Newer "6-spoke" on an '81 GS750EX?

[txironhead]

I like the look of the "six-spoke" rims found on '83-newer GS's (apparently, haven't found a definitive guide) much better than the factory "star" rims that are on my bike. Are there any six-spokes that are a direct bolt-in, or little modification necessary, for my bike?

Factory size on my bike is 100/90-19 (3.25x19) front and 110/90-18 (4.00x18) rear, dual front and single rear disc. I would like to keep the three disc setup but wouldn't mind upgrading the rotors or calipers.

Also, are there any 3- or 5-spoke rims that are easy to fit?

[Tom MLC]

I like the look of the "six-spoke" rims found on '83-newer GS's (apparently, haven't found a definitive guide) much better than the factory "star" rims that are on my bike. Are there any six-spokes that are a direct bolt-in, or little modification necessary, for my bike?

Factory size on my bike is 100/90-19 (3.25x19) front and 110/90-18 (4.00x18) rear, dual front and single rear disc. I would like to keep the three disc setup but wouldn't mind upgrading the rotors or calipers.

Also, are there any 3- or 5-spoke rims that are easy to fit?

I picked up a set of wheels & rotors from a '83 GS1100 from a member here. Cleaned 'em up, painted 'em & installed 'em on my '78 GS1000. Whatcha think?


It's a 19" front and a 17" rear. The installation was a direct fit. There was one challenge. The stock front calipers did not work with the new rotors. I had to find front calipers from a '80 GS1000. So you're looking at a '78/'80/'83 contraption! Oh yeah. I got carried away with the red paint. Painted the calipers, too!

[chef1366]

Those look sweet Tom. What did you paint the mag with?

[txironhead]

Hmm, with my '81 I should be able to use the stock caliper then and just find a front rim. Which speedo drive did you use, or were they both the same?

Wonder where I could find an 18" rear wheel......

I painted the stock rims on my '85 Shadow (gone but not forgotten) with Dupli-Color Engine Paint with outstanding results. The trick is getting any old paint off or scuffed really good and degrease about 5 times......

I used to buy Tech 2000 Carb and Choke Cleaner (Wally World) by the case. It'll take the oil off anything, including your hands, which leads to discovering the wonderful product Gold Bond lotion to keep my knuckles from cracking open and bleeding......invest in solvent-resistant gloves!

[Tom MLC]

Those look sweet Tom. What did you paint the mag with?

Chef, I used plain 'ol rattle can enamel from OSH. No clear coat. I degreased with laquer thinner & scotchbrite before masking & painting. I'm not sure how well it will hold up to road grime & cleaning. So far I have cleaned the wheels twice. I use waterless hand goop because it's gentle & effective.

Hmm, with my '81 I should be able to use the stock caliper then and just find a front rim. Which speedo drive did you use, or were they both the same?

Tex, the speedo drives looked the same to me. There is a centering ring on the left side of the front wheel. The speedo drive fits into that. This piece was different between the '78 & '83. I used the '78 ring.