Rear Wheel Bushings, 1100 Shadow

[G-Man]

Looking to powdercoat the wheels on an 1100 Spirit.  Rear wheel has 6 bushings that the final drive slips into.  Powdercoater says the bushings have to come out or they will melt.  Looked on a few parts sites and those bushings aren't sold separately.  One place told me they only come with the wheel. 

Any tips on removing these bushings without doing damage so I don't have to buy a new wheel?

[gordonv]

They where available on my ACE Tourer, and I would expect them the same for you.

You didn't say what year.

My 98',
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1998-honda-shadow-american-classic-edition-tourer-1100-vt1100t/o/m151432#sch2854

I looked for the 00' Spirit, and they don't show them as removable. If you can remove them, you should be able to replace them.

[G-Man]

Sorry, 2007 1100 Spirit.

Took a look at the parts fish in your link.  That wheel assembly is quite different that my wheel. 

The problem is removing them.  Took it to some local Non-Honda shops and they all said they would be destroyed upon removal.  The Cush bushings are made of rubber sandwiched between to metal tubes about an inch long.  They said if they pulled them, the rubber will separate from the metal.

[gordonv]

Ya, I see in the later years they are none replaceable. A very bad design. What are you going to do, buy a new rim because your rubber bushings are worn?

I wonder if older rims might fit your bike from other Shadows. There are a lot out there, and they look good. On the HSATF, one guy went with the Sabre, almost like the Valk style wise.

[G-Man]

I think the only thing I can do is get a used wheel off of ebay to sacrifice for the bushings.  I saw a few ranging from $50 to $150.  I'm hoping with a nice sharp metal chisel I'll be able to remove enough aluminum to get the bushings out cleanly.  Maybe even applying a little heat to the aluminum may free them, but I don't want to try that on the good wheel.

[gordonv]

They say the powder coating oven will ruin the bushings.

But will a 400' oven be hot enough to do that?

[G-Man]

They say the powder coating oven will ruin the bushings.

But will a 400' oven be hot enough to do that?

Powdercoater thinks they will def. melt.  Maybe he has experience with it.