Topic: Ride report and ready for mods

[scottly]

  I'll look into what's needed to fit the larger 750 rotor.

The 750 rotor and late K/early F calipers bolt straight on to your 550 wheel and forks; you only need the parts.

[Mark1976]

OK, yeah, I want to keep it like it is, that's the charm.  So no modern front suspension.  I'll look into what's needed to fit the larger 750 rotor.  Has anyone used the Rising Sun aluminum rims being sold by 4into1?  They are suspiciously inexpensive.  I would consider a 100 front tire on a stock size 19x1.85 rim, and a 110 rear tire on a 18x2.15 rim.  Also, is it possible to add a fork brace and keep the stock gaiters and fender?

   I've used these rims on and off for the last 4 or so yrs. On and off because 4into1 is about useless when you have issues with the products they sell. I did a 18" front wheel late last year using a Rising Sun rim and it was an absolute piece of garbage, 4into1 was indifferent about whether it was really a quality issue, as a result they in my s$#t list.
   I've had 4 or 5 sets that were fine, given the fact that ya get what ya pay for, but yeah, compared to a pair from Buchanan's, they're immensely less expensive. But then again, I've never had a bad rim from Buchanan's, but my wallet was always significantly lighter.

[scottly]

Just a note about aluminum rims; even though aluminum is 1/3rd the weight of steel, it needs to be thicker to have the same strength, so the weight savings isn't that much, like maybe 1 pound per rim.

[seanbarney41]

There are at least a few kinds and styles of fork brace that have been available over the years.  I don't know of any available brand new retail for these bikes anymore so if you find one available take what you can get.  There were sheet metal ones that attach where the fender mounts attach and function similar to the front fender brace, just sturdier.  There were also tubular steel ones that attach to the fender mounts.  Both these style may complicate stock fender and brake caliper mounting but don't interfere with the boots at all.  The best ones lock into the groove in the top of the fork leg provided for the boots, but then most provide an alternative groove for the boot...actually never saw one that didn't. 

Search for a thread on this site by Frank/754 on how to make your own fork brace that looks cool and functional but can be made using simple fab skills and materials.