Topic: CB550 aluminum rims

[Pain]

I'm in the process of cleaning my hubs and want to order aluminum rims to rebuild with. I've been looking at the Sun and Excel rims on Buchanonspokes.net. I want the rims to look as true to original as possible and be done in black. Here's the problem:

Sun rims don't come dimpled, but do come in black.
Excel rims come dimpled, but don't come in black.

So,

Would it be worth getting the dimpled excel rims and powder coating them? Would the non-dimpled sun rims look awkward? Are there any better ideas?

Thanks,

Pain

[dave500]

i have sun rims,i like them

[Pain]

Nice! And thanks for the reply. What sizes did you go with?

[Kevin400F]

Hey Pain...are you planning to stick with 19" diameter front, or switch to 18"?  

If you want black rims, does dimpled versus non-dimpled really matter that much?...the black color pretty much kills the "look as true to original as possible" idea.

Let the rim width be dictated by the tire size you plan to run, and keep in mind modern bias ply tires are designed around much wider rim widths than these bikes had originally.  For example, the recommended rim width for an Avon AM26 Roadrider in 3.25-19 is 2.15", with allowable range going from 1.85" (stock Honda) up to 2.50".  The AM26 rear (universal) 110/90-18 calls for a 2.50" rim, but has an allowabe range of 2.15" to 3.00".  A 120/90-18 calls for rims between 2.50" and 3.00.

It it was me, I'd go for 2.15" width front and 2.50" width rear.

[dave500]

Nice! And thanks for the reply. What sizes did you go with?

standard sizes,i have a bridgstone bt45 front and a bridgstone spitfire rear tyre.

[Pain]

I do see the idea conflict... but I think you get the idea of just original looking rims, aluminum, and black.

I may get the Excel dimpled rims and have them anodized black by TCR wheel lacing. I just feel like the dimples keeps that classic look to the bike that I like.

I already have sport demons (120/90 - 18, and 100/90 - 19), but I am open to new ideas.

Thanks for your replies guys.

[dave500]

the dimples make you go slower,the faster you go the more they whip against the forward motion and cause steering wobbles.

[Ricky_Racer]

    Dave, we're talking dimples on the rims here, not the dimples on your cheeks.  Those are the ones that throw off the steering.    RR

[crazypj]

 
 I have WM3 front and rear on my 550. (19 & 18)
Probably should have gone with 18" front but I didn't know 33 yrs ago what I know now.

PJ

[Flying J]

I want some alloy rims but they are so $$$$$. I was considering using goldwing rims. 
Is there any reason to switch from a 19 front to an 18?

[Pain]

Yeah, why switch the front to 18?

Any pics of this?

[Ricky_Racer]

I want some alloy rims but they are so $$$$$. I was considering using goldwing rims. 
Is there any reason to switch from a 19 front to an 18?

'75-'76 GL1000 or CB750A DID aluminum rims will work; just remember that the rear is 17" and the front is 19".

The 18" quickens your turn-in by reducing centrifugal (inertial) force at the outer edge of the tire and by slightly dropping the front and reducing trail, depending on the tire radius chosen.  RR

[fastbroshi]

Are these the "dimples" you're talking about?  Cuz that would be really rad dude.

[ralt12]

Here's Sun rims with stainless spokes from Buchanan's...



I was using this as an inspiration (and the bike looks great, as well...)

[Pain]

Honda, dinette set... went with the Honda.

I just ordered the Excel dimpled 1.85 x 18" for front and rear through TCRwheellacing.com. They're ordering them for me from Buchanon (including spokes and nipples) and anodizing/drilling them for $75 each.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Flying J]

So what does that make the total cost?

[Pain]

150 for each rim. 75 for anodizing each. if you're interested in the small #$%*, i can let u know for sure when i get the bill.

Pain