1977 GS750 spoked wheel upgrade

[Guest]

I am looking to replace my factory spokes and rims on my 77 GS750 with something more modern. Trying to use my current factory hubs. Will also be replacing bearings and maybe (upgraded?) rotors while I am at it. Might try to go with wider rims if possible not really sure what factory size is or what will fit. Has anybody here done something similar to this? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[steve murdoch]

Buchanan's is a great source for parts
Remember you will probably need to sell a couple body parts for a complete wheel makeover.

https://www.buchananspokes.com/

[slayer61]

Buchanan's is a great source for parts
Remember you will probably need to sell a couple body parts for a complete wheel makeover.
https://www.buchananspokes.com/

Agreed. 2nd for Buchanans. They can supply you with components, or they can build the wheel to your design

[Big T]

I put Buchanan's stainless spokes on my wheels decades ago. They still look great.
That said, now it will run you $2-300 per wheel for spokes and lacing. Add in new rims for another $4-600.

As for brakes, upgrading the rotors will have little improvement on braking. Do the Salty_Monk twinpot upgrade.

[storm 64]

I have about $1,600 wrapped up in these wheels, including buying the hubs, new wheel bearings and tires. I went through Woody's Wheel Works in Denver Colorado. I sent them my hubs, told them what motorcycle they were going on, I had them lace them up for a extra $100... I couldn't be happier 🌞

[salty_monk]

You could also potentially upgrade the brakes as well as upgrading the rotors... There is stuff that works on both twin & dual brake forks. There is no issue with spoked wheels either (they are drilled for rotors both sides).

[Chuck78]

I have many sets of GS hubs with aftermarket rims... Some of which I laced up myself. I was just talking with Buchanan's today about more, actually!
It's about $122 per wheel for upgraded double butted 8g/10g spokes & nipples (all stainless).

Excel Takasago rims are great. The dimpled rims look cooler, but if you want big wide performance sized rear tire, you'll probably have to go wider than dimpled rims are offered in if I recall?
Buying rims direct from Buchanans will be pricey but will be drilled at the correct angle for ypur hub diameter, with no guesswork on your part trying to ebay random rims.

2.50x18 front & 3.50x18 rear is a great combo. Running a 100/90-18 & 130/80-18 is fantastic. You can also run a 140/70-18 or 150/70-18 rear, but you'll never realize the full cornering potential if the 150 in the rear unless you really raise the ride height a lot to gain cornering clearance to lay the bike over enough to drag your knees in curves. 130/80 is my favorite, 140/70 is #2. 150/70 looks very cool but isn't as practical, extra weight and no more tread contact patch when mounted on a 3.50 rim. 4.50 fits a 150nicely, however

2.15x18 front and 3.00x18 rear also works well enough. 120/80, 120/90, or 130/90 rear. 100/90 front.

18 front will quicken your steering to a more sporty level,which is preferred by a lot of us. A bigger 19" tire will add weight, slow down steering, & I don't recommend it unless you just want to cruise on straight roads & want the fatter tire look.

Sun Rims made by Buchanan's are also top quality, but I really like the Excels aesthetically.

[Chuck78]

The twinpot brake mod, I HIGHLY SUGGEST. New or used rotors, calipers, lines, & master cylinder.

It's in my top 4 GS GS mods WITHOUT A DOUBT!
Soft sticky sporty tires, charging system upgrades & ignition relay, front twinpot brake upgrade, & cartridge emulators in the forks... Most important areas to upgrade. The other most important thing is just general maintenance catch up after decades of negligence that old bikes typically see!

[limeex2]

I 2nd Chucks advice on using a 18" front as well as emulators and brake upgrades. I was amazed by the difference and the quality of the ride from our older rides!