Topic: 16 inch rim on rear question.

[rbirkhan]

I want to run a 16 inch rim on the rear of my 1972 cb 750 cafe proiject. I want the Steve Carpy Cafe look. I would like to get the big and little look. My question is what size rim width should I get. What issues are encountered when going to a much wider tire. I would imagine offset sprockets/ offset brake stay rod  may be needed. I want  a nice handling setup so the front tire and rear profiles must match. I have a stock sized front rim.  I read all the old posts on "max tire size" but most are for stock rim sizes and dont even mention front rim tire sizes.  Also where is a good source for steel rims?

[chopstar500]

A common set-up on the SOHC4 bikes is a 16" x 3.5" (40 spoke) Harley rear rim - anything wider with a stock swingarm will probably be an issue clearance wise. I'm running that same rim with a 140 tire on my CB500 with no clearance issues other than moving the brake arm outboard. Cycle X sells offset sprockets, mainly for use on rigid chopper setups.



For ease I'd go with the stardard HD size that I listed above. If you've got plenty off cash, skills, and money - you can do whatever your heart desires.

[Geeto67]

why do you want a 16" wheel on a performance motorcycle - it will handle like crap.

[rbirkhan]

Chopstar thanks for the info thats exactly what I was looking for. Did you run offset sprockets? I dont want to run them unless its a must. That setup looks sweet.

[chopstar500]

Chopstar thanks for the info thats exactly what I was looking for. Did you run offset sprockets? I dont want to run them unless its a must. That setup looks sweet.

No offset sprockets - just had to move the brake arm outward about 1-1.5 inches. Absolutely no clearance issues.

[rbirkhan]

Good deal now all I need is a 3.5 inch*16 inch harley hoop for the new 140

[rbirkhan]

Would this work and if so who has the correct spokes?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHROME-40-SPOKE-16-X-3-5-REAR-WHEEL-HARLEY-SHOVELHEAD_W0QQitemZ370048683117QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370048683117&

[rbmgf7]

you're better off looking for a rim only and search ebay for honda-harley spoke kits

[cafe750]

I want the Steve Carpy Cafe look.

I didn't know he trademarked the 16" rear wheel on a SOHC....its been done for a gazillion years...and so has the "Cafe" style... I know, I know, my screen name is Cafe750, I'm just kind of tired of Carpy getting all of the credit for starting something that he didnt. He does build a pretty bike. I believe in the thinking that a "cafe" should handle well, and go fast, and that the look that a cafe has is just a by-product of the aformentioned efforts... ::takes deep breath::...if you're building something to handle, why a 16" rear wheel? Take a look at all of the roadracers at the time...you won't find the "big and little" look anywhere...search for handling, and you'll find lots about how tire sizes affect handling. Sorry for the rant, no offense intended anywhere....

[rbirkhan]

I dont know about trademarked like you said its been done for years.  He does build nice bikes.

[ekim98]

I have a 16" harley rim on my 78 750k and haven't noticed any ill handling because of it. If anything it's the rear tire it's self "chen shing" tire with a ribbed, car type tread that(to flat a  profile) for proper motorcycle handling in the corners. Great for drag race traction tho, really grips good on take offs.

[754]

Perhaps the OP is after a hot rod with a cafe flavour...

 I think the 16 rear started, for traction and longer tire life... I can remember when the Yokohama 4.50 x18 came out.. HUGE tire!

 They do fill out the back end in a way no 17 or 18 will, easier to avoid rim damage as well..

 As far as handling, I know you wont see them on roadracers, but I have seen people riding pretty damn fast wuith a 16 rear..

[rbirkhan]

no luck searching for the spokes yet even on Egay. This may be a wheel shop visit.

[ekim98]

My rear tire is a 5.10 X 16" and it is one big tire. My next tire will be a Spitfire S11 140-90 X 16 to match the front Spitfire. The only reason I haven't changed it was that it was new when I got the bike. There's a lot of rubber on that tire. Probably pretty heavy too.

[kevio]

My rear tire is a 5.10 X 16" and it is one big tire. My next tire will be a Spitfire S11 140-90 X 16 to match the front Spitfire. The only reason I haven't changed it was that it was new when I got the bike. There's a lot of rubber on that tire. Probably pretty heavy too.

5.10 x 16"?  Did you have to make any adjustments for that width?  I was just wondering if a 4 x 16 would work without mods instead of the 3.5 x 16.  Also, does it have to be a Harley rim?  Can it be some other make 40 spoke 16" rim using a 40 spoke honda/harley kit?  Just wondering how different the hole spacing, etc is. 

[754]

5.10 were made for 3.5 rim. The tire is about 120 -130 wide.

Some metric bikes did have 16 in rims, perhaps spoked, so there should be those in aluminum & akront made them as well.

[eurban]

no luck searching for the spokes yet even on Egay. This may be a wheel shop visit.

These kits come up pretty often on Ebay and they are usually available in ebay stores although for some reason the pickins are slim at the moment.  Here's a link to one that will work.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-Kaw-Chopper-16-Chrome-Spoke-Set-NEW_W0QQitemZ320246305838QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3756.m20.l1116

[goon 1492]

I got 16 rear on mine and runnin 5.10 tire, found it out when i was tire shopping.  Also found in my manual that the factory was 18". Oh and i have no handling issues I'm not trying to grind my pegs by no means either, that boils down to the rider more than the rim.

[ekim98]

5.10 were made for 3.5 rim. The tire is about 120 -130 wide.

Some metric bikes did have 16 in rims, perhaps spoked, so there should be those in aluminum & akront made them as well.

I'm not sure how to measure my rim. It's 3-3/8" wide, but it doesn't fold in like the front rim, it's flanged that flairs out to aprox. 3-5/8" wide. It's appears to be a pretty thick metal and the bead edge is only single metal thickness. The tire itself measures 5.119" wide at the widest point. I could fit a 5-1/2" wide tire and not rub. I've already replaced the rear brake strap so I have the room. Bridgestone makes a Spitfire tire 150 wide but it's about 1" shorter than what I have now. Don't really want to drop the rear of the bike another 1/2".

[rbirkhan]

5.10 thats huge is this a cb750? If so what was done to make it clear?

[rbirkhan]

Forgot to refresh ignore my last post this is all good information thanks guys. Cant wait to see that fat rubber on the back.

[ekim98]

5.10 thats huge is this a cb750? If so what was done to make it clear?

Yes, it's a 78 750k. They have a wider stock swingarm. As it sits right now I have approx. 1/2" clearance between both the chain and the brake stay arm. All I did was replace the brake stay arm and space it out about 3/16" more with a couple of flat washers. The chain and sprocket are still in stock location.

[754]

They fit on any year CB 750 K.

[MCRider]

I want the Steve Carpy Cafe look.

I didn't know he trademarked the 16" rear wheel on a SOHC....its been done for a gazillion years...and so has the "Cafe" style... I know, I know, my screen name is Cafe750, I'm just kind of tired of Carpy getting all of the credit for starting something that he didnt. He does build a pretty bike. I believe in the thinking that a "cafe" should handle well, and go fast, and that the look that a cafe has is just a by-product of the aformentioned efforts... ::takes deep breath::...if you're building something to handle, why a 16" rear wheel? Take a look at all of the roadracers at the time...you won't find the "big and little" look anywhere...search for handling, and you'll find lots about how tire sizes affect handling. Sorry for the rant, no offense intended anywhere....

Yup, way too heavy for performance sake.

[kghost]

I have a 16 harley rim on a honda hub....

Not perfect but servicable.

Needs bearings.

I should warn ya its a heavy boat anchor of a wheel.

[ekim98]

I should warn ya its a heavy boat anchor of a wheel.

You got that right, about it being heavy, both the rim and the amount of rubber to make that big tire. I never would have put it on, it was there when I got the bike. My biggest problem is the squarish  (is that a word) tire thread. Great for drag race traction but not for corners it's to much like a car tire. After I get the engine fixed I'll probably get the Bridgestone Spitfire to replace that Chen Sheng or what ever it's called.

[MoTo-BunnY]

Loud, Fast, & Ugly has the whole kit for $129, for those interested in the 16" rim and wondering where to find them:

http://loudfastugly.com/chrmandacc/rimspok.htm

"You get:

* Harley-style 40-hole drop-center chrome rim
* spokes set for '69-78 CB750 SOHC (also fits CB450 twins, CB500-550 fours)
* tube (16" side valve, metal stem)
* rim strip,

All for $129 (plus shipping)

rim only $69
w/ tube & rim strip $79
spoke set only $59"




I have seen the parts all individually on eBay cheaper, from time to time, but in case you are impatient or just want it all in one fell swoop, there ya go!   

[MoTo-BunnY]

A common set-up on the SOHC4 bikes is a 16" x 3.5" (40 spoke) Harley rear rim - anything wider with a stock swingarm will probably be an issue clearance wise. I'm running that same rim with a 140 tire on my CB500 with no clearance issues other than moving the brake arm outboard. Cycle X sells offset sprockets, mainly for use on rigid chopper setups.



For ease I'd go with the stardard HD size that I listed above. If you've got plenty off cash, skills, and money - you can do whatever your heart desires.

Is that back tire a Pirelli MT66, 16"?  If so, where did you get it? I am running one on the front but was having trouble finding one for the back, in 16" 

[MoTo-BunnY]

Just thought I would also add, that there is a store on eBay that frequently lists stainless steel spoke kits for the Honda hub to Harley rim conversion. Also, he just listed another set - he seems to list them about one set a week. 

Wizard General Store

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=320262049851

[chopstar500]

Moto-Bunny - that rear is a 140/90-16 and I got in from Dennis Kirk if I remember correctly (been over a year). Can't say for sure if they'll have the size you need.

I agree with Moto-Bunny on the parts being available cheaper individually on eBay. I got my spoke set for $25 shipped (brand new stainless), my rim for $50 shipped (brand new also) - of course you know a tube & rim strip can be had for well under $20.

[jhasewhite]

I have a 16" rear on mine (76 cb750f) and yes, it does handle something like crap, or an old cruiser with clubmans that can lean over a lot.

 I have only had the bike running for 2 days and it looks like I have almost gone past of the edge of the rear rubber! I live in SF city and cant lean over as much as I would like to. I also noticed that it doesn't want to hold a line, you have to push on that inside grip pretty hard and use your weight to steer to keep your apex tight.  I guess I'll learn to hang off more than I do already to keep my tires from seeing two yellow lines every corner exit I guess I could slow down but that isn't much fun is it.

Does anyone know of a sporty 16" rear that has more of a pointy profile?  I'm running out of rear tire faster than my learning curve on this new bike. I'm guessing that when the "feelers" finally touch down I would then be crashing, or trying to imitate Hailwood.

[MoTo-BunnY]

Moto-Bunny - that rear is a 140/90-16 and I got in from Dennis Kirk if I remember correctly (been over a year). Can't say for sure if they'll have the size you need.

Thanks for all the info - especially where to get that Pirelli tire (it IS a MT66, by the way - what I am running up front already and seems to be a really good tire (especially in the wet which (looking outside right now. . . *sigh*) happens all too frequently here in rainy Orygun   

Also, its nice already knowing the max rear rim & tire size I can fit on my CB500 without having to figure it all out via trial and error - thanks for having already done all that for me!