I’ve read pretty much every thread on converting to 17” wheels and clearly it is possible. The issue is that I can’t find many options that will fit. I have looked everywhere for cb11 RS wheels but can’t find any used in any country. Is it possible to order these directly from Honda? The front forks are different on ex vs rs so will these even work on the ex?
My reasons for thinking about changing are pretty simple. I’d like to have a little more in the way of tire choices and I do like the peace of mind with a newer style tubeless tire.
Kineo appears to be an option if I want to stay with spokes. They are very expensive but it seems like a relatively painless swap that would retain the stock spoke look.
Some years ago I bought 2013 all silver wheels from Mr.T , I am certain that he can get you anything you need for the conversion.
I don't know anything about wheels but I believe forum member Chync has Kineo wheels on his CB.
I do know that the RS forks will not fit the EX, I ordered a set by accident.
What Houtman said. You will most likely have to order them from Japan and samurider.com is an awesome place to do business with.
I could be wrong, being that the translation on the description here is really bad, but it seems the Forged Aluminum Wheels they sell on Webike are offered in both 18" and 17". I am not basing this on experience, as I have not purchased these.
https://japan.webike.net/products/22589347.html
Another option is a complete GSXR 750 front end conversion. I have just put one together. That gets you 17 inch wheel, but maybe a bit of an extreme solution. Cognito Moto have a stem kit that makes all this work. You'll need stem kit, bearing kit, upper clamp, steering stops (all Cognito Moto), GSXR forks (can reuse GSXR lower clamp but I am not), brakes, wheel, a new ignition, headlight, turn signals, instrumentation and horn.
I’ve been following your other post. Really interested in how it turns out. Probably more extreme than I’m thinking. I’m also a little on the safety conscious side so I’m not too interested in doing much of the modification myself. Changing wheels and bearings is one thing but custom gabbing the entire front end is way beyond me.
Also, I have the parts diagram for the cb1100rs and it does appear that the vast majority of the rs wheel parts will fit the ex. I need to do a side by side to see the exact differences. Rear wheel assembly is about 750 and slightly less for the front.
I like the way a late model or sport bike front end updates the looks and sometimes the function on an older-style bike. But changing to a GSXR or other front end may bring complications. Measured from axle center to top of the fork tube, my CB1100 measures roughly 31", fairly tall. Most sport bikes are in the 28"-29" range. Combine that with a 1/2" smaller diameter tire and a 100 pound heavier bike and it could reduce ground clearance a couple inches.
It will also steepen the steering angle more, make it harder to put on the centerstand, make it less steady on the sidestand. Plus, the reduced offset on the fork triple clamps makes it steer even quicker, and may reduce turning radius because the forks are closer to hitting the tank. And on and on. Hate to sound so negative, but sometimes modifications don't have the intended results.
Most the time it is cheaper/better to buy a different (second hand ) bike.