Harley Davidson (1970 to 1978) Sportster XL/XLH/XLCH/XLT-1000. Service manual — page 3

5. After wheels have been checked and corrected as described in paragraph 4. start at valve hole and tighten nipples one turn at a time all the way around rim until spokes are normally tight. If possible compare with a new wheel. While tightening nipples, repeatedly check rim with gauge or dial indicator according to instructions under paragraph 4.

6. After all nipples have been pulled up, until spokes are normally tight and wheel is true, seat each spoke head into hub flange with a sharp blow, using a flat nose punch and hammer. Then retighten all nipples and finish truing wheel. This method allows spokes to be drawn tighter at the start and prevents possibility of spokes loosening after wheel is put into service as the result of spoke heads heating into the flange.

Do not tighten spokes too tight or nipples may draw through rim. or hub flanges may be distorted. If spokes are left too loose, they will continue to loosen when wheel is put in service.

7. File or grind off ends of any spokes protruding through nipples to prevent puncturing tube when tire is mounted.

REMOVING TIRE AND TUBE FROM RIM

Remove valve cap and valve core to free all air from tube. Remove valve stem nut. Loosen both beads from rim flanges by stepping on sides of tire or by using a tire tool. Stand or kneel on tire opposite valve to push bead into rim-well. Using tire tools, (not sharp instruments), start upper bead over edge of rim at valve Don't use force when starting bead over edge of rim with tire iron, because bead wires may be broken or stretched and the tire ruined Carefully remove inner tube before attempting to remove second bead. Push lower bead into rim-well on one side and insert tire iron on opposite side and pry bead over flange. After a portion of second bead is started over rim edge, tire can be further removed from rim without aid of tire iron.

It is not always necessary to completely remove casing from rim. Removing one side only allows inner tube to be removed and installed and also allows inside of casing to be inspected

MOUNTING TIRE AND TUBE ON RIM

Carefully remove all dust and dirt, particularly hard particles from tire which might chafe an inflated tube Wipe tube and inside of tire thoroughly with clean, dry cloth. If rim is dirty or rusty, clean it with a stiff wire brush. Be sure to examine a used tire carefully for fabric injuries which if neglected will damage tube.