Wanting to convert to Z50 style wheels on my CT

[bradthreee]

Hello everyone :wave:

I'd like to switch out the wheels I have on my Z50 project


to my CT clone


Sorry for the newb question, but I searched and couldn't find anything. What exactly do I need to be able to do this?

Thanks! :77:

 

[69ST]

Assuming they're 10" x 2.50, you should be able to swap them as complete assemblies (including the hubs & brakes). I'd expect that you'll need custom spacers, any machine shop can make them.

You'll have to calculate gearing, based on tire circumference, to figure out the correct size Z50-style wheel sprocket.

 

[dirtbkr188]

You would also have to add a brake panel tab to the inside of the swingarm, as the Z50 does not use a brake torque arm.

 

[bradthreee]

Thanks for your replies,

The wheels are 3.5" wide.

So I would need the hubs and brakes from a z50, then spacers to center the rim. What about the axle size, are they the same?

Do I need to offset the sprocket? The one on the motor and the one on the rear wheel?

When you say brake panel tab, do you mean the tab that the brake panel aligns with? My Z50 hub has a brake arm/cam...

 

[69ST]

3.50 wheels are a tight fit. 120 section width tires are about the limit. Any wider and you'll need to offset the wheel sprocket, at least; doing both would be better. 2.75 is the limit for the front, if you're running a disc brake - and it's incredibly tight.

Z50 & CT70 axles have the same diameter. That said, all bets are off if that's a late model clone bike. Some have smaller axles.

 

[dirtbkr188]

On the inside right of the Z50 swingarm is a piece of round stock steel welded to the swingarm (or frame, as on your hardtail). When you install the rear wheel, you slide the brake panel onto this tab, it prevents the brake panel from rotating when you apply the brakes. On your CT70 clone, you attach that small piece of flat steel from the hole in the CT brake panel to the swingarm. That brake torque arm also prevents the CT brake panel from rotating when you apply the brakes.

 

[bradthreee]

Thanks for the clarification dirtbikr188!

RacerX,

Yes it is a late model clone, actually a 2006 Lifan. If it indeed has a smaller axle, Im sure I can find some kind of reduction spacer. So you're saying that a 2.75" is the widest rim I can run up front? Or is that only if I have disc brakes, which I don't I have drums. I'd like to make it easier for me and just buy some hubs that work with these rims and go from there. I do plan on finishing my hardtail someday and would hate to take parts from it for the CT. I've been looking everywhere on Webike and cant seem to find any hub sets for monkey.

Also don't know if it's the same dude, but sold a "racerX' over on totalruckus some parts for your buddies' Met, I'm "3"...


Can someone post a link of the ones I need? I know it's kinda out of people's way but would appreciate it very much. Worth a try

 

[fatcaaat]

3.50 wheels are a tight fit. 120 section width tires are about the limit. Any wider and you'll need to offset the wheel sprocket, at least; doing both would be better. 2.75 is the limit for the front, if you're running a disc brake - and it's incredibly tight.

Z50 & CT70 axles have the same diameter. That said, all bets are off if that's a late model clone bike. Some have smaller axles.

I don't think this is 100% accurate Bob. I'm running a 3.5" inside to inside with a 4x10 front tire on standard 173mm triples and a disc brake setup. It requires offset plates and complete custom spacers but I do have about 5mm space on either side of the tire. And it works out great. Only thing is that there is no room for speedo cable pickup but I'm using a magnetic pickup anyway.

 

[Ayers Garage]

Another issue is the brake locator nub on the front fork leg. The Z50 front brake plate uses a smaller spud that fits into the groove to stop torsional rotation. You'd have to mill the Z50 brake plate some to make the larger 70 nub fit into the groove.

 

[bradthreee]

Sounds like it's going to be alot of work to get these z50 style rims on...

Seems like maybe it'll be easiest and most cost effective to put on 12" CT wheels

Anyone happen to know what's the widest I can go without having to offset sprockets?

 

[69ST]

I don't think this is 100% accurate Bob. I'm running a 3.5" inside to inside with a 4x10 front tire on standard 173mm triples and a disc brake setup. It requires offset plates and complete custom spacers but I do have about 5mm space on either side of the tire. And it works out great. Only thing is that there is no room for speedo cable pickup but I'm using a magnetic pickup anyway.

What has been outlined in this thread is the fact that front end mods required to fit wider-than-stock wheels/tires and disc brakes can add up to a surprisingly complicated project. Specific details vary with the parts used, including fork legs, brake assembly, fender and tire.

With standard 173mm spacing, I was able to use an OEM speedo drive; the LH axle flange & brake hub (retained for the speedo drive) both had to be machined to fit. With a 2.75" G`Craft rim + 120/70 x 10 K61 Heidenau tire, there's ~2mm tire clearance. Tire size may explain our differing results; just dropping-down to a 110-section tire would, ostensibly, add 5mm clearance per side.

The 220mm disc rotor has ~3mm fork leg clearance and the caliper, which has about the same amount of wheel clearance, has to be unbolted to remove the front wheel asm. The same tire, mounted on a 3.50" rim, contacted both fork legs.

With an unknown fork setup, there's homework to do. Since you already have the wheels, why not try a test-fit, then base your decision on what you actually find out? A drum brake might make the project easier than converting to disc. It's a roll-your-own project but, that doesn't necessarily mean it's beyond your capabilities.