Is this still considered a star hub?

[Skipelmore]

I just got this 18”-2.5 rear wheel. I still need to get the bearings and spacers. Really any info would be helpful.

[ExplodingCoffinEmporium]

Appears to be a 70’s sportster rear wheel, especially considering the dimensions you have described 18x2.5. Not a starhub in any which case. 43004-70 maybe, so 1970-78 maybe.?

Just went and checked the wheel shelf as I thought I had that exact wheel sitting around and I do, definitely came off an Ironhead as well. If I get a sec I’ll pull it down and grab some info as it’s still got a tire and bearings installed.

[Skipelmore]

It is stamped 43004-70. Any bearing info would be a help. I was planning on running these tires

[JBinNC]

That eight bolt rear hub has been used from '52 - '78 for the K and XL models, with some differences of bearings through the years. It is for the drum rear brake.

It is definitely not a "star hub," which was a big twin hub from the '30s knucks up through the '66 shovelheads, for both front and rear positions.

Jim

[ExplodingCoffinEmporium]

That would be a huge help

Ahhh no bearings sorry, yea on pic at least. What are you trying to mount this wheel to?

[Skipelmore]

Are you using that?

[Skipelmore]

I have a 65 ironhead frame the 16" wheel I have is to small

[ExplodingCoffinEmporium]

Yeah it would have originally been a 3.5x18 front and rear wheel then. Do you have any part numbers on the wheel to verify it’s bearing need or designation? Although your running a hardtail frame so what’s gonna fit and spacing requirements are going to be altered possibly from that of a stock machine. If you wanna run the 2.5x18 you can make it work, just figure out your axle size, bearing ID and OD, spacers, and your off to the races. Do you already have the drum setup your going to use as well?

Unfortunately a good friend of mine has claim to that wheel as she’s rebuilding a 72’ herself.

[Skipelmore]

Right on. I'm hoping to use a 3/4 axle. I replaced the bearings on the 16" wheel I have so making spacers isnt difficult. I'll look for any other markings on the wheel for bearings. I don't have a drum yet but I have a couple places I can look for one.

[JBinNC]

Right on. I'm hoping to use a 3/4 axle. I replaced the bearings on the 16" wheel I have so making spacers isnt difficult. I'll look for any other markings on the wheel for bearings. I don't have a drum yet but I have a couple places I can look for one.

That XL wheel you have takes ball bearings that are standard metric sized ball bearings. The original XL axle is what you will need (if it's wide enough for your hardtail.

Jim

[Skipelmore]

Thanks for the info

[Skipelmore]

Hey it’s been a little while since I started this thread but what tire is on that wheel of yours?

[ExplodingCoffinEmporium]

Hey it’s been a little while since I started this thread but what tire is on that wheel of yours?

4.25x18

[TriNortchopz]

Guessing you saw this:

IH: Wheels, Brakes & Tires

Tapered Bead Rims

The “special” tapered wheels that were paired to the “special” tapered bead rims were known as “C-section” rims. 188)
“C-section” rims can be positively identified after the tire is removed from the rim by the part numbers stamped in rim.
The taper was at the 'normally flat' area from the inside bead seat corner and the shelf edge at the drop towards the drop center.
The metal 'shelf' tapered toward the center with a safety hump just before the drop down.
This was a “special package” buy from Goodyear with the rim included since you couldn't buy the tires to properly fit the rims anywhere else but them.

“C-section” Rim Part#s for “High Ground Clearance” Sportsters:
Steel Rims:
Front (43003-70) 19 x 2.50C
Rear (43004-70) 18 x 2.50C
Aluminum Rims:
Front (43010-70) 2.50C-19
Rear (43008-70) 2.50C-18

Tapered Bead Tires

Starting in 1970, Harley Davidson partnered with Goodyear for new “special” tires and rims for standard “high ground clearance” Sportster models. 213)
The tires are identified on the sidewall as (front - 3.75 x 19 Sport Rib and rear - 4.25 x 18 All Traction)
The MoCo has written that these tires must be used exclusively for replacement on the special “C-secton” rims.
These rims have a special tapered bead seat with a safety hump at the top of the center drop.
By design, standard tires such as Goodyear 3.50 x 18, 4.00 x 18 or 3.25/3.50 x 19 sizes will not fit correctly on these rims and are an unsafe replacement...
* 18” tires and tubes were not interchangeable between cast and laced (wire spoke) wheels. The bead diameter of the MN90-18 tire was app. 0.075“ (app. the thickness of a nickel) larger than the 4.25-18T tire."

http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/techtalk:ih:wheels01

Problems Associated with Drum Brake Rear Hubs

Article by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM 1)

http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/techtalk:ih:wheels01a

[Skipelmore]

I did find this. I am now wondering what tires to use if these are for tapered bead. I don’t seem to find any options unless newer style tires will work.