component on those tubeless Alpina wheels.

I would've expected them to have a complete wheel assembly, and that's it.

[Chuck in Indiana]

There *appears* to be a stress riser to me. I'd use whatever I had available.. rat tail file, dremel and burr, and a polishing bob to get rid of it. It will only take a few minutes, and you'd make me feel much better. 

[bigbikerrick]

I personally would do a "micro repair" on it. Use a hole puncher to punch a hole in a piece of masking tape, put it where the hole sits over the chip, and carefully sand it smooth, avoiding any scratches to surrounding paint.you can use a tiny dab of jb weld if any fill is needed, then sand smooth with 400 then 600 sandpaper until you cant feel it with your finger. a little dab of touch up paint applied carefully with a brush will leave it where only you will know it was there. ( look for the closest color where little bottles of automotive touch up paint are sold) If you dont want to do it yourself, there are places that repair/refinish alloy car wheels, that can do that little cosmetic repair, no big deal.
Rick.

[lucian]

I would  have your insurer ask them if they would be  assuming responsibility should it fail at speed. You will likely get a whole new wheel ready to go.

[bigbikerrick]

I would  have your insurer ask them if they would be  assuming responsibility should it fail at speed. You will likely get a whole new wheel ready to go.

I really dont see where a tiny nick like that would affect the safety, or structural integrity of the wheel. To me, its only a cosmetic thing. I can see where the OP would be upset at a shop doing that to a wheel that is otherwise perfect. I had the same thing happen when I took the wheels of my  Rosso Mandello in to have new tires mounted. They nicked the rims in a couple of places. Thats when I decided to invest in tire changing equipment so I can do my own mounting and balancing.
Rick.

[Chuck in Indiana]

It *is* aluminum. The FAA doesn't let a deep scratch, much less that crow digger go without at least smoothing out/polishing the stress riser.

[triman023]

Good advice!  Went for a ride today and got up to 80mph, wheel didn't explode. Will check for any cracks later.
I am going to mask the area off and use a Dremel to smooth out the high part and the edges of the crater. Then use some sort of
aluminum epoxy filler on the crater, then touch up with paint. The bike has been sitting and the rim is holding air exactly as it was
before the "incident".

[triman023]

The insurance agent says replace it.