Topic: 1975 cb550f

[Fezzler]

A few more spots to remove paint, but I'm calling these good enough.

[Scott S]

 Nice work.
 16" Harley rear wheel!

[Fezzler]

Nice work.
 16" Harley rear wheel!

Thanks!

REAR RIM:

No ID other than inside brake drum area: "MAX DIA 181    EM2   T 12 2"
Tire that came off it was SHINKO E-240 MT 90-16 M/L 74H

FRONT RIM:

Only ID was "185x19" and above it in an oval very faded and hard to see stamp.  Probably "DID" but looked like "9/8" - Too hard to read
Tire on it was Bridgestone EXEDRA L309 100/90-19 M/C 57H

I've been told this isn't folks favorite, but I want to go with something like the Vintage Firestone Champion tire with the white lettering.  Not sure where to get them yet.

[calj737]

…but I want to go with something like the Vintage Firestone Champion tire with the white lettering.  Not sure where to get them yet.

Look in the dumpster at any wrecked bike yard. Bound to be dozens…

[Stev-o]

…but I want to go with something like the Vintage Firestone Champion tire with the white lettering.  Not sure where to get them yet.

Look in the dumpster at any wrecked bike yard. Bound to be dozens…

Ha!   And it would need a good, relaxing cleaning job once out of the bin!

Fez - nice job on the wheels.

[Fezzler]

…but I want to go with something like the Vintage Firestone Champion tire with the white lettering.  Not sure where to get them yet.

Look in the dumpster at any wrecked bike yard. Bound to be dozens…

LOL.  Right on cue...

"I've been told this isn't folks favorite..." 

I stand advised.   

[calj737]

It’s not about “favorites”, Fezz, it’s about function and safety. You likely know this already, but in case you are unaware, the Firestone while looking cool on a Model T, has no place on a 2-wheeled bike that runs in modern roads. The profile sucks, the compound sucks, and they basically stink for grip. Other than that, they’re fine as door stops, tarp weights, or backyard swings for courting young gals…

Cue the mob now… 

[Fezzler]

It’s not about “favorites”, Fezz, it’s about function and safety. You likely know this already, but in case you are unaware, the Firestone while looking cool on a Model T, has no place on a 2-wheeled bike that runs in modern roads. The profile sucks, the compound sucks, and they basically stink for grip. Other than that, they’re fine as door stops, tarp weights, or backyard swings for courting young gals…

Cue the mob now… 

Thanks.  I can appreciate that for sure.

[newday777]

It’s not about “favorites”, Fezz, it’s about function and safety. You likely know this already, but in case you are unaware, the Firestone while looking cool on a Model T, has no place on a 2-wheeled bike that runs in modern roads. The profile sucks, the compound sucks, and they basically stink for grip. Other than that, they’re fine as door stops, tarp weights, or backyard swings for courting young gals…

Cue the mob now… 

Thanks.  I can appreciate that for sure.

White letter tires, as well as whitewall tires on bikes are usually greasy as snot. Especially on the rear tires.
My K5 750 had white letter tires on it when I got it from a friend's estate.  I rode it locally for a year on those tires..... So much better on new modern sneakers.

[Fezzler]

Thanks for the experienced input!  Definitely will take that to heart.

[calj737]

Fezzler - if you want white lettered tires to exemplify the “vintage look” you can simply paint the brand on the sidewalk with white tire paint. This you can use a far better tire, but have that “look”.

Lay the tire flat, scuff the lettering a bit with a green ScothBrite pad, wipe with a prep rag, hand paint it. Might take 2 coats to get good coverage. Won’t last forever, but can generate a neat aesthetic.

[Fezzler]

Fezzler - if you want white lettered tires to exemplify the “vintage look” you can simply paint the brand on the sidewalk with white tire paint. This you can use a far better tire, but have that “look”.

Lay the tire flat, scuff the lettering a bit with a green ScothBrite pad, wipe with a prep rag, hand paint it. Might take 2 coats to get good coverage. Won’t last forever, but can generate a neat aesthetic.

Great idea!

[seanbarney41]

Fezz...try a Avon Safety Mileage II.  The profile still sucks (as it was designed for pre-knee dragger era bikes)but it is great modern sticky rubber made by a motorcycle conscious company and is gonna look awesome on that 16" rear.  But yeah, mostly agree with Cal when it comes to tires...no compromising for looks or budget.  Everyone understands that you need good brakes.  Strongest brakes in the world will do you no good with crappy tires! right?

[Fezzler]

Fezz...try a Avon Safety Mileage II.  The profile still sucks (as it was designed for pre-knee dragger era bikes)but it is great modern sticky rubber made by a motorcycle conscious company and is gonna look awesome on that 16" rear.  But yeah, mostly agree with Cal when it comes to tires...no compromising for looks or budget.  Everyone understands that you need good brakes.  Strongest brakes in the world will do you no good with crappy tires! right?

Got that right!  Safety first!  And first thing between you and the road is the rubber.  I like the tread on those.  I get it.  Thanks!

[Fezzler]

First time doing bearings.  Not as bad as I feared.  Freezing bearings and heating hub, they dropped right in.  Bearing retainer has seen better days, but it'll do.

 

[Fezzler]

Trying to reuse what I have in my stash.  But rebuild and clean as needed.  Tackling this currently.
Wasn't too bad.  That little snap ring was a slight challenge to remove.  Funny, some parts not there.
Washer that goes on top of snap ring and the rubber cap at back of the spring.

A little more cleaning, rebuild, and call it done - - -  and a new skill for me.

[Fezzler]

Fits and Starts.  But eating the elephant.

[Stev-o]

  But eating the elephant.

“There is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.”

[Fezzler]

  But eating the elephant.

“There is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.”

"One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas.       How he got in my pajamas, I don't know."  ~Groucho

[Fezzler]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

[Stev-o]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

Cal will NOT be happy!

[C317414]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

These tires may be OK on a motorcycle with a sidecar, in other words a bike that doesn't lean.  They will make a regular motorcycle handle terribly.

[Fezzler]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

Cal will NOT be happy!

I know.  I was forewarned.  Multiple times. He did his best.  I saw him shaking his head when I placed the order.

[Fezzler]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

These tires may be OK on a motorcycle with a sidecar, in other words a bike that doesn't lean.  They will make a regular motorcycle handle terribly.

Thanks.  I will be sure to assemble an irregular motorcycle. 

[HondaMan]

That little snap ring was a slight challenge to remove.  Funny, some parts not there.

!
You're kinder than I am about those snap rings...