Topic: cb650 spoked wheel to comstar swap, is it possible?

[Papa-wheelie]

Hello everyone.  I just purchased a very nice 1981 cb650 standard (not custom) which came with a 17'' rear and 19'' spoked wheel.  I am wanting to know which comstar wheel to get and if it's possible to swap wheels without any brake caliper, rotor problems.

I believe the '81 came with a single disc front and a drum rear.  Can I swap over to comstar mags?  Any specific years or just any 16''(to replace the 17'' rear) and 19'' front?

The reason for the swap is not only tubeless but I LOVE the look of the raised white letter tires and can only find one in a 16'' wheel (not 17). Plus I like the look of the comstar mags.

My current spoked wheels are in near perfect condition but like I said, I REALLY like the look of the mag wheels with raised white letter tires......(80's throwback!).

Anyway, any info would be greatly appreciated.

[bucky katt]

i have a dual disc comstar from a 1979 and later cb750 and i understand from another user here it will fot your 650, if youre interested.

[cb650]

I responded to you on the 650 site.  Where u at?

[Papa-wheelie]

Hi cb650.  I am in Phoenix Arizona.  If your comstars will properly fit my '81 cb650 I will swap wheels with you (assuming your are in good shape). My spoked rims are very nice shiny chrome. No rust or pitting, more like show room condition.

[bucky katt]

columbia sc here

[Papa-wheelie]

Hi Bucky Kat, my '81 cb650 (standard) has only a *single* caliper disc in the front. Not double.  I don't know if that will get funky when hooking the brake back up. I just don't know enough.  I'm just trying to get comstars on my bike; all just to get raised white letters because I'm weird like that!


BTW, I'd sure like to know where people are getting replacement RWL tires for their cb's.

[IainC]

I also have an extra set of comstars off my 79 cb650 I'd be willing to trade if the other trades fall through. Although I'm located in Halifax, NS, Canada, but I don't mind to ship if you don't mind.

[cb650]

Ok I'll dig them out this week and get some pics.   

[Papa-wheelie]

CB650 had replied to my request first on another site and is only one state over (cheap shipping ) so I will ask him first if he wants to swap.

I have 19'' front spokes and 17'' rear spokes to swap. If I can get a front 19'' *single* and a rear 16'' comstar, I'll make the swap.

CB650, I checked out your pics; nice bike! I especially like the 360 pics Davey is "racing" on. Beautiful blue color.  I'm thinking of painting my bike (tank & side covers) a very similar color to that.

Can you contact me to make arrangements to trade wheels?

Thanks
Bernie

[MickeyX]

Hi Bucky Kat, my '81 cb650 (standard) has only a *single* caliper disc in the front. Not double.  I don't know if that will get funky when hooking the brake back up. I just don't know enough.  I'm just trying to get comstars on my bike; all just to get raised white letters because I'm weird like that!


BTW, I'd sure like to know where people are getting replacement RWL tires for their cb's.

Bikebandit did have some in white lettering not long ago, I'm not sure exactly which sizes you need though... Bridgestone Spitfires are pretty popular and well liked on these bikes. Quite a few of us here have them.

The dual front disc brake won't fit on your bike. I think you'd have to switch to the '82 front end, trees and all, but Soos or one of the other guys might know more. It is a relatively easy swap from the spokes to comstars, 650 to 650 wise.

[cb650]

FYI the 81 customs had dual disks also.       Thanks PW for the coments on the 360.  Acually up close and personal it has some overspary from something else.  Polished most of it out.   Love that little bike.  Rode it to netherland for dead man days.  Cool (literaly) riding in the mts with a foot of snow on the side of the road.