VF500F CBR600F Wheel Conversion

Thank you for the post.

Respectfully, my goal with this conversion is to create a better handling bike over stock. I believe that I will accomplish this with the CBR600F rims.

The tire sizes I have selected (110F/140R) are a match to the factory recommended CBR600F tire sizes. I chose these rims in part as this was Honda's middle weight replacement for the VF500F and as such I felt that this 'second evolution' upgrade would be a good fit for the mighty VF500F.

I have no doubt that the CBR600F2 wheel upgrade (with 120F/150R tires or in some cases a 160R tire) is a good setup. F2 rims put you square in the middle or radial country and I can see why a lot of owners go this route.

This said, I believe that CBR600F rims do have benefits over the stock rims and are a good option for any VF500F owner looking to install 17" wheels.

 

A few additional spec's on the caliper carrier and the swingarm tab:

• the bracket slot is 20mm wide x 15mm deep
  
• the referenced swingarm tab for this project is 17mm wide x 18.5 mm deep
  
• when assembled there is a 2.4mm design clearance between the inner face of the slot and the outer face of the tab
  
• generous chamfers were used on the entrance edges of the slot so that they will not interfere with the radii of the cast tab on the swingarm

3D Model courtesy of Rick Denoon, denoonSP

 

Looks professional. Is it all one piece?

 

Thank you for the compliment. The carrier is actually in two parts, the slot is machined as a separate piece and then mechanically fastened to the main bracket.



Speaking of professional – I’m looking forward to your next post - your kR project bike is a real beauty!

 

Hummmm...... looks strangely similar to my bracket:







I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! My original design had the caliper under the swingarm but I switched it in order to be able to use the stock brake line arrangement.

 

I just noticed the caliper will be below the swingarm. That's awesome. I always liked the R's caliper being under the arm. You should make a bunch, I'm sure there would be interest out there. I'd get one if I had a 500.

As far as imitation, it seems the bracket basically designed itself(figuratively speaking of course). The relation of the axle to the caliper bolts to the arm lock is "somewhat" fixed. If you're going to make it light, there would be a hole somewhere in between those points. Add some curves to make it look nice and there's the shape. I bet if you asked 100 engineers on here to design a caliper bracket for the 500, 80 of them would look fairly similar to one another. No?

Now actually making it is a different thing all together. Props to all who can turn a hunk of aluminum into the part pictured.

 

Well said.

 

Yes, well said. I was trying to think of a way to say that and come across properly as you have. Kudos.

 

looking to finish up my 500 this spring

what did the rear brake bracket run.... will he make another?

 

Best to contact Rick directly. His e-mail is: rdenoon@mts.net

Look forward to seeing the progress on your build!

 

This is a standard item that I keep on hand. Mine uses the original caliper which saves some cost and hassle. Shoot me a PM or check out my site if you want more info!

 

Jamie, I'm not seeing just the bracket cost on your site.

also does the new design allow for the pads to hit the rotor completely?

 

There's a new design?

 

Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification

You bet, it works great. The "new design" is actually several years old now so it's tried-and-true.

 

LOL at Jamie


yes I can see the picture of the bracket ... but I do not see a cost for the bracket

all I need is the bracket

 

Big3, if I could ask, are you using CBR600F OR CBR600F2 rims for your project?

On a side note, the Brembo caliper I used can be readily sourced on eBay. These typically run in the $25 range. They are lightweight and compact and of a very high quality.

 

The bracket is the majority of the cost of the kit. PM sent, thanks!

 

CBR600F2 complete front end (it works fine I'm not even going to argue this fact) & F2 wheels

I'll be making (well my machinist buddy) a 1 off fork brace to mount the vf500 fender to the F2 forks

& a F4i shock

 

5x5 on the F4i shock, I think you'll be pleased with this upgrade.

I'm not sure about the fork conversion as I have read that the F2 forks are too short and will cause clearance issues. I'll be interested to see what you find. If I could suggest, be sure to check the clearance at full compression, steering stop to steering stop, and remember to factor in an allowance for deflection.

 

My original thread is located at http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/30355-vf500-barn-find-2.html