wire spoke wheels

[jim rosenthal_imp]

I'm thinking about buying a CB1100DLX, and would like to know if anyone here has done the wire wheel conversion. I've found one source in Japan (Samurider.com) that offers wire wheels by Honda and also Excel. They appear about the same, although the Excel ones seem to cost more. (evidently they are made up bespoke, so to speak )

Has anyone done this to date? My concerns are that I don't want to disable the ABS on the bike, nor screw up the warranty if I can avoid it. I know that Honda sells the CB1100 in other markets with wire wheels, so it's not like I would be.... well.... reinventing the wheel.

Sorry for the multiple puns, but it wasn't intended. Any information that you all have, gratefully accepted and thanks in advance.

Jim in Annapolis

[Randy B]

There are a few reasons why nobody had done it yet, the first and foremost being the cost. Not only will you need the rims, but all three brake torots along with new tires and tubes to go along with them. I believe the cost would be close to $4,000 when all is said and done.
I am in no way telling you not to do it, but more the reasons why we haven't seen anyone else do it yet.
I believe the EX has ABS so that SHOULD be a non-issue.

[jlhalsey_imp]

There are a few reasons why nobody had done it yet, the first and foremost being the cost. Not only will you need the rims, but all three brake torots along with new tires and tubes to go along with them. I believe the cost would be close to $4,000 when all is said and done.
I am in no way telling you not to do it, but more the reasons why we haven't seen anyone else do it yet.
I believe the EX has ABS so that SHOULD be a non-issue.

i am in the middle of this swap. I have a 2013 std CB 1100 (no ABS). Takashi has sent me tires, tubes, wheels, collars, drive sprocket, axles, various bolts, nuts, washers, brake discs, rear drive hub etc. Was going well, front went on easily, however rear has been a bit more difficult. US market service manual is not adequate, you need the Japan market service manual for EX which is presently out of stock. Takashi sent me parts diagrams marked up to show the orientation and location of most parts.

Upon attempting to install the rear wheel assembly, it became apparent that the total width was greater than the cast wheel assembly. Takashi and I began the detective process. Swing arm was prime suspect, as part number was different than mine, however the inside width between the chain adjusters was same as Japan EX bike. Turns out the rear brake caliper for EX is narrower. Takashi is sending me the narrow caiper next week, hopefully this does the trick. the spoked rear wheel assembly is heavier than the cast original so now checking on shocks/spring rates.

Takashi has been very helpful. i also bought an EX center stand and have 2014 dual exhaust coming. then is will rest and enjoy the bike. Yes, it is not cheap but then the trade in on a 2014 which still lacks the wire wheels is not either.

[jim rosenthal_imp]

Randy, thanks for the reply. Samurider seems to sell the wheels with tires, tubes and rotors as a package and they appear to be Honda parts. Are the axles and drive sprocket different as well?

Is Takashi a different outfit than Samurider? I am just getting familiar with all this.

[the Ferret]

Jlhalsey, ... Heck of a first post. Welcome to the forum, and please keep us aprised of how the swap goes and what all is involved.

[ss2wheels_imp]

Welcome Jim,Annapolis is nice,I moved here to Myrtle Beach from MD 15 years ago. My wife and I bought a little Cafe/Deli and have the only real all lump MD Crabcake in Myrtle Beach,taste just like Anne Arundel county!all the people that came here from MD love em. Jim make sure to post a pic of your CB when you are done with the swap..

[jim rosenthal_imp]

I don't want to be the first penguin off the ice, here. I am going to wait until someone else has completed it. I can change out parts with the best of them, but I am not a machinist and I don't want to have to fabricate pieces. I'll leave that for the real experts.

[The Spaceman_imp]

JHalsey, how much $$ do you think you'll have spent once you're done?

Hope to see photos when you're done.

[Lord Popgun]

Takashi Takase owns and operates the samurider.com site.

We tend to call him Mr. T on the board here.

[jim rosenthal_imp]

Got it. That is the fellow I had the emails from. Now I understand. Thank you for your help.