Hello everybody
I am building a 72 ironhead bobber with a weld on hardtail frame. I don't want to run the mechanical rear brake. What exact wheel should I be looking for? I know I need 18" but axle size is an issue as well. The hardtail has about a 7/8" hole cut. Thinking about trying to find something with a 1" axle and drilling the hardtail to match. All ideas and responses greatly appreciated!

 

Seems like you could use the wheel from a newer Sportster with disc brakes. Didn't that year have the left side brake pedal setup?

 

Here's a couple links that might help:

http://www.sportster.org/tech/disc-conv/
http://www.saunalahti.fi/~affe2/v-tw...onversion.html

 

If I remember correct sportster has 3/4" axle.... so if you are using sportster wheel you may need to make some spacers between frame and axle.
I have seen that Affe's bike and talked to him, brake setup is working just great and braking power is much better than original ( better than newer iron diskbrake)

-sepixlh-

 

I don't know if it's better than late Ironhead disk brake but it is better than drum brake I had.
One thing to notice is to make sure that the master cylinder has a rigid enough position. System that I had wasn't very good, it had some flex when the brake was hit hard. Another way is to have a smaller volume master cylinder, HD master may be too big for that GSXR brake cylinder I used.

Oh, almost forgot... Nice to meet ya all

Affe

 

Although you specifically mentioned you don't like to run mechanical brake this would be the one I'd still suggest. Use the original 18" Sportster wheel with drum brake. Just make sure you do a total service for the brake and it'll be perfect. Drum brake just looks much better in a Bobber

Just my 2c

Affe

 

I totally Agree I am doing a 1973 ironhead chop with the weldon tail,,,,and I went with a 16"x4" wide and I am gonna try and throw at least a 160 on there would love to put 180 or 200 but cant,,,,