Motorcycle Repair: tightening spokes, honda crf 250x, wheel bearings

Question
i went riding this weekend on my 05 honda crf 250x. when i got done i noticed my spokes were loose i could wiggle the back tire pretty good like i needed new wheel bearings but i noticed it was the spokes that were loose. the matinence manual says to tighten , but don't i have to tighten one a half turn & the next one a 1/4 turn or something like that? i just don't take a wrench & start tightning or do i.

Answer
Brian,

You are correct there is a pattern to it, and once done - all you need to do after that is check before each ride or two, i'll get to that...

Here is how you should tighten your spokes.  Start at a point that's easy to remember, like next to the valve stem.  Using the supplied spoke wrench that came with your bike, tighten the first spoke 1/4 turn only, then skip two spokes, and tighten the third 1/4 turn.  Do this all the way around the wheel, it will take a few times around the wheel to then reach every spoke but this will give you the even spread that is needed.  Usually you will only need to go around once - if you notice one spoke in particular that is very loose, snug it up to get it even with the other spokes - only do the full rotation of tightening if the ALL still feel loose.

After that, the method I use before each ride is to squeeze two or three spokes together in my hand all the way around the wheel - if a spoke is loose snug it up.  There's also an method where if u tap your wrench on the spoke - it should have a nice sound to it, if its a dull thud, the spoke is too loose.

Be carefule, the nipples are  aluminum.  Some recommend a torque wrench for this but it's not necessary if you are sure not to overtighten - remember you are just looking for that snug feel.

Anthony
'Ride Today - Live Again'