Some options for "compromise" wheels

[Syscrush]

I do not like the look of 17" wheels on a classic CBX. May be acceptable on a custom with a changed front end. The front fender needs to adjust to the smaller wheel and the rear has too much open space to the rear frame.

I think that they can look great with USD forks and a fat swingarm if you're willing to slam the bike down a bit and go with a different tail section. IMO bikeymikey748's Pro-Link is a perfect example of this.

But on an otherwise near-stock bike, I agree that the proportions are off and the look is never quite right.

[Syscrush]

So, I think I'm pulling the trigger on having an 18" rear boomerang widened to 3.5" or 4". I found 2 18" rears in kinda ratty condition and they're both on their way to my house. If an 18x4.0 can be made to fit in my swingarm, then I could try to run the same kind of tires that the CB1100 guys like.

My plan is also to move to radial tires - the Avon Roadriders I have worked very well for me, but I think it makes sense to try radials given all of the other suspension and brake upgrades I've already done.

IMO the 110/90-18 size currently on the front of my bike works well in terms of performance, fit, and look, so I'd like to stick with that size, but Metzler makes their Z8 in a 110/80-18 front and 140/70-18 rear, and that setup is popular with the CB1100 crowd, so I'll probably end up going that way. I have a 17" 140 (not sure the profile) on the rear right now so I'm pretty confident that the 18x4.0 with a 140/70-18 would fit fine and have less of a gumball look.

[Syscrush]

Consultations with the fabricator who did all of the custom work for my front end and with Paul Brodie have me questioning the wisdom of widening a boomerang wheel. Once everything arrives I'll touch base with the wheel shop and see what makes sense.

[Syscrush]

A new addition to this list...

7. 80's Ducati Pantah


Supposedly the specs are:

Front: 3.25x18 100/90-18
Rear: 4.00x18 110/90-18

IMO those would look just about perfect on almost any vintage bike. Really great design. These wheels aren't common, but they can be found from international sellers on ebay. By the time they're on your bike, they'd cost about as much as the modern options, but they do have fantastic style.

[Larry Zimmer]

I would have to agree, Phil.

[Syscrush]

This thread I started makes me want to start collecting wheels and building bikes around 'em.

[Bill Kemp]

Those Campy wheels look like the Lester wheels that came on my bike.

The original owner installed them and I never got the original wheels when I obtained the bike. I actually don't mind the Lester ones though.

Bill

[bobcat]

Phil, if you haven't already, have a look at EPM wheels. They make a style
that looks very much like Lester we used on our old CB750F race bike. I like
them because they look more sturdy than the split spoke designs. The ones
in the picture are 19"x2.5" front and 18"x3.5" rear (guess on the widths, long
time ago) powder coated gold. I wish the pic was in color. I hope this posts ok.

[bobcat]

Phil, if you haven't already, have a look at EPM wheels. They make a style
that looks very much like Lesters. We used EPMs on our old CB750F race bike.
I like them because they look more sturdy than the split spoke designs. The ones
in the picture are 19"x2.5" front and 18"x3.5" rear (guess on the widths, long
time ago) powder coated gold. I wish the pic was in color. I hope this posts ok.

Well, I can't get the pic to post. I'll just send it to you and maybe you can get it
to post (or just look at it).

[NobleHops]

Kosman was widening Comstar wheels years back…

[Syscrush]

Kosman was widening Comstar wheels years back…

Yes, I've talked to someone who knows a bike with a widened rear boomie. I'm back to being willing to give it a try, but not sure if it'll be this year or next.

[Syscrush]

Bob, here's the photo you emailed me:

[Jeff Bennetts]

Jim Zemanek (Cincycles) had a widened boomerang rear rim on his personal CBX back in the day, one of the first that I had seen in person, Kosman wasn’t interested in fooling with them at first and I don’t remember where he had it done? Maybe Rick or Dave remember. Jim is still around, he’d be a good source for that type of information!

[Syscrush]

Thanks for sharing that photo, Bob. Those EPM wheels look great. I can't help thinking that there's more than one good story behind that photo!

[bobcat]

Thanks for sharing that photo, Bob. Those EPM wheels look great. I can't help thinking that there's more than one good story behind that photo!

Thanks for posting that Phil ! I tried 3 times and gave up.
I probably should have used an 18"front wheel but I didn't want to change
the steering geometry in any way from what Matt (owner/rider) was used
to from a successful year+ of production racing. Stories ? Oh yes !