Topic: 1978 CB550 rim question

[gbal06]

I have a 78 cb550 and the rims are shot.  I have been looking for replacements but really haven't found anything.  Can other CB models rims be used or does anyone have a contact they have outside of eBay/FB market place?  Thanks

[kerryb]

You have a couple options.  When you say rim, are you including the hub & spokes or do you just want to replace the rim itself.  Buchanan co. ( https://www.buchananspokes.com/) will sell you just parts, or rebuild your wheels for you.  You could put a parts wanted post in the classified ads.

[gbal06]

looking for the hub as well.  From what I have seen, it seems expensive to buy new rims and have them respoked.  If I went that route, what size rims would I need for the front and rear?

[BenelliSEI]

I’m going from memory (sold my 1978 cb550K quit a while back). The front wheel/rim is the interchangeable with any cb750K front rim. The ‘77 and ‘78 have a different style hub on the front (no more fins) but totally interchangeable. The brake disc is a smaller diameter on the 550, but the rest is interchangeable. I think any 18” rear hub and rim from any cb750K will also fit? Vintagecb750.com sells rims and inexpensive spokes I often use. They are good quality and work well for me.

If I’m wrong, I’m sure someone here will correct me.

[bryanj]

750 rear WILL NOT fit a 550, as long as you have the complete rear wheel with brake plate, spindle, spacers etc any 500/550 will fit BUT be carefull as they are all known to crack the brake drum liners

[Oddjob]

The 500/550 came supplied with 1.85 rims, front and rear. The 750 rear rim however was wider at 2.15 and the 500/550 can wear that, in fact it benefits greatly from it as the extra width allows for wider rear tyres without the tyre wall flexing.

Lester wheels from the ear were 2.15 front and rear and the handling was much better as a result.

Given a choice I’d fit 2.15 front and rear, the look the same to the untrained eye but give far more stability and support