Honda Rebel wheel conversion

mattsmith95 · Traffic Copper Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Karma :

Daft idea maybe but...

The rebel has spoked wheels and I want to know if it's possible to replace them with wheels from say a Honda CB250.

My problem is that I use my Rebel for despatching and I've had a few punctures lately which means a trip to a bike shop for a new tube. If I didn't have spoked wheels a puncture would be easily plugged.

Any ideas or has anyone done something like this?

Thanks in advance.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Couple of tips.

1) Tyre slime in the tube. You get a cheap version called "linseal" which is designed for forklifts.

2) Drill another hole in the rim, fit two tubes, spread the air between them. If you get a puncture, blow up the non-punctured tube to full pressure.

3) Carry a puncture repair kit and some tyre levers, or even just a spare tube. Getting the tyre on and off the rim of a 250 isn't tricky or time consuming once you have the knack. From there on in it's just like a bicycle. I reckon you could get it down to 15 minutes from puncture to riding away with a little practice.

All that said, Hondas are pretty good for parts interchangeability. I would guess a CB250 wheel would drop straight in providing they use the same braking system.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

mattsmith95 · Traffic Copper Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Karma :

Thanks for the tips but I would feel better fitting a CB250 wheel on, I want to eliminate having a tube and going for tubeless.

The CB250 rear wheel would work maybe, what I was worried about is the sprocket. The brake plate is more or less the same, the shoes are a little different but are the same size.

The Rebel rear wheel is wider than a CB250 wheel, would that be a problem?

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

mattsmith95 · Traffic Copper Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Karma :

Both the rim and tyre are wider!

I'm thinking if I just put in a CB250 rear wheel into the rebel using the rebel spacers it might fit.

I wanted to know if this was wise or would it be dangerous.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

If it fits snugly, the spindle is the same diameter, the spacers press against the inner wheel bearing races and the chain and brakes line up then you should be onto a winner.

A narrower tyre will tend to make the steering faster/twitchier. May even be a good thing on a rebel with its raked-out front end.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.