My new F3 wheel

First off I want to say a big thank you to Zoran (TWF) for all the time and effort spent with me giving advice, making spacers and putting up with my wordy PMs. I couldn't have done this without you! :)

So I bought this CBR600F3 rear wheel about two months ago off of Ebay for about $160. I thought it would be a quick swap out for cheap money that would allow me to use a bigger tire and look schweet too. Hahahaha, what a fool I was! ;) Oh well, live and learn.

The wheel came and was in great shape, no scratches, spins true. But the paint was really faded--almost rusty brown, and one bearing was heat locked and wouldnt spin. So, I decided to fix it up before putting it on the bike...

I couldn't budge the bearings--they wouldn't come out no matter what I did so... off to the dealer to get them removed (cha-ching!)

Then I had the wheel powdercoated again and ordered new bearings, dust seals and collars. (cha-ching! cha-ching!). Man the powdercoater really laid it on thick--and Oh crap!!! He painted inside where the bearings go, CRAP!!! So I spend a day grinding and polishing the inner hub and lips--going through half a dozen Dremel tips (cha-ching!!!)

So now its ready for the bearings to go in! But... ****** I can't get the new bearings in this time either--back to the dealer again and I'll have them put the tires on at the same time. (cha-ching!)

The wheel came with a sprocket, but its a 530/43T and I need a 525/44T. So I look around the net for a cheap steel Sunstar for this wheel in the SV size... nope none available. So I have to order a custom aluminum, but hard anodized to make it last longer. Its pretty trick but... (cha-ching!!!!) And I also need a brake rotor... oooh that Galfer wave rotor looks badass, and pretty cheap on Ebay (cha-ching!!!)

Now I need some spacers from Zoran (cha-ching!!!) Hehehe, OK well I already knew I had to buy those--and they were very cheap. When they didn't fit right due to some excessively thick powdercoating and the slightly thicker rotor, Zoran made me a couple of extra right side spacers at different lenghts to try out--and one worked just right! What a great guy!

So finally after a LOT of grinding polishing, tweaking, test fitting, brake bleeding and some serious wear and tear on my credit card... its on and it looks AWESOME!!! Now I can use anything from a 160 to a 180 on the back.

Clicky!!! Clicky!! (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/F3_before_after.jpg)

After all this trouble, I'm very happy with how it came out.. of course now I hate the front, but I'm working on that. I learned a lot about how the rear end all goes together and a lot about how the rear caliper works too. Word of advice: Its a LOT easier to get the rear wheel on by yourself if you take the caliper off the hangar!!! Its only 1 bolt too and you don't have to bleed the lines. I did that anyway because the fluid was old.

Cheers!

Excellent write up.

I plan to do the F3 wheel when I get tires next time. Most likely pilots.

I can learn and plan from your problems you ran into.

I have all the tools in the shop for the bearins removal and install and I have a good powder coater so that alone should cut the problems in half.

I will use the zoran spacers.

Did he have any advice on a rear sprocket?

What size tire did you put on? I figure I will use a 170 pilot power. Not sure why but mostly for bling.

If you don't mind me asking, how much was the rear rotor?

Also what is up with your exhaust? it looks like a mix between a standard mount and a high mount. A mid mount design? Did you do that yourself?

lol sorry for all the questions.

Nice bike you have nova..............

Also what is up with your exhaust? it looks like a mix between a standard mount and a high mount. A mid mount design? Did you do that yourself?

lol sorry for all the questions.

Nice bike you have nova..............

yeah thats yosh's "race" mount

Looks good nova, you had to put way too much work into it, but it looks good. :P

huh, that race mount could save me a ton of money.

So long as it is not to expensive. :lol:

I would get a high mount look and not have to screw with my turnsignals.

Looks perfect to me.

looks good, hows it handle???

I really wish this place had a better search feature. :x :shock:

I wouldn't have to ask so many **** quesions. :lol:

I really wish this place had a better search feature. :x :shock:

I wouldn't have to ask so many **** quesions. :lol:

when you do searches, just put an "and" between EVERY word and it makes a big difference

when you do searches, just put an "and" between EVERY word and it makes a big difference

not nearly as much as it should... no matter what you do the search on this forum pretty much sucks. ;)

Thanks for the kind words!

OK, I will try to answer all the questions!

First of all the bike handles GREAT! More from the Pilot Powers than the wheel I'm sure, but this thing corners like a razor now. I have the stock SV sized tires on the bike right now, but after I get the GSX-R750 front end I have onto the bike, I'll be going up to 170 or 180 in the rear and 120/70 in the front.

The pipe is a race-mount, full M4 system... not a Yosh system as their pipes won't fit the 2004-2005 SVS correctly. M4 is the only one I've seen with three mounting options. I don't like the high-mount look, but I wanted more clearance. I couldn't be more happy with the M4, it sounds incredible, makes noticably more power and fits perfectly. In fact I even had enough play in the midpipe to tuck the can in a little more under the tail by attaching to the inside of the hangar.

I did some reseach and phone calling on the sprocket myself. I ended up going with Sprocket Specialists because they not only knew exactly what I was doing with this wheel, but they were the only company I could find that had a hard anodizing process. They guarantee double the life of a standard aluminum sprocket.

It was $78 bucks shipped though. (cha-ching!!)

I got a GREAT deal on the rotor brand new off of Ebay... $89 shipped! They sell at most shops for between $169-$190. :)

Definately bling, the good bling (not the bling of that baby blue gsxr wavy flamer on ebay). I contemplated getting an f3 wheel, but it might make things more complicated with my hugger :?

Maybe another pic or two from a different angle?

I contemplated getting an f3 wheel, but it might make things more complicated with my hugger :?

Maybe another pic or two from a different angle?

Hmmm, I don't see why your hugger wouldnt work as long as you used the stock tire size. Its still a 17-inch wheel, just a half inch wider..

Is there a range of years that I can look for for the 5" F3 wheel that will work?

97 seems to be popular.

I assume a stock F3 rear brake rotor will work if the wheel has one.



I will have to see if pipe city can has a race version M4 slip on.

The pipe is a race-mount, full M4 system... not a Yosh system

bwahaha.. my bad, I must be blind or something :roll:

Is there a range of years that I can look for for the 5" F3 wheel that will work? 97 seems to be popular.

The F3 wheel is from 95-98. Earlier is the F2 wheel which looks the same, but is the same width as the SV, so avoid that. The only really important thing is to know exactly what year your wheel is. If you ever need internal parts for it, you'll need the year because they are all slightly different. I ended up with the wrong bearings for the cush drive because I thought my wheel was a 98 when it was really a 96. :(

I assume a stock F3 rear brake rotor will work if the wheel has one.

Yes it will work, same diameter and thickness as the SVs. Also any aftermarket rotor that fits the F3 should work as long as its 4mm thick. You might want to consider new pads too if you get a brand new rotor.


I will have to see if pipe city can has a race version M4 slip on.

That's where I got mine, they are FANTASTIC to deal with, and have great prices too.

Earlier is the F2 wheel which looks the same, but is the same width as the SV, so avoid that.

well, if someone just wanted a different look without the frivilous extra tire width and weight, they could go with the 4.5 f2

Most of todays 160s are pinched a little on a 4.5 inch wheel so going to a 5 is not really frivilous.

Now if I go to a 170 on that wheel then yeah it would be frivilous. :P :lol:

Here are a few other pics for you guys to check out. :)

Side (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/f3/sv_w_f3_side.jpg)

Sproket side (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/f3/sv_w_f3_L-rear.jpg)

Left side (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/f3/sv_w_f3_L-rear_2.jpg)

Right side (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/f3/sv_w_f3_R-rear.jpg)

Rear (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/f3/sv_w_f3_rear.jpg)

Most of todays 160s are pinched a little on a 4.5 inch wheel

A handful of people on the board like to say that, but I have personally never heard any proof of that claim. People just keep repeating it until the misconception becomes accepted as truth. All of the newer generation tires fit the 4.5 just fine.

Here are a few other pics for you guys to check out. :)

Side (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/f3/sv_w_f3_side.jpg)

Sproket side (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/f3/sv_w_f3_L-rear.jpg)

Left side (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/f3/sv_w_f3_L-rear_2.jpg)

Right side (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/f3/sv_w_f3_R-rear.jpg)

Rear (http://www.firedragon.com/~novaclass/pics/bike_pics/f3/sv_w_f3_rear.jpg)

It does look frickin' cool though. The powder coat job is excellent, super glossy! Rock on, its gonna look super pimp when you get the gsxr front end and black front wheel on there. MMM sexy. :)

Thanks for the pics Nova.

The bike is gonna look hot with the new front end and black front wheel on it.

Not to mention ride really well.

A handful of people on the board like to say that, but I have personally never heard any proof of that claim. People just keep repeating it until the misconception becomes accepted as truth. All of the newer generation tires fit the 4.5 just fine.

Ever think the misconception could go the other way. :wink:

I have never seen any "proof" that a bikes handling goes to hell with a larger rear tire on it either. Seems to be a matter of preference.

No biggie either way.

For me I just like to mod stuff lol and this looks like a fun little project. :D

What is it with these powdercoaters that can't understand "mask off anything that's bare metal" ? If that happened to me I wouldn't be grinding or polishing a thing, they'd be doing it for me... Pure incompetence. Nice finish though.


A handful of people on the board like to say that, but I have personally never heard any proof of that claim. People just keep repeating it until the misconception becomes accepted as truth. All of the newer generation tires fit the 4.5 just fine.

In fact according to Pirelli and Avon, it's the other way round- these days since they know exactly where so many of their 160/60s are going, they make sure they fit a 4.5.

In fact according to Pirelli and Avon, it's the other way round- these days since they know exactly where so many of their 160/60s are going, they make sure they fit a 4.5.

Thats exactly my point. They design the newer tires for 4.5 rims because thats whats on many of the popular bikes.

I have never seen any "proof" that a bikes handling goes to hell with a larger rear tire on it either.

Well THAT is another misconception/exaggeration. The larger tires do slightly affect how easy it is to flick the bike into turns, but to say that the handling goes to hell with a larger tire is an exaggeration.

:D 8)

Wow, I didn't expect this to turn into an argument over tire sizes. :oops:

The reality is that Suzuki knows what they hell they are doing. If the 160/60 was a bad fit for the SV650, it simply wouldn't be on there. Even my new Pilot Power is a 160/60 and its great on there--not pinched at all and the ride is phenominal. I'd like to have a slightly bigger contact patch and I like the slightly wider look. I think the 170/60 will be a nice middle ground between the tight turn in of the 160 and the massive look and big patch of a 180. Just have to wait until the end of the summer for the 170/60 to finally come out---well I do need to use up this brand new tire first, hehehe. ;)

No arguing here.

Just fun learning that is all. 8)

No arguing here.

Just fun learning that is all. 8)

:D :wink:

The metzeler-pirellis fit better on 5.0. They have a steep profile.
What suzuki knows about is how to sell an SV so cheap and still make a buck.

Wide tires & rims give better traction. If it didn't why would big bikes come with them? Why would 600's come with them? It works!

Just out of curiosity, what size are most 600SS rims? Like a ZX-6R or a CBR 600RR? Are these all 5" rims or 5.5"? They all seem to come with 180's these days.

Just out of curiosity, what size are most 600SS rims? Like a ZX-6R or a CBR 600RR? Are these all 5" rims or 5.5"? They all seem to come with 180's these days.
5.5

Wide tires & rims give better traction. If it didn't why would big bikes come with them? Why would 600's come with them? It works!

right, but the sv isnt a big bike :?

250gp bikes make about the same power as the sv and they use 150-160 rears right? I dont really understand why sv would need more rubber unless its making more power.

Well, 250GP bikes tend to run on race slicks not road tyres, so their narrow tyres should still give better traction than our 160/60s. Unless you're riding everywhere on Rennsports or Pilot Races or similiar.

Thoughts on putting 180 tires on a 5" wheel?

The only reason I ask is that I could live on track day take offs from friends for the life of the bike. I ride A LOT so this could save money some day. :D

If it won't fit right though then I won't use them.

Wooot :P

Picked up the 5k mile old 97 F3 wheel with cush drive and brake rotor for 100 bucks on Ebay. Not sure if the wheel is black or a dark green so it may have to be powerder coated. Still will put in fresh bearings.

Can you guys tell what color it is, lol my monitor and my old eyes are messin with me.

http://i10.ebayimg.com/03/i/03/f1/0e/d1_3.JPG

Wide tires & rims give better traction. If it didn't why would big bikes come with them? Why would 600's come with them? It works!

right, but the sv isnt a big bike :?

250gp bikes make about the same power as the sv and they use 150-160 rears right? I dont really understand why sv would need more rubber unless its making more power.

My buddies club level TZ250 made 87hp. He raced against guys who have more. I'm sure the Aprillia's and Honda's at GP level have to be over 100, maybe 110.

Andy

Wooot :P

Picked up the 5k mile old 97 F3 wheel with cush drive and brake rotor for 100 bucks on Ebay. Not sure if the wheel is black or a dark green so it may have to be powerder coated. Still will put in fresh bearings.

Can you guys tell what color it is, lol my monitor and my old eyes are messin with me.


It looks a lot like mine did. Used to be black, but a lot of discoloration and fading.

wet 250 weight about 250lbs, wet sv weight 390lbs? I am just guessing, but these are close.
comparing 250 GP bike chassis and suspension to streetbike is not that relavent.

wet 250 weight about 250lbs, wet sv weight 390lbs? I am just guessing, but these are close.
comparing 250 GP bike chassis and suspension to streetbike is not that relavent.

Yeah I know that kind of changes things a bit, but i dont know how much.. sv is more like 430 wet though. :?

Im a newbie so I'm sure my opinions doesnt count for much but that looks sweet as hell! Another thing although we all love the same bike everybody has different taste on what looks good, how boring would this site be if everybody's bike looked the same? Heck think about it, Suzuki offered two different looks to the same bike (attracting a larger crowd in the process) I say do what makes you happy it's your bike no one else is riding it but you. On a side note let's put up a how to or sticky on how to do this and links to purchase parts for members who are intrested in this mod in the future (like me).

Thoughts on putting 180 tires on a 5" wheel?

The only reason I ask is that I could live on track day take offs from friends for the life of the bike. I ride A LOT so this could save money some day. :D

If it won't fit right though then I won't use them.


.

So I bought a 97 CBR600F3 rear wheel. It doesn't have rotor or sprokets. So what is on my shopping list: new bearings, Zoran's adaptor, a rotor (which one), and a sprocket (which one)? I'd like not to spend much money as i'm pretty broke.

thanks,
atek3

So I bought a 97 CBR600F3 rear wheel. It doesn't have rotor or sprokets. So what is on my shopping list: new bearings, Zoran's adaptor, a rotor (which one), and a sprocket (which one)? I'd like not to spend much money as i'm pretty broke.

thanks,
atek3


holly old post batman!!!

shopping list for you:
1. rotor from f3 (will fit caliper on 03+ sv650's)
2. 525 chain sprocket for f3. (i am going to go with a 47 tooth some go 45, 46...)
3. bearings would be good if needed.
4. cush drive.
5. spacer kit. 2 options, twf and svraceshop.

Yup.

zorans stuff is awesome.

I did a 520 conversion as at the time it was easier.

I have about 7k miles on my F3 conversion and don't regret it at all.

shoot. My wheel came without a cush drive, sprokets, or rotor, how can I get a cush drive for less than the 150 dollars demanded by those scallywags at the stealership?

thanks
atek3

Ebay.

Make one out of wood.

long shot: would the one off my SV work?

atek3

long shot: would the one off my SV work?

atek3


Nope

Make one out of wood.


I tried that first, it caught fire almost right away. That's the last time I use a flammable lubricant with wood parts.

I found lots of cush drives on Ebay, are those from an F2 compatable with a 1997 F3 rear wheel?

thanks,
atek3

call the local honda dealership. the prices are not that outrageous... unless $30 is ridiculous. i got a set of new seals, sprocket, bearings and cush drive for under $100 at honda.

I tried that first, it caught fire almost right away. That's the last time I use a flammable lubricant with wood parts.


N00b. You have to use lemon oil on a wooden bearing. Ideally, get it french polished.

I'm doing this as well and I found out that the brake rotor is the same from the F2 to the 600RR including the liter bikes. I think it was the same part for the F2, F3, F4, F4i, 600RR, 900RR, 929, 954, 1000RR, and the Superhawk. Double check for yourself but it opens up the available parts bin pretty wide.

Now I just have to wait patiently for the spacers to show in the mail and while I wait I need to take the rim and tire over to my freind's place to get it mounted up. :P Patience is not a strong point for me. ::)

N00b. You have to use lemon oil on a wooden bearing. Ideally, get it french polished.

Wood bearings are real and in use-- have been for centuries.

Yes. But not generally in a motorbike, to be fair. The old mill I used to work in occasionally was still using traditional hand-hewn wooden roller bearings. Luckily not my job to look after them :)

ok... i give... wood bearings in what? what or where were they used?

Well, for example, the old mill in which I worked, as mentioned in the post immegdiately above yours :)

ok... i give... wood bearings in what? what or where were they used?


All over - not just old run down mills ;).

Here's a sample of bearing manufacturer.
http://www.pobcoplastics.com/td_pob_b.htm

Well, for example, the old mill in which I worked, as mentioned in the post immegdiately above yours :)


right and when you said in the old wood mill... i didn't know what freaking part >:(

i mean... i know it was probably a moving part, but in a mill there is quite a few things that MOVE. :P

right and when you said in the old wood mill... i didn't know what freaking part* >:(

i mean... i know it was probably a moving part, but in a mill there is quite a few things that MOVE.* :P


Touched a nerve? :) Basically, anywhere in that thing that there was an axle or spindle, you'd find either a plain greased wooden bearing using simple organic grease and firehardened hardwood, or a humungous roller bearing. Totally fascinated me.

nah... i am good ;D

that really is super cool though... i would love to see something like that in person! hell, maybe if i ever cross the pond. ;)

You'd probably find things like that all over, the owners used to occasionally get bits from a restoration/recreation project in the states... Can't remember where just now. Massachusets, I think.