I really want to put a 5" rim on the back of my SM, but the cost of a decent set of wheels is ridiculous. I tend to buy established brands like Excel for their quality and customer service, but spending over $1500 is out of the question at this time. Can I relace the OEM hub with an aftermarket rim? What might I expect to pay for the lacing?
What tire are you going to put on that 5" rim that will fit inside the swingarm? Even a 160 is pushing it on the factory rim...
Looks like I can manage a Q2 in there with decent clearance. I'll probably get a roller for the chain, but seeing as this SM will get mostly commuter miles and a mountain rail here and there, I'm not overly concerned with clearance. Definitely will do all the homework before I turn a wrench though!
Would be good to find an actual Q2 mounted on a 5" rim and measure it. Post a message on a sportbike forum and see if someone can measure one for you.
I run the 160 Q2 on my 630 with the stock rim and there is realistically an 1/8" clearance on each side of the tire. Its pretty tight.
http://www.buchananspokes.net/ Buchanans will quote you as well. Good source. Lacing a wheel is not difficult, so if you sourced a rim and got a set of spokes to fit it is a do-able DIY project. I have done at least a dozen of them. Clamp the axle in a vice and set up something to use as a trueing guide. Buchanans will cut and thread custom length spokes if you need them. Expect to pay around $300 for rim and spoke set. Some of the chinese rims are cheaper and some work pretty good, like WARP9 - have 'em on a WR250 yamaha for offroad and they've been fine - half the price of excel.
Old Goosedog want with an Excel 5" and some custom lacing (?) by Buchanan's http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthread.php?97714-610-rockin-again&highlight=
