17" spoked front wheel

[mini.30]

Hi all

I am planning a bit of modification to my bike - a 75 GL1000

I love the look of a 17" front wheel, black rim and hub with shiny spokes teamed up with a chunky tyre

Has anyone done this mod? Does anyone know of a 17" x 1.85, 40 spoke wheel on another bike that could be used as a donor rim (I am happy to upcycle rather than buy new - it will be powder coated black after all)

Any advice would be appreciated

Cheers
Mark

[Fred Camper]

Nothing come to my mind. Not unusual for me. But others may have a clue.

[mini.30]

Thanks anyway

It seems most 40 spoke rims only go down to a 18", smaller than that and 36 spoke seems more popular

[Old Fogey]

If it's really important to you, you could contact one of these companies who will make one for you, in black. if you want a chunky tyre on it, I suggest you use a 2.15 rim. You could get a matching pair with a 3" rear rim.
Yes, shock, horror, made in China!
https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?fs ... product_en

[Fred Camper]

Adventure bikes are most common with spokes today but Adventure bikes use big front wheels. so thinking the link above or Buchanan may be your only sources

https://www.buchananspokes.com/

[mini.30]

Thanks for the replies

Buchanon I have looked at before, it's less than ideal that they are in California and I am in England

I will look into 2.15 options

I understand Adventure bikes still use spokes today, but just about every bike came with them in the 70's and into the 80's. These were the bikes I meant when I said about using a donor from another bike, not one from a brand new adventure bike.

I am sure there must be an alternative to importing a rim from America or China

The quest continues

Cheers

[Old Fogey]

17" rims were not a popular size back in the 60, 70, 80. Even small bikes like the Tiger Cub were on 18"s.
17"s didn't really come in until the sports bikes and racers stated to use them. The 17" rear rim on the Wing was anomaly due to the size and weight necessitating a 4.5" tyre.
By the way, that rear rim has been used on the front by some custom builders. It's a 2.50 which is a bit of a sqeeze in the GL1000 forks.

[mini.30]

Thank you Old Fogey

I was not aware of that

So to get a 40 spoke 17" rim I am looking at a new item

Many Thanks

Mark

[Oldboy]

I run a 16 X 3 Harley Davidson chrome spoke rims front and back on my 1100. They are laced to gl1000 hubs. Front tire 130 90 16 rear tire 140 90 16. It can be done.

[Whiskerfish]

https://ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=2681

[mini.30]

Great info guys, thank you

Would you have a picture of your 16" front and rear setup Oldboy?

[mini.30]

Is anyone able to confirm the use of a rear rim laced to the front hub?

Cheers
Mark

[Fred Camper]

Pretty sure Octane did that and documented the lace.