Topic: Specifics for swapping 78 GL1000 front end onto CB750 bobber?

[Obsidus]

I searched and all previous threads have seemingly BARELY answered my somewhat specific questions here so bear with me, please.

So here is what I have; A '78 GL1000 front end that has so far bolted straight onto this rigid frame. Except for an incredibly small clearance issue involving the threaded collar just below the triple tree, the AllBallz bearing kit I threw on has sufficed. So now, as you can vaguely see in the attachment, I am using a 19" harley wheel with mini drum brake that I would love to keep. The axle being used is for mock-up purposes only; you can see I couldn't get the clamp all the way on because it is the wrong one for that front end.



Two questions here.

1. What would I need to do to make this harley wheel work with the front end assuming the right axle I have coming in will even fit the bearings I put in it?


2. What other spoked wheel can I run with this front end that, with minimal effort in the swap, would allow me to run a front brake setup?

[Terry in Australia]

G'Day Mate, well that's a bit of a loaded question, I picked up on the thread title because I'm in the process of installing a 1977 GL1000 front end on to my CB750K1 and know that all will fit, but the Harley wheel is the Elephant in the room.

The GL1000 runs a 15 mm axle, what size is the Harley axle? A lot of Harley parts are sourced from Japan, so it might be metric, but if not, it might be as easy as using the GL1000 axle with the Harley wheel by changing the wheel bearings in the Harley hub to 15mm ID bearings and making some custom spacers to suit, anchoring the brake plate to one of the (now redundant) caliper mounts on the GL1000 forks etc.

Let us all know how you go. Cheers, Terry.

[jamesb]

We are doing the same thing with what you have going on. But we are using the factory wheel 19" wheel. My chopper front wheel I had to have a machine shop build me a axle for my custom job. It cost me around $50 but it was done right and was a very easy fix. The other problem my son ran into with his bobber was exhaust clearance make sure you have enough ground clearance for your exhaust. The picture looks like you should.

[Obsidus]

G'Day Mate, well that's a bit of a loaded question, I picked up on the thread title because I'm in the process of installing a 1977 GL1000 front end on to my CB750K1 and know that all will fit, but the Harley wheel is the Elephant in the room.

The GL1000 runs a 15 mm axle, what size is the Harley axle? A lot of Harley parts are sourced from Japan, so it might be metric, but if not, it might be as easy as using the GL1000 axle with the Harley wheel by changing the wheel bearings in the Harley hub to 15mm ID bearings and making some custom spacers to suit, anchoring the brake plate to one of the (now redundant) caliper mounts on the GL1000 forks etc.

Let us all know how you go. Cheers, Terry.

Howdy! I'll have to put a caliper on it, but I'm certain I did switch out the bearings for some ID ones as that axle is a of metric origin (I believe it comes from the same year CB750, actually). Here's to hoping! Now, anchoring the brake plate; I'm unfamiliar with that. What is that process like?

[Obsidus]

We are doing the same thing with what you have going on. But we are using the factory wheel 19" wheel. My chopper front wheel I had to have a machine shop build me a axle for my custom job. It cost me around $50 but it was done right and was a very easy fix. The other problem my son ran into with his bobber was exhaust clearance make sure you have enough ground clearance for your exhaust. The picture looks like you should.

The factory comstar wheel? Have you found that any of the previous years with the spoked wheels may fit? That's not a bad price to keep the wheel you want. I would totally do that for this harley wheel 

I was worried about clearance too as this is a pretty slammed project compared to the others I have done. However I did measure and it seems I have 4 1/2 inches of clearance so I'm certain my TT Mac drags will work (hope hope hope)

[jamesb]

Anchoring the brake plate is easy find you a bike that has a front drum and copy it. I've used the old caliper mounting holes. And as fa as the plate goes you can use a flat piece of metal I used a old exhaust bracket that was chrome drilled a hole at one end and mounted it to the old caliper hole. It's so your drum won't spin and possibly cause you to tumble when you apply the front brakes.

[Obsidus]

Anchoring the brake plate is easy find you a bike that has a front drum and copy it. I've used the old caliper mounting holes. And as fa as the plate goes you can use a flat piece of metal I used a old exhaust bracket that was chrome drilled a hole at one end and mounted it to the old caliper hole. It's so your drum won't spin and possibly cause you to tumble when you apply the front brakes.

ooohh! This is my first experience a front rum so thank you for clearing that up. 

[Powderman]

Axles really are easy to have made and one of the easiest solution to mismatched wheels and forks.

[Obsidus]

Axles really are easy to have made and one of the easiest solution to mismatched wheels and forks.

And any machine shop can do this? I'm just getting into the actual customization part of building as opposed to throwing parts together. haha

[jamesb]

Yep any machine shop can make you one. I took a old axle in and they rethreaded and turned it down for me. It cost me $45 to have it done. Find you a good machine shop and stick with them. On e you get in good with a shop they'll treat you right and give you some deals.  There is no limit on custom work. I really enjoy it. The only problem is just when you think your done you add or replace something I've been building my chopper for 4yrs now   One of these days I'll be happy with what I got.