Topic: CB750K8 rear hub change to CB550 or CB350

[MrJey]

Happy Sunday everyone,
As more time as I spend with my CB750K8 as more I start not liking the massive rear drum anymore.
Since I want to upgrade to aluminum rims (17" rear and front) I thought it might be a good moment to take care of this as well.

I was hoping that someone can help me out with some open questions:
Does anyone know the diameter of the CB550 and CB350 rear drum?
Looking at some disassembled rear hubs, it looks like the CB350 doesn't have a thru axle, so I'm not sure if the 350 hub can be easily used!? Did someone ever downgrade to a 350 hub?
I also noticed that the CB550 hub should fit fairly easily with some spacers? Do I need to look out for something else? Is the rear axle the same?
I don't want to upgrade to disc brakes but are there other small rear hubs I might be able to use with some spacers?
Anything else I should upgrade since I'm already taking the wheel apart?

Thanks,
Tom

[Alan F.]

I wouldn't recommend downgrading rear brake performance, but I would suppose that with the right brake shoes at the correct radius... that a smaller drum could provide similar braking power.

I have no knowlege of brake parts comparison though, sorry.

[Bankerdanny]

If you can find a rear wheel from an early CB750A Hondamatic you will get a bolt on 17" aluminum rear wheel. You will have the same size hub and drum obviously, but no wheel lacing is required. Basically Honda just laced a CB750 hub to a GL1000 rim. If you don't mind staying with a 19" front, the front wheel from a 75-77 GL1000 or the same early CB750A will bolt right up, although in the case of the GL wheel you will need to swap over the rotor and speedo drive from your current wheel.