Topic: CB550 Nighthawk wheels

[Caymen]

I just picked up a 1978 CB550K. It is a little rough, but runs good. The spoke wheels on it are in semi-bad shape. I kinda like the looks of the Nighthawk wheels.

This is my first motorcycle I have owned, so I am not too knowledgable with motorcycles and what is standard and what isn't. Like wheels. I know with cars, you have different bold patterns and etc, but have no clue about motorcycles.

Lets say the learning curve is going to be steep for me.

Anyways, will the Nighthawk wheels fit? I think they will be a nice change from rusty spokes.


Tom

[cb650PK]

Isn't 550 Nighthawk a shaft drive?

[Caymen]

Isn't 550 Nighthawk a shaft drive?

I have no idea. This is why I am asking questions.


Tom

[Alan F.]

Yup, the 1983 CB550SC Nighthawk was a shaft drive bike. 

To use the rear wheel with a chain and sprocket, you'd have to fabricate a sprocket carrier that would bolt to the wheel in place of the shaft drive flange, such a sprocket carrier would have to locate the sprocket in the correct chain line.  I understand that the lack of a cush drive should not be an issue, but I've never built or ridden one personally.

You'll have other hurdles to overcome, there are axle diameters, wheel bearing sizes, brake parts need to fit together and function correctly too.

You may want to consider a complete front end swap, run a search and you'll find many.

If you have a rear disc brake your choices are a little greater when it comes to wheel choice.

One tip I'll give is to find a 'motorcycle tire fitment chart' from a tire manufacturer, this type of chart will give you information about what tire sizes other bikes came with.  Your tire size requirements should drive your choice of wheels and not the other way around.  Each wheel width will only fit certain width tires, you'll want to become familiar and searching the web for 'wheel to rim size' reference charts is a good start.

-Alan

[Caymen]

I guess what I am saying is that I only have $525.00 into this bike. The spokes are rusted really bad and they look like butt.

What other motorcycle wheels can I use or am I stuck with the OE CB550K Wheels?


Tom

[Laminar]

Swapping on the Nighthawk rims will be a huge pain. Even swapping the whole front end really isn't an option - the forks are much longer, so the whole bike would be tipping backwards. And the fork tubes are a different diameter (37mm vs. 35mm) so just swapping parts of the front end isn't possible, either.

[WFO]

I guess what I am saying is that I only have $525.00 into this bike. The spokes are rusted really bad and they look like butt.

What other motorcycle wheels can I use  or am I stuck with the OE CB550K Wheels?


Tom

1978 Honda CB 400A Hondamatic came with comstars ( not sure if they will fit your 78) but it's a start.

[Alan F.]

If you like the look of spokes that aren't rusty... have a look around for some different stock wheels, sometimes you can find a set with newer bearings and newer rubber for less than relacing yours would run you. Check eBay and Grisliest, your local paper, ask around to local members.... local bike junkyards...
The parts are out there, swapping out to alloy wheels from another bike isn't as easy as it may seem. If you're into it we have the nohow to get it done, but it's not always cheaper. Do a search, do the reading, and get an idea of what members are swapping onto their bikes. Sometimes a beat up sportbike with a bad motor has everything you need for a swap and can be had cheaply... It's been done, don't worry, it's only money and time.......