Topic: Need Front Wheel

[nrd2052]

I know this may sound a bit strange but I am looking for an 18" wheel with a drum brake that will fit my 74 550. Any advice on something that will bolt in fairly easily?

Thanks!

[kevins750]

I believe a CL350 had an 18" front wheel, pretty sure it would be 15mm axle...I would start checking for late 60's-70's for some drum front wheels..there are threads on axle diameters on here, do a search....

[Kevin400F]

Tell us a little more about your project, and what you're trying to accomplish.  Are you building a chopper or bobber, and want a small rudimentary drum for a clean looking front end, or are you buiding a old-school cafe racer or road racer replica and want a big, very functional drum brake with lots of stopping power?

I don't think typical  Honda CL350, CJ360, CB/CL450 OEM wheels will be a direct bolt-on since the 550 fork tube spacing is wider.  You might check out the CB400T Hawks. In any event, I believe you could mix and match axles and spacers to achieve a combination that will fit.

[nrd2052]

I guess I would say that I am building one of my 550s into something that is just a little tougher than the stock 550 in looks, power and attitude. Currently the biggest mod has been the 650 engine swap (way easy, btw.)

I am looking for an 18 so I can run a tire that is the same size as the rear (looks only)

I am looking for a drum brake for a few reasons

1. Old Skool look
2. Cleans up the bars (no master cyl.)
3. my experience in riding all of the old hondas that I have tells me that the drums are better in most cases than the discs of that era for stopping power.