Topic: what is the right rim to lace for a cafe ?

[cadaver]

I'm going to have a rim laced onto my rear hub for my Honda cafe 76 550F was wandering what size of rim I should go with, I'm sticking with 18inch rim ...but should i stay with 2.15 that's what i thought was stock . or should I go with a more common size so I have more options for tires and what that would be ....thanks

[cadaver]

Anyone?

[Gordon]

You have quite a few options already with the stock size rim. 

[JS550]

Depends on the tire you want to run. If you want a wider tire, you might need a wider rim, if the tire is much wider then 4.00. But its down to how you want it to look. Personal taste. Have fun! Good luck!
Jim

[Staggerlee]

Yeah, you kinda need to decide what size tire you want to run, then build the rim to suit.

But, since you asked; I vote for a 3.5" rim.

[TwoTired]

Stock rims for the CB550 were 1.85 front and rear.  Some 750's had 2.15 rims.

Staggerlee has it right.  The tire needs to fit the rim.  And, the tire designer makes the call on rim size.

Anything wider than a 4.00 tire on a 1.85 rim is going to have wear issues leading to handling issues.

For me, proper function is far more desirable than how it looks.  The reverse is more important to others.

Cheers,

[cadaver]

thanks to all of you that helped out ... I think that I will go for the 2.15 rim size....I sent my hub off to buchanan's spoke and rim. and I hope that ill be happy with the size, now I just half to try and find a size of tire to put on ... price isn't really a big deal ... Ive never bought a tire for a street bike just a dirt bike so I'm not sure what to look for .

[pdxPope]

There are plenty of threads here about tires, just do a little searching.

If price really isn't a big deal go with one of the more well known brands (Avon, Dunlop, Pirelli, etc..) as opposed to some of the Chinese ones. (Also I would suggest that you replace both front & rear tires at the same time)

If you do only replace the rear, make sure that you get a tire that is made for the rear. 'Vintage' tire sizes are somewhat limited in selection.


-JP

[traveler]

MY "vote" is for a stock width 18" rear rim.  Skinny tires handle better....16" rear rims with fat tires are for choppers and bobbers.  Fat tires can also cause chain alignment issues and rubbing on the swingarm.

~Joe