Hammering out a dent in the wheel rim?

Shay HTFC · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Karma :

What are everyones' opinions on this?

The rear wheel on my GS500 has a small dent on one side about the same as in the picture, if not a bit smaller (I can't transfer the actual image to the computer right now)
https://www.bikesandscooters.com.au/forum/attachments/technical-troubleshooting-talk/1465d1204338411-bent-rim-rimg0123-sml.jpg

The tyre is still holding air pressure and has been left for a few months without losing any (It has not been ridden however).
Is there anything wrong with covering the area with a rag and hammering it out using some wood and a hammer?

I am not too fussed about ride quality etc, but if it is seriously dangerous, then obviously that is different.

If its ok, then would I be ok just hammering it whilst the tyre is still on? (I am taking the wheel itself off to change the sprocket, so that aspect is not a problem)

I just want to get through the MOT - I can't believed I failed to spot this before!
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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

meh my CBR got through the MOT with a similar sized ding, I didn't hammer it directly though , I put a piece of wood in between and hit the wood from behind it is now smaller than before, I was so confident of my repair I went to Spain put 4000 miles on it and it was still fine.
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Shay HTFC · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Karma :

Thats just what I want to hear.

However, I read that a dent in the rim was an automatic failure?
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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

the MOT manual says 4mm ding for steel wheels or 2mm for cast alu wheels , my MOT tester thought it was ok though I've reduced mine with said hammer.
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tutton · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jan 2008 Karma :

Id question whether thatd feel nice on a high speedish run?
wont it cause silly vibration or pull?
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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Is it a steel or ally rim?

If its ally, hitting it with a hammer could shatter it. It is also possible that stress has built up in it from the ding. In my opinion that is probably dangerous. Hagon do wheel repairs, and if I recall correctly, they cut out the dented section and weld it back in in the right place again.
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NSR Mick · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Jun 2005 Karma :

I wouldnt start hitting it as theres a good chance you'll weaken it further and break it.
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Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

If it's a steel rim you can belt it Laughing

If it's alloy, get a new one - no argument
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ms51ves3 · Super Spammer Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Karma :

You could heat it up and then hit it.

NiteMare · Spanner Monkey Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Karma :

GS500 rims are cheap enough on ebay if you're worried about it
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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

I've got both front and rear wheels of a GS 500 both with good BT45's on, colletion only mind as postage would probably be 40 odd quid. £60 the pair.
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Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

I know that the replies advising the safe approach are correct.

However, personally I would use the Itchy approach and just smack it with a hammer. And I have a spare bike sitting there, with two good wheels on it.

If it fails and you suddenly lose all pressure, meh, sidewalls are strong and leathers tough, you should live through it.

SoND · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Karma :

Bikeless · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

My Gull-Arm had a ding like that in the front wheel,sent it to Roy Thersby and he machines them out,i think it was £60 but you could probably get a new wheel for that.

4Stroke · Scooby Slapper Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Karma :

I had almost exactly same size dent in one of my rims. Alloy.

Didn't want to chance the MOT so got a new wheel(well second user) and fitted that. My friend however did get it passed previous year with the said wheel when he owned the bike.

It would cause nasty tank slappers on rough rode accelerating though and shake on wheelies. Very un-nerving glad to get it replaced.

I wouldn't hammer any alloy/mag wheel out for fear of stress points, cracks etc. The structure has already changed in the dented area that may weaken it.

Some companys offer an ultrasound check on things like this.
But really, second hand wheel cheap enough surely chap?