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Bates Star Hub Wheels with Needle Bearings

Bates Star Hub Wheels with Needle Bearings

Select variant:
26-728
with KHW stamping; hub finish: black powder coated; rim finish: black powder coated; 2.15x18 ”; profile: semi-drop center; spokes: steel cad-plated (ZnNi); metal valve in center; replaces OEM HD 40978-36
26-727
hub finish: black powder coated; rim finish: black powder coated; 3x16 ”; profile: drop-center; spokes: steel cad-plated (ZnNi); 18 mm Ø valve hole; replaces OEM HD 40981-40
Price and stock:
Item №
26-728
Price incl. VAT
1,093.98 €
Available
3
Ready for immediate delivery from our Würzburg, Germany warehouse
The price includes 174.67 € German VAT.
piece
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  • Laced wheel by Bates
  • fits E(L)/F(LH) 1936-1966, U(LH) 1937-1948 front and rear, W(L) 1937-1952 rear only
  • steel, with KHW stamping
  • Star hub steel
  • hub finish: black powder coated
  • profile: semi-drop center
  • rim finish: black powder coated
  • 2.15x18 ”
  • spokes: steel cad-plated (ZnNi)
  • matching axle Ø: 17.5 mm
  • metal valve in center
  • replaces Harley-Davidson part number HD 40978-36
  • gross weight: 8.4 kg

These spoked wheels replace missing or worn original parts on classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles, specifically Knucklehead, Flathead, and Panhead models. Each Harley spoked wheel is precisely manufactured to original dimensions and meets the OEM specifications of the respective series.

The wheels are designed for the following models and years:

E(L)/F(LH) 1936–1966, U(LH) 1937–1948 (front and rear), and W(L) 1937–1952 (rear only). Production according to original specifications ensures correct hub width, rim height, offset, and the proper hole pattern. Spoke gauge and tension also meet the technical requirements of the factory setup, guaranteeing stable and precise wheel alignment.

In the original configuration, Harley rims and hubs were black with cadmium-plated spokes. Alternatively, the spoked wheels are also available fully chrome-plated, providing an aesthetically appealing yet technically identical option.

All spoked wheels are compatible with stock Harley brake drums, rim brakes, and axle dimensions of the respective years. They are ideal for authentic restoration or as high-quality replacements for vintage Harley E-, F-, U-, and W-series models. As a small concession to modern times, industrially manufactured needle bearings are used instead of the original roller bearings.

Spare parts:

25-343

25-343

Rim »Classic«; fits 45”/750 cc 1935-1940 (WLA/WLC →1952), Knucklehead 1936, Big Twins 1937-1940; steel; profile: semi-drop center; rim finish: black powder coated; 2.15x18 ”; Number of Spoke Holes: 40; metal valve in center; Inner Ø: 432 mm; position: front and rear; for wide and narow hubs, exc. half-hub brakes; replaces OEM HD 43004-35; gross weight: 2.9 kg
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25-623

25-623

Spoke set by WWS; steel, CAD (zinc nickel galvanized); length L1: 208 mm; diameter D1: 5 mm; diameter D2: 4 mm; head angle α: 104 °; thread: M4.5; for wide wheel hub; for 18" semi-drop center and 19" drop-center rims; 80 pieces; with nipples Ø 7.2 mm; replaces OEM HD 43030-36; Germany; gross weight: 1.15 kg
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26-689

26-689

Wheel hub »Star«; fits W(L) 1937-1952 rear, E(L)/F(LH) 1936-1966, U(LH) 1937-1948; steel, black, powder-coated, with parkerized star cover; matching axle Ø: 17.5 mm; with needle bearings and all internal parts; replaces OEM HD 43540-36; gross weight: 2.2 kg
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Needle Bearings for Star Hub 1940-1966

Needle Bearings for Star Hub 1940-1966

These replacement bearings fit aftermarket type 1940-1966 Star hubs with non-standard needle type wheel bearings.
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Gasket Kits for Star Hub 1936-1966

Gasket Kits for Star Hub 1936-1966

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James Gaskets for Star Hub 1936-1966

James Gaskets for Star Hub 1936-1966

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Replacement Parts for Star Hub with Needle Bearings

Replacement Parts for Star Hub with Needle Bearings

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Grease Nipples 1939→

Grease Nipples 1939→

For Star hubs, Springer rockers, seat posts and many other applications. Sold each.
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Needle Bearings for Star Hub 1940-1966

Needle Bearings for Star Hub 1940-1966

These replacement bearings fit aftermarket type 1940-1966 Star hubs with non-standard needle type wheel bearings.
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See also:

Avon Safety Mileage Mk II Tires

Avon Safety Mileage Mk II Tires

The distinctive block tread pattern of the Avon Safety Mileage MKII gives classic Harley-Davidsons like the Knucklehead, Panhead, or Shovelhead the authentic vintage look that traditionalists appreciate. But behind the period-correct appearance lies modern tire technology: the updated rubber compound ensures noticeably confident and balanced handling....
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Tire Valve Fishing Tool

Tire Valve Fishing Tool

Fumbling the tube valve through its hole in the wheel rim can be a real pain. This smart tool makes the job a lot easier with its 21 cm cable and "fishing hook". Just route the cable through the rim hole and attach its threaded tip to the valve core. Now you can pull the core through the rim without pinching your fingers or damaging the threads. With valve remover inside the handle.
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Coker Diamond Tread Tires

Coker Diamond Tread Tires

The Firestone Diamond Tread tire was standard equipment on Milwaukee’s products and on most US competitors up to 1940. Its typical appearance is strongly related to the bikes of this era and installation is a must for all serious restaurations.
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Hammer Sycle Wheel Covers

Hammer Sycle Wheel Covers

Pictures of the good old days, i.e. the Forties and the Fifties, often show bikes which sport so-called wheel covers. These were very popular accessories in their days, because they gave the wheels a completely different appearance. So if you really want to show off and stand out with your classic bike, here’s your hot ticket. These wheel covers are exact reproductions of the period parts, hand-made from industrial finish stainless steel which allows you to polish, chrome or paint them. They fit 16” wheels with star hubs →1966 or 1967-1972 hubs and come with the correct small parts. Slight modification of axle spacers may be necessary.
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Our service team will be glad to help out: Mondays - Thursdays 08:00-17:00 CET, Fridays 08:00-16:00 CET, Phone: +49 / 931 250 61 16, eMail: service@wwag.com