Topic: that can't be good

[wadewilson]

Hello, all.

Recently acquired a 1979 honda cb650. Noticed the arm that runs from the rear brake drum to the frame is rubbing against my friggin tire. I would like to not ruin said tire, so I'm seeing if anyone else has come across this.

The rear tire appears to be in a proper position, the arm doesn't look bent at all. Spacers are there. So, the thought had crossed my mind to simply add a few washers to the Arm itself, just enough to clear the tire. A cheap solution, but if that tire is off I would like to fix that situation.

Thanks

[Don R]

What size tire? If you move the wheel to one side remember the chain line-up.

[wadewilson]

4.50H-17, the stock one I believe. Not near the bike so I can't be for sure. I did inspect the chain alignment and that looks spot on too.

[lucky]

Adding washers to the brake reaction arm is the best solution.

[Don R]

Maybe check the wheel to be sure it's straight in the swingarm? The line-up marks can be off on some bikes.

[DJ_AX]

That'd work.
Mine runs close to the wide tire... a washer and little bend was all it took to make the clearance more comfortable. Was 1/4"... now 9/16"ish.

[wadewilson]

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions. I think I'll examine the tire a little further for alignment issues. If everything looks okay Ill probably just end up throwin some washers on that arm.

[MCRider]

According to this, the stock tire was a 3.75-18. Can't believe everything you read, but you may have an oversize tire, in which case shimming out the brake stay is a remedy. And why does this say 18" and you have 17"?

For grins it would be nice to know did a PO put a whole different wheel on it? Or laced up a wider, smaller rim? Inspect it real close for alignment spacer issues. I see in the picture it has ComStars, so actually changing out the rim would be difficult.

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_cb_650_1979.php

[wadewilson]

@mcrider

I was just referencing this fiche

http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/model_years/6-honda-1979-cb650/assemblies/184-rear-wheel

I would physically go look at the tire right now but I can't. Its definitely very possible thats its not the stock size.

[MCRider]

@mcrider

I was just referencing this fiche

http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/model_years/6-honda-1979-cb650/assemblies/184-rear-wheel

I would physically go look at the tire right now but I can't. Its definitely very possible thats its not the stock size.

I would go with the fish before that spec sheet i drug up.  Nevertheless, there should be no reason that a stock tire wouldn't clear the brake stay by a nice margin, from the factory.

So if you don't know for sure you may have an oversize tire. Since few newer tires are in inches, a 4.5 would be roughly a 120 (slightly smaller). If you have a 130, 140, or 150, you have your answer.

[madmtnmotors]

Check the brake stay arm. Working on my current project bike (78' CB750K) yesterday it bacame apparent that the brake stay arm is flat on one side. If it were turned over this would inset the stay arm in towards the tire. Check to see if your stay arm is "flat side out". If so, flip it over (not end for end, just remove the end mounts and flip in place so flat side is in).