Topic: Henry Abe wheels

[Steve_K]

I just brought a 73 CB750 that is not complete, except for Hendry Abe wheels. (front wheel has H.A. Industry on it) 18 front and 16 rear, I freely admit I did not know what I was buying.  Using search, I found that these are rare.  I brought it as spare parts for my better 73 750.  The frame has I think a good title.  I wonder, are they tubeless capable?  Would rather have an 18 rear, but I want  stock wheel diameters for my build
Yes, Ill post pics tomorrow
Steve

[GammaFlat]

I have a set of HA's and yes, I believe you can go tubeless.  The bike shop where I bought the tires recommended going with tubes... which I did.  I then got a hankerin' to go with a stock look.  Here I sit with a set of wheels with low mileage tires. 

The rear is a 16 as yours is.  Here's some pics before I went to spokes:

[madmtnmotors]

You can always mount a tire without a tube but be sure to do a "leakdown" test. I have a cast aluminum rim that I mounted a tire witout a tube and it would not hold air overnight. I aired it up and did a dunk test that revealed the air was leeching out right through the aluminum itself. Some castings are porous, while others are not. Just don't bolt it up and find out on the highway without testing first!

[Steve_K]

I do believe the rim needs to have the right shape for tubeless tire to work.  I like going tubeless on my newer bike.  Slower flat tires is the main reason.   Still has rubber on it so I don't know yet.
Steve

[GammaFlat]

The rims pictured in my previous post were holding air "tubeless" when I got them - with worn tires.  I imagine that's a good sign. 

[Steve_K]

Here are my pics of the 73 750 I got over the weekend.  The wheels are best part and the carbs may be ok.  The slides are not stuck and the head looks pretty good.  Left side on the crankcase area leaks oil, like it hit the pavement.
Steve

[Steve_K]

Has anyone had any experience with 16" wheels?
I am not building a cafe racer, but I do not want to lose any or much handling.
I want to make this my distance scooter. staying close to stock.  Suspension upgrades will be in the works.
Note the pics in the other post are not the bike I am using the wheels on.
Picking them up, it seems that they are not any heavier than stock, will weight them and compare to stock.
Steve

[Steve_K]

Any suggestions on cleaning these wheels?  I want them clean but there seems to be some stains that don't wash off with some cleaner I  tried.
Are the bearings the same size as stock?  I know, but I have not disassembled them yet.  I have not looked to to if there are rubber cushions in the rear wheel like the stock hubs.
Steve

[hondaface75]

Cleaning mine was a huge pain and couldnt get the stains out like you mentioned. Maybe a soda blast or something would clean them up. Maybe even that aluminum acid cleaner. I ran my rear tubeless and it only leaked if it sat (slowly even) and ran the tubed tire upfront ( the same dealer managed to not make up their mind). The bearings are the same size if they are made for the 750, and they do run the stock cush drives as well.

[Lostboy Steve]

Those are so sick! I have a guy who could do amazing things with those rims! To bad i cant get a set cheap enough!

[Steve_K]

Thank for the information.  I need to measure the wheel and tire diameters of stock vs the cast wheels.  The 16" rim looks lower, but I suppose I could get longer stocks to get the geometry right.
Steve

[Don R]

Many of the 16" tires end up close to the same dia. as an 18".  I rode a 750 back in the day with a 16". I thought it rode fine. I had accessories on it and sometimes it was loaded heavy too.  That said, I'm no corner carver either. the 16 is no deal breaker for me.

[754]

Most 16 inch whhels are within 3/8 inch or less of stock wheel height.. unless you install late low aspect ratio tires..

[Steve_K]

I got my wheels cleaned.  Lots of work with a Dremel and many brass wire wheels.  I then used scotch brite and water to scrub the rough part of the casting.  I replaced wheel bearings after cleaning.  When pushing the bike around, it felt funny, like the axle was loose.  The front bearing was shot, inner race had a 1/32" gap that caused the problem.  Must have been a scary ride!  After I had the bearings out, it looked like the PO must have reused the bearings from the stock hubs.  I found dings on the bearing that I did not put in removing them. DONOT reuse bearings!!!
I need to get tires next, but I want to sort the wiring next.

Thanks for all answers, they were useful.
Steve