Topic: Help me put together a killer front end...CB350 Content

[SClay115]

I'm debating between using a GSX-R front end on a CB350 cafe I am building, but am having a hard time figuring out how to use spoked wheels with such a set-up. So I'm maybe thinking I'll lower my ideals and move down to another front end. I'd like dual disc, spokes, I see a lot of people using Gl1000 Front ends, is this the best bet? It looks like some pretty trick stuff, what do you all think? I'm not modifying the motor a whole lot, but I'd like a good bit of stopping power. I'm a pretty small guy, 150lbs or so, so weight isn't really an issue. Let's put it this way. If you could build up any front end for this thing, keep in mind I'll be riding the wheels off of it, what front end would you use?

Steve

[bill440cars]

                 Greg, over at ohiocaferacers.com did just what you are comtemplating. He has built a 350 with that front end. Pose your questions and concerns to him. Check his site out and you'll see what he's done. Pretty slick bikes. Now, he didn't use spoke wheels but, he might have some input for you.

                                                                 Later on, Bill

[CBGBs]

I'll bet your looking for something cheap and plentiful that isn't too difficult. Me too, good luck. This will be quite a task unless you have the resources. The CB550forks can  most easily be made dual disk but you will be adding considerable weight. You may be able to use some EBC (nice) rotors but they are expensive. You may want to look into CB450 or 500 clamps. That small bike (I have one) only needs one good performing disk to provide performance stopping power. Mine has a glazed rotor and has never given great stopping. I have a used drilled disk that I am going to try. You may drill you existing rotor if you have one or cycle Xchange may be able to do it for you.

[SClay115]

                 Greg, over at ohiocaferacers.com did just what you are comtemplating. He has built a 350 with that front end. Pose your questions and concerns to him. Check his site out and you'll see what he's done. Pretty slick bikes. Now, he didn't use spoke wheels but, he might have some input for you.

                                                                 Later on, Bill

Yeah I actually got most of my inspiration from him over there. He's got a good setup going on. I'll probably just end up using the Cast wheels, as it looks like spokes would be too hard to do, and I can always make it work later on, after I get the bike running/riding. As I'll probably need to make up some custom axles or what not.

Steve

[bill440cars]

        Steve, I kinda wondered how it was that you were talking that particular front end. You're right, you could get the forks on there, work on getting something going as far as wheel go and swap them out later on. That would get you riding sooner and, in time, get the bike to where you want it. Keep us posted Steve.

                                                             Later on, Bill

[SClay115]

Ok, so a little update, I'm in the process of tracking down a good frame, mine was shot upon inspection. And I've decided not to go with the gnarly GSX-R front end for two reasons, price(major one), and it's just not period correct, and that gives me the willies. So what would someone suggest? Say maybe a CB550 dual front end? I think that's doable right? Didn't the 550 have provisions for another caliper?

Steve

[DarkRider]

Could go with a GL1000 front end which would need to have its stem swapped with the CB350s but its dual disk with spoked wheels with an aluminum rim.

[SClay115]

Could go with a GL1000 front end which would need to have its stem swapped with the CB350s but its dual disk with spoked wheels with an aluminum rim.

I was definately considering it, my only concern was with the weight, can't be a lightweight piece that front end can it?

Steve