Loose spoke club!

[ktmpegger]

Recently purchased a 2011 450SXF. I've got about 6 rides on it in the Nevada desert. Checked the spokes after the first 3 rides and everything was good so I figured I'll check them every few rides from now on. Went three more rides and holy crap the rear spokes were so loose the wheel was probably ready to come apart...***! I've never had so many spokes come loose all at once!

I don't know what to blame, the rim, spokes, nipples? I have four other bikes and two of them are big bores and one of them a powerhouse legend, KX500AF! I've never had this kind of spoke coming loose problem before.

One thing I noticed was how small in diameter the shouldered spokes that KTM uses are in comparison to my other bikes which seem a lot bigger in diameter. I suspect the problem is spokes as EXCEL normally does a great job on their rims as far as heat treat and quality.

If they come loose again like they just did I guess I'll be replacing wheels and spokes as I travel high speed in the desert and wouldn't want my wheel to explode at 70mph plus!

[bajadog]

I always zip tie each pair of spokes together where they cross for safety.

I have not had you issue unless I bent the rim a bit.

[ktmpegger]

Beat the hell out of it today and the spokes are still tight so far. I'm still not confident yet and suspect they will come loose again. Further testing tomorrow!