Topic: Wheel size for a CB750 Cafe Racer

[DORIGTT]

Hello all,

I'm planning to build a Cafe Racer out of my 73 CB750 and I would like to know what wheel sizes are the 'norm' for getting 'good tires' for it and to keep the look 'right'?

[ProTeal55]

Stock is 19 front and 18 rear..
Some people change this up (depending on the look they are after).
I had a 21'' front and 16'' rear on my CB750, but I kinda do things differently 


My CB450 is running the stock 19'' front and 18'' rear -->

I just went a size wider out back to fill in the space as much as I could.

[DORIGTT]

Is there any advantage to what you've done with the second bike as far as handling is concerned?

Is getting a wider rear wheel as simple as just getting a wider hoop? 

What's an acceptable width to go to without having too-much tire for the chassis?

[Irishguy]

My opinion...

Smaller diameter back wheel + bigger diameter front wheel looks more like a chopper or bobber.

About same size wheels look more like a cafe racer.

Having said that...   Mine has the smaller back and the larger front.  But my rims and tires are both excellent condition and the back tire is nice and fat, so I'm not going to change it.  Plus I think the off-set wheels look more vintage.

[Six]

I changed wheels along with a whole new suspension system front and back in my cafe '750, and chose a 17" front rim and an 18" rear.  The 17" lets me fit a custom alloy fender AND fork brace (something I'm struggling with on the K-bike).  I can adjust rake in the front (since the goldwing tubes are longer than the 750's) by moving them up or down on the triple trees.  The bike turns quickly without a lot of effort, and very smoothly, more neutral than my '78K bike which seems to plow-in on slower turns.  On the rear, I used an aftermarket swingarm that allowed me to install a 140 width tire AND get a shorter wheelbase by 2" (both tires are Avon).  I had to shim the sprocket and machine new spacers, but everything just clears.

Enjoy!

Six - Minneapolis.

[ProTeal55]

Is there any advantage to what you've done with the second bike as far as handling is concerned?

Is getting a wider rear wheel as simple as just getting a wider hoop? 

What's an acceptable width to go to without having too-much tire for the chassis?

The only reason I went wider on the rear tire of the CB450 was for looks.
The original/stock size tire left way too much room in the swingarm for my likin, so I went a size wider.
You can usually get away with a size larger on the stock wheels without running into any issues..

[DORIGTT]

What manufacturer of rear swingarm six?

[lofathd]

does anyone know if i can run 19" on the front and rear of a 76 cb550? is there any clearance issues with the rear tire or would i just get a lower profile rear tire?
thanks

[ProTeal55]

does anyone know if i can run 19" on the front and rear of a 76 cb550? is there any clearance issues with the rear tire or would i just get a lower profile rear tire?
thanks

I am sure you could, just need to figure out a smaller diameter tire to make up for the increase in wheel size.
I really wanna build a bike with dual 21'' wheels for that tracker look (maybe over the winter)...

[Six]

What manufacturer of rear swingarm six?

I'm not sure, got it through Ebay, it has 3 shock positions and 3 axle positions.  It's steel box-section.  I've seen photos of  RC swingarms that look similar, so it could be one of his.

Six-Minneapolis.

[Dougy Dougy Dune Buggy]

Lofathd,
I currently have a 19" Front AND 19 Rear on my 500/550. They are Borrani wheels that the previous owner decided to run, he's run them no problem for like 6000 miles!
Later,
DWYJ

[bigsherm]

Sporty 19" rear tires are hard to find, aren't they?  What size and brand are you running?

-Sherm