Topic: 550 rear disc brake/sprocket conversion questions

[squirley]

Alright guys, bear with me here.  I am considering a disc brake set up for the rear of my 550, I already have dual 320mm rotors on the front, so I might as well be overkill in the back.  However, I would like to do a set up that runs a sprocket that also serves as the disc for the brake.  My question is, will it be okay to run a disc setup on an aftermarket aluminum sprocket, will the extra heat generated from the brake have any side affects on the life of the sprocket? Lastly, any suggestions on what type of free hub that I could use that I could addapt a sprocket to?
I am sorry for the "wide open" questions, but you gotta start somewhere

[bryanj]

I have seen this done but with a steel sproket, alloy would be too soft as a friction surface, also you wont be able to lube the chain as greas/oil will get on the pads and you cant fit an "O" ring one as it will eat the crankcase

[dusterdude]

exile cycles started the sprotor setup,they can probably make one for your application.

[squirley]

The oring chain won't be a problem, I am prepared to add a spacer to my front sprocket, however I have been told that Ragina oring chains are narrow enough to not hit the case. I have seen this sprocket brake done on choppers and bikes that don't see much "sport action," so is this more of a mod for the looks department or one that could be worthwhile...opinions?

[CBGhia]

however I have been told that Ragina oring chains are narrow enough to not hit the case.

Really?  i have been reading just about every post i can find regarding chains for the 500 and 550.  I am building one of each and would love to run an o-ring and if reginas fit that would be fan-friggin-tastic.

sorry for the hijack 

[Godffery]

   Hey squirley;
You can do something like this:

From :
http://www.cyclexchange.net/Honda%20Page.htm

Or just use a CB 750 SS rear end.

Godffery
http://tinyurl.com/yoelqb

[squirley]

Please don't quote me on the regina oring chain fitting without sprocket modification, this is just what I have been "told" and have no first hand experience with it. 

I thought about just running a 750 hub, but would like to be differnt if possible.  Right now, this back sprocket/brake is my second route, as I would like to add the brake to the front sprocket.  However, i have done the torgue and moment calculations and I feel that they exceed the limits of the front shaft without support of an added bearing.  We shall see.

[Godffery]

   I have used a O-ring chain on the 550's by modifying or just removing the front chain guard from the drive sprocket cover.

BTW, I think the hole brake disc / sprocket idea is problematic at BEST !  You'd almost be better off with an old boot nailed to a 2x4 .   

Godffery
http://tinyurl.com/yoelqb

[FunJimmy]

BTW, I think the hole brake disc / sprocket idea is problematic at BEST !  You'd almost be better off with an old boot nailed to a 2x4

+1

[SEBNN]

I've got a cbr600rr rear disc, caliper, mount, master cylinder, reservoir, mount stop, and spacer for a 550.  All you need to do is mount it up and decide on a way to attach the disk to the hub, whether to weld or bolt something on.

As for the questions you posed:

My question is, will it be okay to run a disc setup on an aftermarket aluminum sprocket, will the extra heat generated from the brake have any side affects on the life of the sprocket?



No, the aluminum won't handle the heat or the friction and soon you'll have a toasted sprocket and no rear brake as you probably surmised.



 Lastly, any suggestions on what type of free hub that I could use that I could adapt a sprocket to?



You can make anything work with the time and machine shop.  If you are determined to do the brake/sprocket combo you will need a hub that gives enough clearance for a caliper to fit next to the hub.  This will be especially important if you get a caliper with enough clearance for a chain.



I have seen this sprocket brake done on [size=14]choppers[/size] and bikes that don't see much "sport action," so is this more of a mod for the looks department or one that could be worthwhile...opinions?


I think that you answered your own question.  A large portion of choppers is the look; otherwise they would have switched to a bike that didn't require 6 days of wrenching for 1 day of riding decades ago .  I have worked with several Harley guys and more power to them for the time they put in each week on their bikes.  If you want something to be continually functional without frequent adjustments and cleaning I'd suggest keeping the brake and sprocket separated.

But then again it is your bike so if thats what you want, knock yourself out and remember to post pictures .