Topic: '77-78 wheel bearings fit earlier 500/550's?

[Scott S]

 Last year, I picked up a set of Henry Abe wheels. The ad said they came off of either a '77 or '78 CB550 (can't remember exactly).

 I'd like to run them on my '71 CB500. I know there were some rear wheel or rear brake differences on the '77-78 CB550's that prevents them from bolting up to the earlier bikes. Are the bearings different? Will these wheels bolt up to my early CB500 or will I have to change bearings?






 BTW, I have a 550 engine in the CB500, so the rear sprocket isn't a problem. I also have the CB500 brake backing plate, if that makes a difference?
 What about the front wheel, too?

[Scott S]

 Anyone?

[dave500]

id guess and say they are the same as the stock parts,if they need replacing remove them and look at the number on them,,you might be able to see the number by removing the speedo drive or the other retainer and seal?

[bryanj]

wheel bearings are the same on all the 500/550 and as for the back wheel its only the spacers that vary so with a bit of care it should all go in

[Steve_K]

I used the same bearings in my Henry Abe wheels as the stock bearings.  In my case the wheels went on a 73 750.  Do get bearings with seals on both sides.  There are recommended brands and use them.(cant recall brands)
BTW, I had two 550s and when I put new bearings in the first, you could feel the change in the effort to push them around.  A good thing to do!!
Steve

[754]

Front wheel is probably the same for 500_ 1000ccWing..your rear is 500 or 550, not from a bigger model.

[Greggo]

Ooh, you lucky dog Scotty!  Those are sweet!  Like BryanJ said, you'll just need the right spacers.  That brake hub is the smooth type (not the ribbed type of later 550's/750's) so you just need the stock spacers from your 500.  If it had the ribbed hub, you'd need the later spacers.  I had a spoked 18" rear from a '77 550 on my '71 500/4 until I put the lesters on.

On second thought, I think the spacers on the back wheel should work on your earlier bike, as is.  Have you tried slipping it on to check for fit?