Switching to spoke wheels

seadog · Posted: January 25, 2008, 1:25 am Post subject: Switching to spoke wheels

I'm still in the planning stages on my bobber so I've been doing alot of research on this site-such a wealth of info and knowledge here, so I need some input. I want to put a Springer front end onto my '81 XS. The ones I've found on e-bay (via tips from members here-thanks) are for Harleys, thus making my stock front wheel incompatable. So here are my questions:

Is there an Axle conversion kit/procedure to remedy this? or must I use Wheels made for that Front end?

If so, I like the classic spokes- I found a rear spoker for an '80 XS but it is 18" instead of my stock 16". If I go with that then I must go with a 21" Front, correct? Are there any drawbacks to doing that?

Thanks for any input on this.

-Seadog

xsleo · Posted: January 26, 2008, 2:34 am Post subject: Re: Switching to spoke wheels

i think they made a 16" spoke wheel with a drum brake, but if you want a disc brake rear wheel you will have to use a mag wheel. unless you can find a kawasaki wheel, they used a 40 spoke rear with a disc brake, late 70's - early 80's. i don't know how it would work , axle size, width of hub, how the disc is offset or how the caliper is mounted. i just know that kawi used one. as far as the front wheel use what size you want. the stock front was a 19".

seadog · Posted: January 27, 2008, 1:16 am Post subject: Re: Switching to spoke wheels

I think I've solved the problem. I found a 16" 40 spoke wheel from a 1980 XS 650 on eBay. It has a drum brake so now I can match an after market wheel to fit the new Springer Forks. Thanks for the input.

Seadog

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