switching wheels from a Kawi

geezerbiker · Full Member Joined: Sep 15, 2007 Posts: 49

The spoked wheels on my '82 are seriously rusted, and the rear brakes were worn down to bare metal, and then some. I think the drum is damaged from driving the bike with no pads left on the shoes. Rather than try to salvage the rear wheel, I'm wondering if I can switch the whole thing for a Kawasaki wheel that I already have. It's a mag wheel, which I'd rather have anyway, the rim is the same size, and the tire is the same brand and size as what was on the bike, and brakes are in good shape. The only thing is, the hub is smaller, probably because it came off a KZ440, a smaller bike. Would I be able to use this on the XS650, or is the smaller hub an issue because it might not provide enough braking for a heavier bike?

5twins · Full Member Joined: Aug 05, 2006 Posts: 1616

I don't think the drum size would be a big factor. Bikes stop mostly with the front brake anyway. I think the problems you encounter will have more to do with axle size (diameter), spacers, and sprocket mounting. Another thing you'll have to check is the sprocket off-set or spacing from the rim center. If that differs, when you line up the sprockets, that will put your front and rear wheel out of alignment.

geezerbiker · Full Member Joined: Sep 15, 2007 Posts: 49

5twins wrote:

I don't think the drum size would be a big factor. Bikes stop mostly with the front brake anyway. I think the problems you encounter will have more to do with axle size (diameter), spacers, and sprocket mounting. Another thing you'll have to check is the sprocket off-set or spacing from the rim center. If that differs, when you line up the sprockets, that will put your front and rear wheel out of alignment.

All good points and things to watch for. Even though the Kawi drum is smaller, the sprocket is larger. I haven't checked yet for distance from the center of the rim, but thanks for pointing that out. I can probably correct that will spacers if need be. An axle can be found, or I'll make one. It's really just a big bolt threaded on one end, or at least that's what it looks like to me. The brake connecting rod and control lever actually seem to line up just fine, so I'm hoping this is going to work. Updates/further questions to follow.

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