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02-09-2010, 2:12 PM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Spoke wheels Attachment: 79 gl 1000 rear wheel.jpg Spoke wheel wantabee’s, This topic has come up from time to time but as near as I can tell, no one here in the states have put on a set front and rear. I have seen the Dutch or German CX club members do it and have seen a front dirt bike fork and wheel swap out (not the rear). I thought I’d collect a few things to help someone make the leap. PAST THREADS ON THE CUSTOMIZING FORUM PAGE (DATE, TITLE, AND LINK): (some links and discussion, but no completed project) 17 May 09: another spoke rear wheel idea http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/104534/ShowPost.aspx 19 Apr 09: spoked wheels http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/98491/ShowPost.aspx 26 Dec 08: Spoked rear wheel on a CX500 - workable solution, but not for the unskilled. http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/70798/ShowPost.aspx 10 Sep 08: spoke wheels http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/56229/ShowPost.aspx 01 Jul 08: More spoked wheels.... http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/49242/ShowPost.aspx 25 Jun 07: I want some spokies! http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/15076/ShowPost.aspx THERE ARE PLACES YOU CAN GO TO HAVE WHEELS MADE (THEY ARE NOT CHEAP): http://www.hdwheels.com/ $ 600 per wheel (40 spokes) $ 840 per wheel (80 spokes) http://www.buchananspokes.net/ USING GL 1000 WHEELS ( Note: I have not found another Honda bike that drives the rear wheel from the right side except the Goldwing. The VT800 Shadow, CB700SC Nighthawk, Magna series are all on the left side) From a size perspective, the GL 1000 wheels are good for the 80-83 CX/GL bikes (drop a few hundred RPMs by going to the 17” rear wheel), not so good for the 78-79 bikes because the RPMs go up a few hundred because you’re dropping to a small diameter wheel. CX/GL 500 stock tire sizes Front 100/90-19” Rear 130/90-18” or 130/90-16” GL 1000 stock tire size Front: 100/90-19” Rear: 130/90-17” Mounting the rear wheel I successfully mounted up a GL 1100 rear wheel to my 82 GL 500 final drive by using a modified GL 1100 axle. I had the diameter reduced on one end of the axle so it could fit into the GL 500 final drive. The GL 1000 ComStar wheel is different so I could not just swap the wheels. I have not gotten the parts back from the machine shop, but it looks like there are 3 things to modify to swap wheels (I’m having this work done now). From what I can tell, 2 of the 3 items will need to be done to use the GL 1000 spoke rear wheel. 1. Reduce the depth of the drive flange about ¼” from the backside 2. Increase the length of the initial wheel shaft diameter about (about ¼”) 3. Modify the dust guard plate by increasing the inside diameter of the outer wheel hub These changes (hopefully) will allow the use of the GL 1000 ComStar wheels. Based on inspection, it looks like the center hub of the GL 1000 spoke wheel is a bit different from the GL 1000 ComStar wheel. I believe #1 and #2 step above need to be done, #3 will have to be different. I looked up Bike Bandit to see what the 75-78 GL 1000’s used for a dust shield. It appears they didn’t use one. The clearance was closed by having the final drive closer to the wheel. So, I think you will have to trim the CX/GL 500 dust shield so it just takes up the space between the wheel and final drive. I don’t think you can remove any material from the wheel hub so the dust shield can go in it like it does in the factory CX/GL 500 setup. I think that’s it. Considering the cost of GL 1000 spoke wheels, ~ $40 + shipping and the machine work, I think you can get the wheel to work for less than $400. Another option would be to disassemble the rear wheel and send just the hub to be machined. It will be cheaper since the hub is smaller in diameter and can be put in the lathe. This will reduce machine shop costs (less time to do the job). When the hub comes back, sand and polish it (or chrome it), then send it off to http://www.buchananspokes.net/ and have them lace up your wheel with new spokes to the diameter you want (16, 17, 18, or 19”) AND the rim width you want (so you can run 140/90-xx tires; don’t think you can get wider tires in the swing arm). $400-700 sounds like a lot, but try having a spoke wheel made. With chain drive, the cheapest one is $800 + shipping! The front wheel is a direct use, only the brake disc alignment might be an issue, but I think it can be solved by shimming either the disc or calipers. Rear Brake I’ll post more on this when the wheel comes back. If the final alignment is the same as the GL 1100 wheel, then I’d just use the set-up I currently have. Here is the post how I did this. http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/134725/ShowPost.aspx http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/127409/ShowPost.aspx So, I think you could easily make the swap for $500-700 (includes brake costs but not tires) if you went with stock GL 1000 wheels… Here is a pic of the GL 1000 ComStar wheel Jerry 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

02-09-2010, 2:13 PM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: Spoke wheels Attachment: GL 1000 rear spoke wheel 1b.jpg Here is a pic of the GL 1000 spoke wheel hub. 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

02-13-2010, 9:37 AM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Spoke wheels I always wonder why anyone would want to replace good looking, reliable, low maintenance Comstars with undependable, high maintenance wire spoked wheels. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

02-13-2010, 9:59 AM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: Spoke wheels Bob, Why do we do most things to our bikes? We like the look of course. Logic has nothing to do with it. I like ComStar wheels myself, but would like a set of wire wheels on a 83 custom... Jerry 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

02-13-2010, 10:44 AM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Spoke wheels Having retired several wire spoked wheels over the years because of broken or badly rusted spokes and replaced them with Comstars whenever possible, I still don't get it. To me it would be in the same league as replacing the oil filter with a wire screen or switching back to a 35W bulb in reflector headlight. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

02-13-2010, 10:59 AM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: Spoke wheels Bob, You are still missing the point - its for looks. IN that sence it is not like switching back to wire screen for an oil filter. Where is the look in that? Have you looked at the new bikes on the market? There is still a market for spoke wheels on a new bike after all this time. I would guess that spoke wheels are not for your everyday ride. So, I take it you will not be the first on the site to put on a set of wire wheels? :-) 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

02-13-2010, 11:25 AM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Spoke wheels OK, then how about an exposed valve train? I have seen vintage bikes with exposed valve trains and they look reallay neat, but I wouldn't want the mess & extra work involved..... And no, you won't see me with wire spokes any time soon. Or with a chain drive bike either. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

02-13-2010, 11:29 AM Ryan Joined on 09-15-2007 Lethbridge, Ab, Canada Posts 105 Re: Spoke wheels Since when is riding about pragmatism? Ride what you like and F the rest... If we just rode for practical purposes, we should all be riding an NT700 Deauville. Some of the best "bang for your buck" and really "practical" bikes, but pretty vanilla 1979 CX500D 1980 CB750f    Report

02-13-2010, 2:11 PM Panther Joined on 05-09-2006 Las Vegas, NV Posts 1,264 Re: Spoke wheels  Sidecar Bob wrote: I always wonder why anyone would want to replace good looking, reliable, low maintenance Comstars with undependable, high maintenance wire spoked wheels. I would like spoke wheels so I can use High strength rims in the size I chose on my ADV build. Plus the front will be Spoke too. Also, spoke tend to deal with Hard impacts better. Peace & Light >^..^< .......... '83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady" '82 GL500swi parts bike '78 DT175 '86 LS650 Milady's bike    Report

02-13-2010, 3:42 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Spoke wheels Not to be picky, but the last time I looked my Comstars had spokes. But I can see the point about sizes. I don't know about serious off road use, but I've hit some serious potholes at decent speeds and never had to retire a Comstar. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

02-13-2010, 4:17 PM Panther Joined on 05-09-2006 Las Vegas, NV Posts 1,264 Re: Spoke wheels Well, my first rear tire will be on a stock GL650 wheel, 120/90-16 trailwing. The next will likely be on a VF700 sabre 17", but I haven't had time to fit it to my GL650 swi yet. So I am not completely sure about fit. Peace & Light >^..^< .......... '83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady" '82 GL500swi parts bike '78 DT175 '86 LS650 Milady's bike    Report

02-13-2010, 4:51 PM Goblin Motor Forge Joined on 06-14-2009 Ohio Posts 63 Re: Spoke wheels I guess its just me and side car that actually like the comstars, i think they look cool cause everybody wants or has spokes, dare to be different! after all twisted twins are different!    Report

02-13-2010, 7:05 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Spoke wheels  Panther wrote: Well, my first rear tire will be on a stock GL650 wheel, 120/90-16 trailwing. The next will likely be on a VF700 sabre 17", but I haven't had time to fit it to my GL650 swi yet. So I am not completely sure about fit. Unfortunately, there isn't much selection in 16" tires for off road use. I haven't looked lately, but when I last checked the TrailWing was it, and I wouldn't buy one of those if I had another option. They work OK, bit I don't feel the longevity matches the price. The 16" I had on my GL500outfit  lasted 5,000 Km to bald and the one I had on the CB750SC fared only a bit better. There are, however, lots of choices for 17" & 18". For example: http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/167341/ShowPost.aspx (I like the K270 for snow). 18" Comstars from CX500s are readily available and are a direct no modification replacement for the GL500's 16" rear. I suspect that fitting one to a 650 might be as simple as changing the bearings to accommodate the bigger axle. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

02-24-2010, 6:08 AM terrygl650 Joined on 10-11-2008 maine Posts 123 Re: Spoke wheels i know i'm diff. i never liked laced spoked wheels ever since tubless came out. i also never liked the big flowing fenders that indians are known for either. again,i know this is different. 1983 gl650i    Report

02-24-2010, 6:20 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Spoke wheels Jerry - do you know how to make the inks live,  or should I quote your post and modify the code so that they are clickable 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

02-24-2010, 9:03 AM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: Spoke wheels wildmanwill, Can you make the links live.  I am old and don't know how to do this. BTW, if it helps someone try this.... I'm all for it. Jerry 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

02-24-2010, 9:15 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Spoke wheels will do 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

02-24-2010, 10:31 AM tvpierce Joined on 04-14-2009 Maine, USA Posts 227 Re: Spoke wheels Quote: "If we just rode for practical purposes, we should all be riding an NT700 Deauville. Some of the best "bang for your buck" and really "practical" bikes, but pretty vanilla." If we all rode for practical purposes, we'd be riding ultra-reliable, under powered, mid-sized, liquid cooled, shaft-drive, pushrod twins, that can be bought for $700. That would be practical. Hey, wait a minute??? :-) I think it would be fair to call the CX/GL bikes the vanilla Deauvilles of their day. Current: '79 CX500 Deluxe, '99 Kawasaki Concours (ZG1000) Past: '74 CB550, '81 CB750 Super Sport, '84 VFR 750 Interceptor "If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy!" - Red Green    Report

02-24-2010, 10:34 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Spoke wheels Spoke wheel wantabee’s, This topic has come up from time to time but as near as I can tell, no one here in the states have put on a set front and rear. I have seen the Dutch or German CX club members do it and have seen a front dirt bike fork and wheel swap out (not the rear). I thought I’d collect a few things to help someone make the leap. PAST THREADS ON THE CUSTOMIZING FORUM PAGE (DATE, TITLE, AND LINK): (some links and discussion, but no completed project) 17 May 09: another spoke rear wheel idea http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/104534/ShowPost.aspx 19 Apr 09: spoked wheels http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/98491/ShowPost.aspx 26 Dec 08: Spoked rear wheel on a CX500 - workable solution, but not for the unskilled. http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/70798/ShowPost.aspx 10 Sep 08: spoke wheels  http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/56229/ShowPost.aspx 01 Jul 08: More spoked wheels.... http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/49242/ShowPost.aspx 25 Jun 07: I want some spokies! http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/15076/ShowPost.aspx THERE ARE PLACES YOU CAN GO TO HAVE WHEELS MADE (THEY ARE NOT CHEAP): http://www.hdwheels.com $ 600 per wheel (40 spokes) $ 840 per wheel (80 spokes) http://www.buchananspokes.net USING GL 1000 WHEELS ( Note: I have not found another Honda bike that drives the rear wheel from the right side except the Goldwing. The VT800 Shadow, CB700SC Nighthawk, Magna series are all on the left side) From a size perspective, the GL 1000 wheels are good for the 80-83 CX/GL bikes (drop a few hundred RPMs by going to the 17” rear wheel), not so good for the 78-79 bikes because the RPMs go up a few hundred because you’re dropping to a small diameter wheel. CX/GL 500 stock tire sizes Front 100/90-19” Rear 130/90-18” or 130/90-16” GL 1000 stock tire size Front: 100/90-19” Rear: 130/90-17” Mounting the rear wheel I successfully mounted up a GL 1100 rear wheel to my 82 GL 500 final drive by using a modified GL 1100 axle. I had the diameter reduced on one end of the axle so it could fit into the GL 500 final drive. The GL 1000 ComStar wheel is different so I could not just swap the wheels. I have not gotten the parts back from the machine shop, but it looks like there are 3 things to modify to swap wheels (I’m having this work done now). From what I can tell, 2 of the 3 items will need to be done to use the GL 1000 spoke rear wheel. 1. Reduce the depth of the drive flange about ¼” from the backside 2. Increase the length of the initial wheel shaft diameter about (about ¼”) 3. Modify the dust guard plate by increasing the inside diameter of the outer wheel hub These changes (hopefully) will allow the use of the GL 1000 ComStar wheels. Based on inspection, it looks like the center hub of the GL 1000 spoke wheel is a bit different from the GL 1000 ComStar wheel. I believe #1 and #2 step above need to be done, #3 will have to be different. I looked up Bike Bandit to see what the 75-78 GL 1000’s used for a dust shield. It appears they didn’t use one. The clearance was closed by having the final drive closer to the wheel. So, I think you will have to trim the CX/GL 500 dust shield so it just takes up the space between the wheel and final drive. I don’t think you can remove any material from the wheel hub so the dust shield can go in it like it does in the factory CX/GL 500 setup. I think that’s it. Considering the cost of GL 1000 spoke wheels, ~ $40 + shipping and the machine work, I think you can get the wheel to work for less than $400. Another option would be to disassemble the rear wheel and send just the hub to be machined. It will be cheaper since the hub is smaller in diameter and can be put in the lathe. This will reduce machine shop costs (less time to do the job). When the hub comes back, sand and polish it (or chrome it), then send it off to http://www.buchananspokes.net/ and have them lace up your wheel with new spokes to the diameter you want (16, 17, 18, or 19”) AND the rim width you want (so you can run 140/90-xx tires; don’t think you can get wider tires in the swing arm). $400-700 sounds like a lot, but try having a spoke wheel made. With chain drive, the cheapest one is $800 + shipping! The front wheel is a direct use, only the brake disc alignment might be an issue, but I think it can be solved by shimming either the disc or calipers. Rear Brake I’ll post more on this when the wheel comes back. If the final alignment is the same as the GL 1100 wheel, then I’d just use the set-up I currently have. Here is the post how I did this. http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/134725/ShowPost.aspx http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/127409/ShowPost.aspx So, I think you could easily make the swap for $500-700 (includes brake costs but not tires) if you went with stock GL 1000 wheels… Here is a pic of the GL 1000 ComStar wheel Jerry 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

03-11-2010, 9:13 AM beachcomber Joined on 03-11-2010 Redditch [UK ] and Reichenau [ Saxony ] Posts 6 Re: Spoke wheels quote - I always wonder why anyone would want to replace good looking, reliable, low maintenance Comstars with undependable, high maintenance wire spoked wheels. - unquote I guess the clue is in the title of this thread Customization and modification - if you're happy with what you've got - why are you even here? That's the short answer - this is the long version. Some of us were born in the era of Cafe Racers and specials and want to recreate machines of that era using modern, reliable and CHEAP donors. The CX500 fits that fine - apart from the fugging uggerly Comstar wheels. No one denies they are fit for purpose, but then so is a female Russian Mud wrestler. Motorcycling is all about personal choice - one man's meat etc. I personally can't see the point of a sidecar when there's plenty of cheap cars around - but hey, each to his own. Who am I to decry another's pleasure. Jeez I thought it was only the BMW owners that took offence if you dared to "customise one! Beachcomber if at first you don't succeed, you've already been a failure once..........................    Report

03-11-2010, 2:09 PM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: Spoke wheels "...fugging uggerly Comstar wheels..." Hey, I just spent a $hit load of $'s to put those on! LOL Jerry 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

03-11-2010, 2:34 PM beachcomber Joined on 03-11-2010 Redditch [UK ] and Reichenau [ Saxony ] Posts 6 Re: Spoke wheels Hey Tiger, like I said - each to his own. I saw some really nicely done Comstars - Gold powder coated with red highlights - suited the bike - but NOT for a Cafe Racer! Beachcomber if at first you don't succeed, you've already been a failure once..........................    Report

03-11-2010, 5:04 PM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: Spoke wheels I'm kidding of course, we all have different tastes. I just like to see well executed projects. I learn a lot from the posts on this site and hope I give somethng back too. Now, will someone do spokes?.... Jerry 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

03-12-2010, 1:28 AM beachcomber Joined on 03-11-2010 Redditch [UK ] and Reichenau [ Saxony ] Posts 6 Re: Spoke wheels Hey Tiger - me too, not always sure if British humour translates across the pond! All tongue in cheek! Seriously, for this conversion to work for me, it HAS to be wire spokes / alloy rims. I have a Suzuki GS450 Flat Tracker that also has OEM cast wheels - still looking for wire spokes for that! There were very few Cruiser versions of the popular Japanese models imported to the UK compared to the US - so finding alternate wire wheels is never easy. Biggest headache has been my BMW K1100 Cafe Racer in 60's style. Finally I've sourced R1150GS wire wheels that can be modified. It's all about the period image for me. Certainly the BMW wire wheels are marginal in strength compared to the cast wheels. I do very low leisure mileages these days so I am prepared for annual spoke maintanance. Beachcomber if at first you don't succeed, you've already been a failure once..........................    Report

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