I just purchased a 1975 CB750F project bike with severely rusted wheels. I'm going to do a resto-custom sort of build on this bike as I need to retain the two-up seating. Anyway, I'm looking in to aluminum rims to lace up to my hubs and have some questions.
What size front and rear tires are good on these bikes for handling primarily and looks second? I'm thinking maybe 130/80 -18 on the rear and 100/90 -19 on the front? So the only source for aluminum wheels I can find is from Buchanan. Other than the 'crowning' and 'flattening' aspect of wider vs. narrower rims I don't know what the handling changes might be. I'm looking at a 3.5" wide rear rim and a 2.15" or 2.5" front - likely the 2.15".
Anyone with experience on these issues have constructive input for me?
Thanks,
Dave
I've messed around with many wheel sizes. I have a 75 CB750F rolling chassis I bot from a guy who had Bucahanans make a 300-18 rear and a 2.50 18 front. These look very proportional and like that's what the bike should have had to begin with. Mine has a 130/80-18 on the rear and could stand a 140. It has a 110/80-18 on the front which looks great, proportional and functional. I'd drop kick that 19" front first thing.
My project bike has a 3.50/17 on the rear which is cool but a tad unecessary. I went 2.50/17 on the front.
The 18" are the best I think for ground clearance (you're riding 2 up?) and the 18" front will perk up the handling, turn in and braking.
My project with 17" may give me problems with side and center stand height (I'll have to shorten the stands) and scraping the muffler. I may regret it.
I think Bill has the stock widths correct and they are 2 skinney for the tires we are talking about.
PS: the 3.5 rear and the 2.15 front would be fine. I'd stay with a 18 on the rear for ground clearance. You could go to a 140, maybe a 150, but it may not clear the brake stay. Unless you're really upping the horsepower, a 130 is all you need.
I'd change the front to a 2.5/18 though.