Since the Bandit 400 front wheel I got for the Aermacchi-Ducati Special is interchangeable with Bultakenstein’s 19-inch cross-spoke wheel (same axle diameter and fork width), I tried swapping front wheels between the two project bikes, just to see how they’d each look.
Initially, I thought the 17-incher looked great on the Bul, and briefly considered switching them out. However, the cross-spoke didn’t do as much for me on the other bike, and lots of problems arose with the rear wheels:
- Even with the GS500 sprocket carrier, the Katana 600 hub is too wide on the chain side to center properly in Bultakenstein’s narrower swingarm without serious modification. The Aermacchi swingarm is stupid wide for some reason, and has plenty of room.
- The disc rear will require a master cylinder mount, which would add yet another task for the project I am trying to finish first.
- The sprocket offset is pretty damn close on both bikes as they are now. Swapping the wheels would screw them both up drastically.
- I’ve already ensured that Bultakenstein’s steering geometry has suitable trail. I’d have to do that all over again.
Aesthetically, I decided the tri-spoke wheels and wider tires are too modern for Bultakenstein. I really want it to look like something some guy might plausibility have built in his garage in the mid 80s.
So it was an interesting diversion, but in the end, each set of wheels will stay on the project for which they were originally purchased.
