Topic: Replacing aftermarket 16" rear wheel with stock

[YogiBear]

Ive got a 74 CB750K4. Its a pretty decent bike overall. It has the original sunrise orange metallic paint. Im in the process of putting the bike back to: as original as I can. Im probably not going to be able to get four into four exhaust, because of my budget. Anyways, it looks to me like the PO has laced a 16" rim (rear) to the original Honda hub. The rim is in pretty rough shape. Beyond cleaning back up. I dont really like the look of the 16" rear rim on a stock bike, so im going to put it back to an 18" rear. I  was thinking about two options. I 'd like input about them. Option 1: Buy a new 18 rim to factory specs on the CB750's Wheel, and have it laced to the original hub. The advantages of this would be: Perfect chrome, and it would not be bent. However, ive got the cost of the new spokes and putting it all together. Option 2: Buying a used stock rear wheel. Theres no way to tell until I get it on the bike if it is bent, and if I buy one from ebay, there is no way for me to tell (if the rim has rust) how much of it will clean up. I might be stuck with a rim with some pitting that  I cant clean off. So what do you guys think? Has anybody done either of these? Im havent shopped the cost of the spokes yet either. Thanks.

[SohRon]

I was looking for that "perfect" rim on ebay. I actually had to buy three wheels before I got an acceptable one; it's just too hard to tell what's good or not over the internet, and the seller's descriptions can be highly imaginative. I re-sold the extra wheels. If you want perfection, you're going to have to pay for it. New rims (which I didn't know were available at the time I bought the wheels) aren't that expensive; I certainly would have gone that route. One advantage, as you say, is that you won't have to replace the spokes on a used wheel if they're in good shape, unles you want to.

This is the used wheel I bought. I had the hub polished and re-laced with new stainless:

P.S. This is off a 550, but I think the rims are the same? Not sure about that, but I think so.

[steam-powered man]

ah, got a pic of the rim and where are you located?  am interested in this mod for my 550 cafe or maybe the '72 bagger.  would love to take the rim/spokes off your hands for a fair price.  will buy new spokes if yours are toast. 

on the 18inch replacement, check the "for sale" section on this site.  should be able to have someone ship you a rim only (you install the spokes/rim to your hub, then tire) or wheel only (no tire, to save shipping weight).  have the seller check the trueness before disass and sale.  you can trust us - really.   
bobp 

[bucky katt]

you can get a new DID rim for less than 100 dollars from bike bandit i believe.

[Chris Elliott]

What kind of exhaust do you have? I have a pretty clean 4 into 4 stock exhaust on my bike right now, save for a few scratches it looks great.  I may be interested in trading you depending on what you have.  Let me know!  Funny thing is that I bought my bike with a 16" rear wheel too.. got an 18" for 20 bucks off ebay, but i am going to wait until i need new tires or brakes so I can take the wheels apart and get the rims and hubs powdercoated. 
-Chris E

[Hinomaru]

Honda CB750 18" Rear Rim 1969-76, Part no: 42701-300-013

Also, Inexpensive spoke sets from Parts N More:

https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index.php?model=cb750_sohc&category=chassis

[YogiBear]

Honda CB750 18" Rear Rim 1969-76, Part no: 42701-300-013

Also, Inexpensive spoke sets from Parts N More:

https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index.php?model=cb750_sohc&category=chassis

The price on those spokes isnt bad at all. Thank You for the links.

[rustrocket92]

I need another 16 and may have an 18 to trade.