looking for bikes with 18 inch front wheel

[longhorn717]

Hi all, I'm looking into swapping out my forks for something a little better and a little more modern. I know my bike won't transform into some awesome bike with a fork conversion but hey its my bike and this is the direction I'm going in. Not worried about selling it or who gives a poop what I'm doing or have done to it. BTW I've got a 1980 cb400t with 40k on it. yup 40,000 good ole US miles on her. The whole bike will be getting a work over as time and money allow. I would like to start by looking at the front end first. So I can tie everything together.

So I'm looking for a little more rigid forks
possibly a little more travel as in an inch or two nothing crazy (I'm not a horse jockey and don't want to bottom out if I have too little travel.)
conventional forks are ok
would prefer to stick with alloy wheels no spokes.
Looking to stay 18 inch front and back and would like my wheels to match. I could go 17 front and back if that would be easier.
I can make spacers and machined parts so doesn't have to be a drop in bolt on. closer the better.
Would like something from the late 80's to about 2000

I did a search on here and on google and didn't find any info. So I'm hoping one of you gurus can help a guy out.

Thanks

 

[Karlloss]

There were plenty of bikes with cast 18 inch wheels in the '80s, Suzuki Katanas, Yamaha RD250 RD350, XS, XV500 and so on, wouldn't have thought it'd be too much trouble to fine what you're looking for, however I'd go for 17 inch wheels as there is more tyre choice, if it were me I'd look at putting USD forks on, more rigid and better proportions.

 

[stmizner]

the cm400t had a comstar 18 up front that matches your 18" rear. And happy anniversary. you've been a member 2 years today.

 

[longhorn717]

I've been thinking about the usd forks and now have access to a lathe and mill and can now make my own trees for whatever I'd like to buy. YAY! I like the 18 inch size but I may look at some 17's. I just don't want to get too low as I'm going to do a 2-1 under the engine with a emgo shorty muffler.

 

[neevo]

Buy USD forks. Make spacers for brake discs, make collars for axle to slide through and fit USD forks, keep original wheels.

Done.

 

[longhorn717]

Hey neevo thanks. and DUH! haha. I was thinking about that to modify the rear wheel to adapt a disc setup. If I could find a bike that has USD forks, 17in. wheels front and rear, and disc brakes front and back that would be ideal. I can modify most anything just not too familiar with all the choices out there.

 

[neevo]

PJ made a few bits for my USD conversion and was the brains behind making it work, however I kept the drum rear for looks.

When I got it all it was literally a bolt up mod with me drilling and tapping the hub for the discs. I'm surprised more people don't do it as its not the hardest conversion in the world, and it ended up cheaper for me to put modern calipers, discs and forks rather than repairing/replacing the originals.

 

[longhorn717]

that's what I'm thinking. I know i would have to rebuild the forks I have and I'd also need stiffer springs by the time I add up parts even if I could do the work myself I'd still be over what I could pick up a set of USD forks for. Is there a particular style or time period of bike that uses 17s the most? 90's bikes or standard bikes? I don't know where to start looking. or is there a chart or list like there is for steering stem and axle bearing sizes?

 

[neevo]

You've got a lathe, you could pick up almost anything and turn a new stem to make it work, keeping original bearing OD's and turning the stem down to the right ID.

If your after an easy fix maybe look at 2001-2003 GSXR 750 forks as that's what I used.

The stem is correct for bottom bearing and would need turning down for top. A new thread would need to be turned for top nut. These forks don't have radially mounted discs which makes it easier to mount calipers unless you pick up the calipers and discs too.