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wheel difference 78-79

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Old Nov 27, 2009 | 06:04 PM
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Question wheel difference 78-79

Hi guys, I would like to know if wheels from a 1978 sporty will fit on my 1979 sporty. I have a disc brake on the back, not sure of the 78, if it has drum or disc. I think both the 78-79 had dual disc on the front. Can any body help me with that. Thanks. Ride safe.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2009 | 09:46 PM
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Yes, 78 was first year for dual disk front; but 78 has a drum rear while 79 was first year for rear disc. My 78 has an 18" rear, the 79 had a 16". So i think the 78 rear wheel will not go on the 79.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 05:23 AM
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Thanks Mick, I found a set of chrome spokes, 18" rear, 19" front, off of a 78 sporty. My 79 came with 18" rear and 19" front. I have a parts book for my 79 and it only shows the 18 rear and 19 front in the mag type wheel. I guess what I need to know is, can I make the chrome spokes fit my 79. If the 78 had drum brakes can I change some "stuff" so it will fit my disc bike. I don't have a 78 parts book to see if there was an early-late change for the wheels. If the 78 only came with drum on the rear I could be in for a real job or maybe I should just look for newer wheels. Thanks again. Ride safe.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 07:56 AM
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The 54 to 78 parts book does show cast rear wheels, both 16" and 18", for all of those years. The 79 to 85 book also shows both sizes, but the 18" is for early 79 only.

I had not noticed this until now. Another day, another learned something.

I do not know if you can fit a rear brake rotor assembly to the 78 rear wheel. It would be a matter of checking if the hub will accept the bolts. I expect not, that the wheel is set up to accept the brake drum shell/sprocket only.
 
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