Shimpo Rk2

[Biglou13]

Any reason I shouldn't buy one, used

What are the first parts to go on these

I was once told these are easily serviceable.

Are parts available?

[Marcia Selsor]

They are really a good wheel.

Marcia.

[Mark C.]

Pros

They are built like tanks-

Work on a rubber cone drive system-

They last forever-I have been around them my whole life (do not own or want one)

I used one in college and after along with brents

They are small

Look/feel for flat spots on cone on ones that have sat for years

They can be had for cheap in the used market .

Check on cone replace availability and the rubber drive wheel that rides on the cone.

Cons-

My biggest complaint is they are a bit clunky with that system-you push the pedal that levers the cone.The foot pedal is part of the wheel.Its a pressure foot deal-a mechanical feeling-I never took to it.

The modern foot pedals are much more responsive and are not tied to the wheel and work so much easier

I never liked that splash pan

BIG LOU may be to big for this small wheel?

Parts may be trouble??

Mark

[timbo_heff]

Some of those are ring cone, some are belt drive;

There are 2 sizes of the ring:

The only bummer is that new ring either size is $100 !

Flip it over and look up: if you see the ring then budget that extra $100 and maybe try to get a little better price.

 

If the ring is hard and cracked, replace it: it is easy: 4 screws.

With the new ring they will run smooth like the day they were born, as long as the bearings are ok.

Changing old bearings can be a very difficult task even if you have a bearing set puller like auto mechanics have.

So try to wiggle the wheel head shaft side to side. Hoping there is no play there.  Then use your ears to hear if they are crusty and worn.

 

Bearings are cheap at any auto parts store but mucho, mucho mucho labor if they are rusted in.

[Guest JBaymore]

I hate the really old ring cone drive ones....where the footpedal moves the heavy hardware.  When you shift from slow speed to "neutral" there is this noticeable "clunk" that vibrates the whiole wheel.  If you throw thin and precatious forms... it can cause real issues.

 

Nice point on them is the free-wheeling wheel head when it is in neutral.

 

Timbo hit the significant issues.

 

I recently left one at the local recycling center....... it needed new motor and ring.  Not worth it.  Maybe someone picked it up.  Maybe it went to the scrap metal bin.

 

My workhorse CXC just keeps playing Energizer Bunny.

 

best,

 

.........................john

[Brian Reed]

I wanted to give one a try and found one for $250 that the motor ran super smooth and quite, which are all good signs.  I replaced the rubber ring ($80 at SPS) and adjusted it well.  It works great, but the wheel is low and small for my big frame and with the pedal having to be fixed to the wheel side it was cumbersome to use.  It is just sitting in the corner as a table for my bats at the moment.  Not sure what to do with a perfectly running RK2 that I will never use.  I know some love them.

[Colby Charpentier]

I wanted to give one a try and found one for $250 that the motor ran super smooth and quite, which are all good signs.  I replaced the rubber ring ($80 at SPS) and adjusted it well.  It works great, but the wheel is low and small for my big frame and with the pedal having to be fixed to the wheel side it was cumbersome to use.  It is just sitting in the corner as a table for my bats at the moment.  Not sure what to do with a perfectly running RK2 that I will never use.  I know some love them.

 

I have mine up on a platform, and throw standing up. The RK-2 is especially good for trimming and slow speed stuff. The cone drive has great torque and speed control. I ended up with an RK-2 because of price and availability, but grew to like it. As far as parts go, I haven't had to look, but it sounds as if they're available, maaaybe. They are easily serviced though, as they're incredibly simple. If you have the funds for a brand new whisper, I would certainly advise going that route, but the RK-2s can be made to run forever with proper care.

[Biglou13]

The whisper is a dream. I lust for it. I tried it a pottery supply, it's a dream. I'll own one one day.

 

I still want and old one. Partly because some here put the seed in my head to do a custom paint job on housing eg .... Flames.

Also it kind of like a 57 Chevy..... It's a classic........

 

Btw the one I was spying got was already sold:(. I'll keep my eyes open.

 

Brian I'd offer to take it off your hands but your much to far away to make it feasible.

[Benzine]

 

I still want and old one. Partly because some here put the seed in my head to do a custom paint job on housing eg .... Flames.

Also it kind of like a 57 Chevy..... It's a classic........

 

 

I believe it was Atomic Axe. 

[Guest JBaymore]

I wouldn't trade even a Brent C for a Whisper.  Awful torque.

 

Silent.... great for classrooms...... but very low torque.

 

best,

 

.................john

[phill]

My wheel is an RK2. I really love it! I'm also 6'2" and I think I fit just fine on it. Yes, the thing is a tank! Heavy, durable, and has great torque. The cone drive system is strange but it works really well, and it is so simple. 

 

Mine was given to me and the rubber drive ring was pretty bumpy and hard, so I called Shimpo USA and had a hard-to-understand conversation with a guy but got the right part anyway. It was only $40 too, but that was back in 2010 or so. I can't remember for sure, but Continental Clay may have some drive rings too.

 

Best of luck!