Can the rear wheel be shifted?

[copracr]

I only had my rear tire off for a short time but I noticed the rim has a big spacer on the right hand side. So I was wondering...

What would happen if the rim was spaced over to the right side an inch or so? Would you even notice it riding or would it give you problems?

Is there anything preventing you from doing this besides a little customizing of the brakes and spacing the final drive teeth out to match?

My Dad gave me this idea but he can be full of shat sometimes. Just wondering if anyone has done or considered this.

[jmnjrpa]

you would

not engage the drive gear on the final drive. You could shim it but not more than an 1/8 inch or so. You can also grind out the inside of the swing arm by .06/.09.
I have to shove my 140 tire past the final drive and the brake stop lug.

[copracr]

not engage the drive gear on the final drive. You could shim it but not more than an 1/8 inch or so. You can also grind out the inside of the swing arm by .06/.09.
I have to shove my 140 tire past the final drive and the brake stop lug.

Aren't the teeth on the rear rim bolted onto a hub? I was thinking the hub could be kept where it is but the rim would be spaced right.

[crazy steve]

Yes, that could be done, but you would then have put a spacer matching that amount between the final drive and the drive-side wheel bearing. This could prove to be a PITA as it can't touch anything else inside there as it wouldn't be turning and everything else would be. Failing to install this would result in side thrust on the bearings (rather than the inner races/spacers) and they would quickly fail.

You would also uncover the drive splines from their protective seal, and may have issues with that. Trying to fit a bigger tire?

'78E original owner

[MindWebs]

how big are you trying to go????????????????

i'm running a 150/90-16 (with no mod's)and i CANNOT do a burnout, by just holding the front brakes.

i will just push the front end all day long..(that's with me leaning over the front end)

so a 150 has more then enough meat to put your HP to the ground.

but like john said, you can sqeak a bit here and there but it MUST be done with great care.

hope this helps, somehow...

[crazy steve]

I really should pay more attention to the model of bike in postings....

That 'big' spacer you have on the right side is to locate the brake caliper with your 16" wheel. That has to stay to keep the caliper centered on the disc. So in reality, you could only move the wheel whatever distance you have between the caliper 'torque' bracket and the swingarm... less than a 1/4". If you swap to a 17" 'standard' wheel, it's a bit different so you could move the wheel an additional .300", but now your tire selection is limited.

'78E original owner

[bikerphil]

You wouldn't want to use the Standard 17" rim, as it is narrower than the 16" Special.