So I'm getting pretty close to my first big step with the CB650, I'm doing the Cafe Racer type thing just like a lot of people, but it just looks sooo good. Happy to hear any opinions or assistance on my plans, I just want as much info as I can for the best decision making!
I've been talking with Moto Cognito, Buchanan's and Excel and been trying to decide what wheels to get for the bike. I like the look of sportbike wheels, fat and awesome looking, but I don't think I want them on this build, I like the look of laced 18's in satin black, but still having the width that gives it kinda half classic and half sportbike look. Classic but tough I suppose.
I'm pretty satisfied with an 18 x 3.5 on the front I think, 120/70 18 tire, maybe Pirelli Angel GT, but the rear is a tough one. Of the bikes I've see and really liked, they tend to have a 18 x 4.5 or 18 x 5 on the back, usually from a random bike, but ordering new it's mostly 4.25 is the largest unless you shoot up to a 5.5, which is cool looking, but I think too much meat for what I'm trying to do. So it looks like the basic choice I came up with is the front I've suggested and probably a 18 x 4.25 with a 160/60 18.
I spoke to Excel in California and they're just a distributor really, but they have a bunch of 18 x 5 rims that are chromed Harley 40 spokes that have been sitting in their warehouse for a while, which I might be able to make work.... I'd have to dechrome and spacing them out the back might be tight, so I may even consider just picking up a rim for a later date and once I get the bike together it could be like a later project.
Anyone got any ideas or thoughts? Also, I'll be taking pics of the process and maybe even videos, so should I put this build somewhere in particular (start a new post?) or just continue on here? I don't really know how the Forum thing really works...
Other plans at this stage include GSX-R fork conversion and rear disc conversion. If things start to look ok I may still consider a monoshock rear end, I'm just a sucker for a monoshock, but not sure yet.... Sacha Lakic's CX500 is nuts and I can't stop thinking about it!