Author Topic: CB 550 rear wheel  (Read 2319 times)

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Offline fiolola

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CB 550 rear wheel
« on: September 06, 2011, 07:59:41 pm »
Hi,new to the forum. My ? probably has been answered many times b4. Just bought a very nice  rust free 74 cb550. I want to change the rear wheel to a wider rim let say 18"x4.5" to 5.5". Sorry don't like bicycle tires. Need to Know what swing arm,sprockets and whatever else I need. Almost forgot. I would like to keep the original drum brake and wire.Any info is greatly appreciated.

Offline cameron

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2011, 08:58:40 pm »
Your face is a bicycle tire.
1976 CB550F

Offline Gordon

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2011, 09:09:10 pm »
Don't think I've ever seen a 3.5"- 4" tire on a bicycle before. ;)

Offline cameron

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2011, 09:12:06 pm »
I built a fixed-gear on a 10 speed frame with 3.5"ers once. It was totally awesome. Cafe-Schwinn. I used an old chain for a lock. chicks dug it. And it was WAY cooler than other bikes.
1976 CB550F

pat english

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #4 on: September 06, 2011, 09:14:40 pm »

pat english

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2011, 09:15:41 pm »
yes,i do have too much time.... :-\

Offline cameron

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #6 on: September 06, 2011, 09:16:47 pm »
dude thats the bomb it should totally fit no problem i doubt it will affect performance at all and it will be way better yo
1976 CB550F

pat english

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #7 on: September 06, 2011, 09:22:20 pm »
yes.i agree.thats why i posted it..

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #8 on: September 06, 2011, 09:53:44 pm »
i love how every post adds nothing to this thread lawl i will also not add anything  :P
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline fastbroshi

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #9 on: September 06, 2011, 10:20:26 pm »
   Whew, ok deep breath.  So you can get a wider rim in there, but not many folks have done one 5.5 inches.  For a wired rim, a lot of times you won't see them labeled in inches, but rather in WM1, WM2, WM3, etc.  The stock rear is a 2.15" wide, or WM3.  The next size WM4 goes up to 2.5".  All the graduations can be found on Buchanan's Wheels website. 
   The main stumbling block is working around things like lining up the chain and sprockets, brake hardware, etc.  So in other words, there's not a idiot proof "kit" out there you can buy.  It's just something you have to tackle piece by piece.   Lots of measurements before you buy anything would probably be a good idea. 
Just call me Timmaaaaay!!!

Offline Danno

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #10 on: September 06, 2011, 11:37:22 pm »
I don't know where you got the idea that the 550 has a bicycle tire on it you have to understand that most of these guys are purists and won't take your question seriously and I must admit I am starting to fall into that category myself if you are serious and want to change the rear of that bike than go ask someone at hondachoppers .com
I would bet that there is someone there that has already done that kind of murder job to the 550 that you can talk to
what you are proposing would ruin the geometry and handling of the bike so to be honest there are not a lot of guys here that would be willing to consider such a thing and sorry for the lecture and welcome to the forum the 550 is one of my all time favorite bikes and if you have performance questions or technical I would be happy to help
when you own a motorcycle the wife does not have to find you handy she just has to find you

Offline Danno

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #11 on: September 06, 2011, 11:42:21 pm »
I'll tell you what the 74 550 is  the only one of the 550 models that can be made to go 125mph  it seems to be a real sad state of affairs to take a 37 year old antique classic that you say has no rust and chop it up
so sell it to me and I can set you up with a bike that no one will care if you destroy it
when you own a motorcycle the wife does not have to find you handy she just has to find you

Offline fiolola

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #12 on: September 07, 2011, 05:05:58 pm »
Sorry that I offended many. Guess what I got ideas from this forum gallery. Thanks Danno. Maybe I'm use to modern motor bikes,09 Triumph Speed Triple. And 550/11k is mint,the engine sounds better than my triple. It need the front tire(dried rot) and paid $675.00

pat english

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #13 on: September 07, 2011, 05:12:46 pm »
sorry bud.. i was just messin..and i didnt know the answer to youre question..but yeah im sure you can put a lil bit bigger of a tire on that thing without any mods...

Offline cameron

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #14 on: September 07, 2011, 05:17:53 pm »
You didn't get the idea to tear up a perfect 'mint' 550 from us.

How about this:
Restore it to stock.
Ride it for 6 months.
THEN, if you can elucidate to us ONE good reason you want a different back tire, I will personally help you through the whole process.


Plus.. pics or it didnt happen :)
1976 CB550F

Offline RAWNOG

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #15 on: September 07, 2011, 10:12:07 pm »
Quote
Your face is a bicycle tire.go ask someone at hondachoppers .com

1975 CB550k 

Offline the imposter

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #16 on: September 07, 2011, 11:31:05 pm »
i would like to point out that my face is also a bicycle tire
1975 cb550
1976 cb550 project

pat english

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #17 on: September 08, 2011, 03:14:58 am »
Quote
Your face is a bicycle tire.go ask someone at hondachoppers .com

just couldnt stop laughing..good schitt

Offline becken

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Re: CB 550 rear wheel
« Reply #18 on: September 08, 2011, 04:38:35 am »
I bought my 1976 CB550F new and put on Lester wheels back in the 70s. I put on the 16" rear wheel and am currently running a 130/90-16 BT45. I had to notch out the inside of the chain guard for tire clearance but everything else fits, but just barely.
1976 CB550F bought new
1981 CM400A wife bought new
2004 GL1800