RD400 Spoked Rear Hub

[Diablo007]

Out of curiosity, are the spokes for the RD350 and RD400 rear hubs the same?  I have an Excel rim laced to an RD400 rear hub that I'm considering moving to an RD350 project.

[rodneya]

Nope, the diameter between the 350 spoke holes on the hub is about 9 inches and the 400 hub is about 6 inches

Do you know the length of the spokes on your 400 wheel?
I have to lace a 400 hub to my current 350 rim and need new spokes, but I have not had time to research yet.

[Diablo007]

@rodneya: The wheel is in my storage locker.  I'll try to measure when I make my next trip there.  Probably next weekend at the earliest.  Hopefully someone will respond to this thread for you before then.

[Diablo007]

@rodneya: It may be easier to just call Buchanan's Spoke and Rim and ask them.  I'm guessing you need spokes and they were awesome when I called regarding the spokes I needed for my 2009 Royal Enfield.  The dealer I had called didn't realize that my model needed different spokes than what I thought.  Kenny Buchanan spoke with me and I had the correct spokes to me within about 4 days...in stainless...with nipples; for less than what the dealer had quoted me for spokes only.

[rodneya]

@rodneya: It may be easier to just call Buchanan's Spoke and Rim and ask them.  I'm guessing you need spokes and they were awesome when I called regarding the spokes I needed for my 2009 Royal Enfield.  The dealer I had called didn't realize that my model needed different spokes than what I thought.  Kenny Buchanan spoke with me and I had the correct spokes to me within about 4 days...in stainless...with nipples; for less than what the dealer had quoted me for spokes only.

Thanks, HVC sells them as well, but I wanted to try get them local as shipping from US to Canada is a bit painful at the moment.

[retaRD]

I HIGHLY recommend Buchanan's as well. 
Reason being most "premade" spoke kits are often cheap quality, smaller gauge, and are cut too long so there is often a LOT of trimming to be done after the wheel it trued.  They use weaker materials that stretch quite a bit, the spokes will loosen more then they should after the wheel de-stresses, and loose spokes are what wear and break.

In some cases though, premade kits are ordered in bulk by the sellers through Buchanan's (like Durelle racing), in which case they'll work well, maintain tension and look great, but very often kits sold through other companies are Chinese spokes and nipples thrown into a bag.  Cheaper spokes also have just a cad plating, or a poor chrome plating, and will not stay looking as nice.  You have to verify with the seller. 
True Buchanan spokes have a "B" stamped into the spoke head.
OEM spokes are a different story, they work well for stock setups, but like anything "stock", it can usually be improved. 
I have built wheels for well over 25 years, and have used all kinds of different kits and combinations of parts.  Nothing builds a stronger and more true wheel that stays true than a quality spoke and rim combination. 
Keep in mind, and it should be obvious, wheels are not something to cheap out on for most importantly... safety. 

Besides, Buchanan's is a family operation and they're a breeze to deal with. 

/rant

[Diablo007]

@rodneya

Found NOS Buchanan's stainless spokes for the RD400 with nipples and the nipple grease in the shop today.  If you still need spokes my friend will sell them for $65 plus shipping.   *****EDIT: Nipple grease is dry, I'm guessing any anti-seize will work though*****

I'll take pics and post them tomorrow.

[rodneya]

@rodneya

Found NOS Buchanan's stainless spokes for the RD400 with nipples and the nipple grease in the shop today.  If you still need spokes my friend will sell them for $65 plus shipping.   *****EDIT: Nipple grease is dry, I'm guessing any anti-seize will work though*****

I'll take pics and post them tomorrow.

Story of my life.
Shortly after ordering something a deal comes up. I literally ordered a set on Thursday last week.