Alright, so I've had this bike for a couple years. and bought it for $200. no title. not trying to bore everybody with my struggles, lord knows I've had them. you get what you pay for. I guess I just fell in love at first sight. And then the disappointment began. So, after this bike let me down a few times, (only at the Colorado state patrol DURING a vin inspection. 3 separate times. ran great. won't start. want pass inspection. no title. Anyways. long story short. rebuilt stator from the Deets, and a new wiring harness and brand-new rubber and a few little things. 4th times charm. clean Colorado title. now the fun stuff. Except, when I got tires way back when the guy at the Yamaha dealer warned me how rusty my wheels were. and I saw them. horrible. like the last thing you would ever trust. buuuut I've been rip'in er. happy to have a title and keep going.
Engine clanks and suspensions clapped out. wheels are fucked. looks cool as hell though. It's going to be more of a dual sport street tracker kinda thing that 10-year-old me would most definitely approve of. just a fun commuter to do stupid shit on. rip some trails ride around town and be a kid. I found a guy nearby craigslist has some "70s DT" parts. I'm talking wheels n such. no year specific, and probably off a 125. rust free and straight 'I think" he said.
Sorry for the long preface, but I love opinions and I've been a stalker for a while. probably going to have the motor gone through, new rear shocks, rebuilt front forks, and some custom touches. now that electrical is almost all brand new and I still want to do a full build and now that I finally have a title, I can start to plan and ask questions. First. what do I need to look for when I go to see these wheels so I know they will be a direct bolt-on? Rim width, diameter, axle size, what about the drum brake uh stuff? size? how interchangeable are these wheels, and what changes? they look very similar on pictures. i would just like to what specifics to look for and what to measure, so I know they will fit. ALSO, what's a fair price if they do? I know a lot of these wheels rust, but I'm not trying to buy new. UNLESS any reasonable options? not a race bike, but It's a full build I want to make as nice as possible. (You know what i mean)
Some questions that I have been searching for are, if you have drum brake hubs front and rear, can you buy a rim and spokes and build a new wheel? Do you guys normally machine the drum brake surface when you replace the shoes? On a car you always do but how many people will do that on old motorcycle drum brake wheels? how do I know the wheels I want to buy will be machinable? I guess I'm just wondering what I should do. respoke, machine, true, and new brakes and I already have tires, what to look for, can I arc the shoes to fit the drum myself and what does that involve? I have not found a brake threat where people mention new shoes AND machining, just new shoes and go.
If I'm planning on a full build, I just want to have a consistent level of quality throughout the build. any thoughts on what suspension will cost (new shocks and rebuild forks) front and rear, motor rebuild (runs great, probably needs an overbore) and wheels, are my main concerns. everything else is cosmetic and comes later. I'm just trying to start with most needed part on my particular bike and would really appreciate some constructive criticism or thoughts, and if it's worth buying original wheels, or what to consider for my future plans.
Anyways, thanks in advance I know this is more than just wheels, but again, looking for all around advice and wheel specific would be great.
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