Topic: Need old timer input - Comstar RECALL of 1978

[raymond10078]

The other day, I came across a Honda recall on Honda Comstar wheels, which was only applicable to the 1978 GL1000 (Goldwing) bikes.

I had thought for some time (probably based on something I've read long ago) that the 1978 Comstar wheels for the CB750A and GL1000 bikes were identical.  Today, they have different part numbers - but I'm thinking that the GL1000 part number is the post-recall number.  Don't know what it was before the recall.  The recall talks about cracking leading to complete failure.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recalls/49/1978/honda/gl1000/59938.html

My thought was - if they WERE identical, then the GL1000 being heavier, with twin discs, would stress the wheel more - so maybe I should be concerned about putting dual discs on my front wheel.

I'm hoping that somebody knows the technical details of this recall, and whether or not other Comstar wheels are at risk - especially as we upgrade them to dual discs.  I'm going with CB750F forks and CB900F dual-piston calipers - so the forces created will greatly exceed the stock single piston single caliper that was stock.

Do I have reason to worry?

[strynboen]

hope not,, do my cbx 1000..1978 have same comstars ??are they made by DID.. i have dubbel disc..but only one piston caliber.. think europa vas the only place cbx vas sold in 78
the cbx only have 100 hk..and brake force are not better then any other old 1000cc

[05c50]

Quoted from the original recall:

WHEEL REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE:
1. Check frame serial number. Affected units are within frame serial number range GLI-
4000022 through 4003349.
2. If the unit is within the affected serial number range, check the front wheel by placing a
magnet against the spoke blades.
If the front wheel spoke blades attract the magnet, they are steel, and the wheel does
not require replacement.
If the front wheel spoke blades do not attract the magnet, they are aluminum, and the
front wheel must be replaced.
NOTE: This recall campaign concerns the fron t wheel only. It IS proper for the rear
wheel to have aluminum spoke blades.


I guess all you need is a magnet. But remember, this is only for FRONT wheels on a 78, the 79 had aluminum wheels that were OK.

..............Paul

[Retro Rocket]

so the forces created will greatly exceed the stock single piston single caliper that was stock.

Not necessarily, the forces are only greater if you brake harder than you normally would. Twin disc are more efficient but usually you aren't braking any harder, just less effort to using the brakes

[raymond10078]

Not necessarily, the forces are only greater if you brake harder than you normally would. Twin disc are more efficient but usually you aren't braking any harder, just less effort to using the brakes

FYI - that was always understood.  However, there's no doubt that I'll be using the greater capability at times.  I'm all for shorter stopping distances - and at times, I do use them intentionally.

[raymond10078]

If the front wheel spoke blades attract the magnet, they are steel, and the wheel does not require replacement.

This is EXACTLY what I wanted!  Thanks so much.  My CB750A my spokes are steel, as is the CB750F front wheel waiting to be installed with dual discs.  I'm surprised to learn that Honda produced Comstars with aluminum spokes.

The lesson for us all:  anybody buying Goldwing Comstars should be wary of these aluminum spoked Comstar wheels.  Just don't know how to check for the year of the wheel.  Let's hope that most people took advantage of the recall, and that all of these "bad" wheels were destroyed.