how to source a brake disc spacer and axle spacers for a 'wheel un-swap-re-swap

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I have a 1979 CX 100 with a '07 GSXR fork on it.

Wen the former owner did the fork swap, he switched the factory mag wheel for a set of Borrani spoke wheels.

I want the stock wheels back on the bike, preserving the Gixxer front end. (I have the stock wheels)

So I need a set of disc adapters for the big floating discs to the CX100 mag wheels
Im sure I'll also need to space it correctly, so axle spacers as well


I have had TERRIBLE luck trying to get one-off projects made by machine shops or fabricators for bikes and motorcycles and trailers going back years and years. I know so many people, but have beat the bushes of my network and can't find a fabricator or mechanic or builder willing to look at it.(or even a referral to someone else!)

I can take measurements, but I don't CAD

Is there service who can provide these pieces made to spec, but can also take the order, request the measurements, and do it remotely with any hope of my parts showing up and working?  I just forsee carefully providing all the info, then the pieces show up and I realize I've got some nice expensive paperweights.

seems like there was a guy on eBay building these to spec, but I can't seem to find him now (perhaps I imagined that)- I thought it was one of the guys who make head guards and such.

[SIR REAL ED]

I have a 1979 CX 100 with a '07 GSXR fork on it.

Wen the former owner did the fork swap, he switched the factory mag wheel for a set of Borrani spoke wheels.

I want the stock wheels back on the bike, preserving the Gixxer front end. (I have the stock wheels)

So I need a set of disc adapters for the big floating discs to the CX100 mag wheels
Im sure I'll also need to space it correctly, so axle spacers as well


I have had TERRIBLE luck trying to get one-off projects made by machine shops or fabricators for bikes and motorcycles and trailers going back years and years. I know so many people, but have beat the bushes of my network and can't find a fabricator or mechanic or builder willing to look at it.(or even a referral to someone else!)

I can take measurements, but I don't CAD

Is there service who can provide these pieces made to spec, but can also take the order, request the measurements, and do it remotely with any hope of my parts showing up and working?  I just forsee carefully providing all the info, then the pieces show up and I realize I've got some nice expensive paperweights.

seems like there was a guy on eBay building these to spec, but I can't seem to find him now (perhaps I imagined that)- I thought it was one of the guys who make head guards and such.

You might want to try emachineshop.com.

I have never used them, but what you are seeking to do is not rocket science.  I would think a few minutes of conversation would convince you they are either up to the job, or that you don't want to deal with them.

If there are any local custom machine/automation design shops in your area, they may be worth talking to.  Especially the design shops who do their own in-house machining.  These types of shops are used to off-the-beaten-path type of work, and may appreciate have some small odds jobs as fill in work to keep their machinists working.

Know what you want and have some sketches ready before you start the conversation.  As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words," especially when it comes to bridging communication gaps.  Since you have all the components in hand, pictures are great or even take the components to the potential vendor.

Very few designers or machinists want to talk to someone who has no idea what they want, and no experience of what it takes to provide a finished product.  The more information and details you can give them up front, the more they will think that they are working with you, rather than wasting their time babysitting you.

I was fortunate enough to spend quite a few years in the machine/tool design field, and if you can convince them you know what you are talking about, many shops will work with you.

A cheap, intermediate alternative may be to get some 3D printed spacers to perfect your design and check your dimensions.  Once you get those right, simply duplicate them in metal.

If you get close, but not close enough, shim washers are life savers (no pun intended).  Shim washers are also great for mockup work.

McMaster.com is a great source.

Post-It note pads make excellent adjustable shims and feeler gages when in comes to measuring gaps/space envelopes precisely.  I have stacked them up to precisely measure gaps as large as 2".  Always keep the glued edges together so the shim/feeler gage will be more dimensionally stable.

Send me a PM and I'll send you a Word file I have used to track dimensions when fitting wheels from Bike "X" to Bike "Y."  It is handy for keeping track of dimensions and visualizing what needs to be done.

Don't get discouraged.  Sounds like a great project!!

[cliffrod]

I like hearing that you’re planning to install oem wheels on your CX, Chad.   I’m a huge borrani fan but they just don’t look right on a LeMans-kitted bike. 

My neighbor is able and might be willing to make your spacers. He’s semi-retired now but is a bike guy.   If you can’t find someone closer,  let me know and I’ll do what I can to make the connection,

[ridingron]

Have you looked on the local face book ads? I'm not much for wading through all the ads but have done it. If you think you've got the final part, have them make 2.

Have you done a google search?

Do you really need a cad drawing for a spacer? A sketch with the length, OD, ID and material should be sufficient. Are they going to fire up a machine for a simple spacer. I'm seriously considering a small lathe or lathe mill machine for the same reason.

[Haioku_Mantan]

If you can get me the measurements in proper units (*ahem millimeter/centimeter) then I could CAD up a file for you.

[SIR REAL ED]

Mayor,

You also contact some of the companies that manufacture oversize rotors and brake caliper mounts.

IIRC, SV Racing made mounts to fit 4 piston SV1000 calipers on SV650's and 650V-Strom's.

I suspect a lot of these companies contract out some of the components they sell to small job shops.

[SIR REAL ED]

Have you looked on the local face book ads? I'm not much for wading through all the ads but have done it. If you think you've got the final part, have them make 2.

Have you done a google search?

Do you really need a cad drawing for a spacer? A sketch with the length, OD, ID and material should be sufficient. Are they going to fire up a machine for a simple spacer. I'm seriously considering a small lathe or lathe mill machine for the same reason.

Good point.  You have just defined the spacer enough to make.

As for the disc carriers.  Once you define:

-  material,
-  ID,
-  OD,
-  thickness,
- wheel mounting bolt circle dimensions including hole quantity, hole diameters, degree spacing, and countersinking if desired,
- brake rotor mounting bolt circle dimensions including thread size, thread quantity, and degree spacing,
that should be all that is needed.

Although some shops will prefer a CAD drawing, other a CAD file they can to download to the mill.

Mayor, please post some before and after pictures.  Great Project!!

[SIR REAL ED]

Mayor,

Since the parts are so easily described, if you create a verbal description of the parts you need fabricated, and post on a Machinist's Forum, you just might get dozens of quotes without any drawing.

[jrt]

So... you just need a disk-shaped ("O" shaped?) spacer drilled for standard brembo brake discs?  How much of a hurry are you in?