Wire wheel swap

[mmmansur]

First let me say thanks for a great web site. All of the info has helped me bring an old barn find back to life. I picked up an 81 GS550T for free, and I am in the process of restyling it with a cafe look. It currently has alloy wheels that I would love to swap out for wire wheels. Did this model come with these or what else could be interchanged? I am looking for something that would be a bolt on, little to no modification to fit and budget minded. It has single disks front and rear, that I would like to retain. I know the alloy wheels are probably lighter, but they just don't have the look that I want. Any info would be great, thanks again.

[doodad]

wheels

i think 77/78 gs550/750 spoke wheels will near as dammit fit straight in from memory.the discs certainly are the same as is spindle size.

[mmmansur]

Thanks for the info, I will have to check it out (I have a couple of local guys who have lots of second hand early Japanese parts)

[salty_monk]

The wire spoked wheels are actually a good deal lighter than the alloy mags...

[doctorgonzo]

The wire spoked wheels are actually a good deal lighter than the alloy mags...

That's actually one reason I have considered them, I'm always on the lookout for ways to lighten this G. As soon as I lay my hands on a stand for the shop for oil changes, wheel removal and such I'm probably gonna lose the center stand as the next concession to weight. I still can't believe the handling difference losing the weight from the stock exhaust made.

[jed.only]

ive tried to find a set for my 79 1000L, but havent had any luck. sticking with alloy for the time being.

[Big T]

Check on Ebay

I've seen some lately - remember that the 550-750s use a steel rim and the 1000s have alloy.

Of course, you can get some hubs and any alloy rims of the size you want and get them laced up with stainless spokes for a proper cafe look.

Sorry Dr G, you're stuck with the mags - no wire wheel shaft drive hubs made

[jed.only]

what 1000 bikes had spokes? the outer rims on those are alloy?

[Big T]

The 78-79 standard bikes have spoke wheels

The E models have mags

The 1000s have a unique alloy rim made in Japan by (I can't remember the maker and it's too cold out to go check)

[jed.only]

is it akront?

[Big T]

Nope- Akront are now made in Spain
Borrani is Italian
Sun is Japanese

But it's another manufacturer for the GS rims - Smaller shoulder than the Borranis and Akronts (my Ducs got one of each)

The Akront have a great classic look -pretty spendy,tho

[zangetsu]

GS1000 spoked wheels

Here's my '79 GS1000.
I bought it just because it had the spoked wheels! I didn't know it was a "standard" package - is that why it only has single disc brakes? Any dual brake setups available?

[limeex2]

spokes

Here's my '79 GS1000.
I bought it just because it had the spoked wheels! I didn't know it was a "standard" package - is that why it only has single disc brakes? Any dual brake setups available?

You will need a right fork leg off a cast wheel model,brake caliper and brake lines.the bolt holes are under the plastic cover.lace up some wide rims and away you go!

[makenzie71]

This was all something that made me really like the multi-piece Honda Comstars...

http://www.cx-gl.org.uk/phpBB/album_personal.php?user_id=947

[TheCafeKid]

is it akront?

If its the same company as the cast wheels, its Einke.