Showing off my work...

WestBrantKid

WestBrantKid

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Forum Sponsor
I have winter tires installed on my motorcycle and don't want to switch tires every season so I picked up a use set of rims for the summer.
They were stock black so I decided to pretty them up. The photos don't pick up the colours very well. They are red rims with reflective black and reflective white vinyl. The flash really picks up the reflection, though!
I painted the rims and designed/cut/installed the vinyl myself.
What do you think?
 

Attachments

  • 8ebabd36-8380-4619-9dcd-81fd49744edc.jpg
    8ebabd36-8380-4619-9dcd-81fd49744edc.jpg
    456.6 KB · Views: 71
  • 9b6ee3d9-4b64-4100-a359-79ca9431e598.jpg
    9b6ee3d9-4b64-4100-a359-79ca9431e598.jpg
    447.7 KB · Views: 72
This is what I get for showing off. :cry:

I went to install these wheels on the weekend, and they don't fit! :oops: Not sure how that's possible.
The part number is right, but somehow the spacers don't fit the hub on the front. I thought the difference must be in the barrings, or some part inserted into the hub, but my user manual shows the recess for the spacer is part of the rim.
The rear was about 0.25" too wide, but I managed to get it in with the help of a pry bar.

On the positive side, I have an '03 Katana that is in better condition and has a GSXR front end that I think these will fit. If so, I'll transfer all my mods to the '03, from the '01, and have a better bike. (Denali Soundbomb, Denali power system, K&N air filter, heated grips, USB charger, custom built luggage mounts, and more)
I only went with the '01 because I like the sound better, so if the wheels fit I'll also transfer the exhaust.
With my limited time and money I may miss a good month of the "riding season."
 
I hope you removed it shortly after to prevent permanent deformation of the swing arm.

The cush drive looks improperly installed. Usually the two halves of each rubber straddle the rib. Have you compared these wheels to your original ones?

EDIT: Never mind, now that I see the full size pic, it does appear OK, but maybe upside down?
 
The change over has started.
I'm seeing more rust than I expected from just one winter of riding. I think rather than switching wheels for winter/summer riding I will switch bikes, and pressure wash it more often. That way I only destroy one bike with winter salt. The problem is; which bike do I put my Denali soundbomb on? Because of the size and location, it's too much work to transfer from bike to bike, and too expensive to buy a second one.
Anyone know of a cheaper alternative for a loud horn?
 

Attachments

  • 20230501_223611.jpg
    20230501_223611.jpg
    1.8 MB · Views: 14
Relax said:
Did you figure out what the problem was with the wheel fitment?
Click to expand...
Sort of... But not really...
My daily rider is an '01. It's wheel fit different from my previous daily rider which was an '03. That's why I had to buy a new set for my summers. What I haven't figured out is why both bikes have the same part number for the front wheels, yet they fit different.
After reviewing parts diagrams (I don't remember which but it was a popular American part supplier) I saw that the two bike should have the same front wheels and forks, but they don't. The '03 has much beefier forks. I then looked at a GSXR diagram and it looked like my '03 GSXF so I assumed the previous owner (I bought the bike in '08) had upgraded to a GSXR front end.
This week I've been window shopping Katanas on Marketplace and saw a factory original '06 Katana that looks like it just rolled off the factory floor and it has the same forks as my '03. I'm now very confused, but I have to assume the diagram I studied was wrong and my '03 just cam stock with a different front end.
That's the same site I got the part number from, so I guess the numbers I got were also wrong.

My '01 was bought to use as a parts bike, but I liked the sound of it better so I decided to ride and upgrade that one instead of the '03. Part way through installing some accessories I began to notice the '01 had some rust starting on it and was regretting my choice, but I had already done enough work on it that I stuck with it. Now that I'm forced to make the switch, because my spare wheels fit my '03, I'm not happy about all the time it's gonna take, but I'm very glad to be getting the better bike as my daily rider. I'll be swapping the exhaust and the carbs as well.
Also, as I said before, I think I'll sacrifice my '01 as my winter-beater and keep my '03 in top shape.

The main reason I bought the parts bike though, is to rebuild the engine and store it for when it's needed. Now I'll have to keep my eye open for a cheap, used 750cc engine that I can rebuild. I don't have room for a 3rd bike.

Edit: It was Partzilla that I got the numbers and diagrams from.
 
Relax said:
The cush drive looks improperly installed. Usually the two halves of each rubber straddle the rib. Have you compared these wheels to your original ones?

EDIT: Never mind, now that I see the full size pic, it does appear OK, but maybe upside down?
Click to expand...

I think you're right.

The center of the rubbers in the cush drive is supposed to be over the raised aluminum section.



Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk
 
matt365 said:
I think you're right.

The center of the rubbers in the cush drive is supposed to be over the raised aluminum section.



Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
They are properly positioned. They can't be installed improperly. The only fit one way.
 
Suggestion:

Go to ronayers.com

Check the suzuki part #s for an '01 and '03

See if the #s are the same.

If they're different, then there's been some revisions with the wheels. That would explain your 1/4" difference.

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk
 
matt365 said:
Suggestion:

Go to ronayers.com

Check the suzuki part #s for an '01 and '03

See if the #s are the same.

If they're different, then there's been some revisions with the wheels. That would explain your 1/4" difference.

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I see the problem.
The '03 has several options. The w, x, y, k1, and k2. One, or all, of these have the same able as my '01. Then there's a K3 option which is what's on my '03.
Thanks for the advice. It shows this on Partzilla, too, but it's clearer on the site you suggested.
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom