Wheels

[TimothyJ]

Yes you would hope that they would know... But in the end manufacturers do so many different installs that there is no standard. Add to that the age of the bike and the kid working on it might be younger than it.
Mine is a 2008 and I typically don't ride it hard and haven't had any problems.
Not sure how you want to use your bike... But another option to consider if the HD is more than you actually use is to tone it down with programming.

 

[TimothyJ]

Thanks for the help. Will update when a new wheel is installed and working. As I have said, right now the wheel is tight and will continue to use it until action is needed. Weight could be a factor too. The bike and me are close to 270 pounds. That’s a lot to drag around and the main reason I went with the HD motor.

 

[Sierratim]

I was thinking something similar after my last comment.
I wonder if the issue is an incorrect and or missing spacer?

Am I wrong in thinking that the increased torque really shouldn't affect the locking hardware and the wear point or issue that can arise can be the bearings?
Or am I missing something in my thought process?

Having built and serviced a number of ebike conversions I don't beieve the increased motor torque is an issue. I see it as not enough lock nut torque.

 

[Sierratim]

Thanks for the help. Will update when a new wheel is installed and working. As I have said, right now the wheel is tight and will continue to use it until action is needed. Weight could be a factor too. The bike and me are close to 270 pounds. That’s a lot to drag around and the main reason I went with the HD motor.

My personal DYI ebike conversion plus rider weight was close to yours.

 

[Nova Haibike]

6 speed cassettes do not exist anymore. They were only around briefly in the 80's. If you end up buying a new wheel and converting to a freehub/cassette system, you would have to convert to a minimum of 7 speeds. Most less-expesive aftermarket wheels are sold with a 8 to 10 speed compatible freehub body, so a 4.5mm spacer is used if mounting a 7 speed cassette. Given a choice, you may as well go with 8 speed, especially since there are more gearing options available in 8 vs. 7.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Having built and serviced a number of ebike conversions I don't beieve the increased motor torque is an issue. I see it as not enough lock nut torque.

That's what I was thinking.
I would replace the hardware as it's the cheapest and easiest solution and most likely the problem if it is being properly installed.
Any reason not to use some blue thread lock?

 

[Sierratim]

That's what I was thinking.
I would replace the hardware as it's the cheapest and easiest solution and most likely the problem if it is being properly installed.
Any reason not to use some blue thread lock?

I've never needed it, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.