Spoked Wheels

I have a 1983 KZ550 that I have built into a Bobber/ Chopper. I would like to replace the stock Mag style wheels wheels with Spoke style wheels. Ideally a 21” front with 15”-16” rear to replace the 19” front and the 18” rear that comes stock. I don’t want to spend a lot of money. It’s a cosmetic upgrade and being that it’s a 550, I’m probably going to outgrow it quick. I’ve been looking at used rms on Craigslist and Facebook, but how do I know which rims/ wheels will fit my current set up.

First thing is to mske sure the axle diameters are the same. Usually just playing with spacers and washers after that.

It's a cosmetic change - not sure if it will be an upgrade.

Even if you successfully swap the wheels, the handling will be compromised - since the geometry will be off - and the speedo (and thus the odo) will be off. If/when you sell it you will have to state that the mileage on the odo is not the true mileage. (If the title says that already then NBD)

You will need to change the front and/or rear sprocket(s) as well: the small rear wheel will have the effect of gearing the bike down, so with the current sprocket tooth counts you will need higher revs to maintain speed. (Don't replace just one sprocket: if the chain and sprockets are more than a couple months old, replace them as a set.)

Have you thought about the brakes?

And unless you're wringing all the performance out of the bike all the time, you're unlikely to "outgrow" a 550 immediately.

Probably the closest match would be the wheels from an 81-82 KZ650-CSR & they're probably a direct swap. 19" Fr & 16" Rr w drum brake. I installed the cast alloy wheels from a 1980 KZ550-Ltd >> all I needed were the wheels & Fr brake disk. everything else swapped. So I would guess the swap would work the other way, putting the CSR wheels & Fr Br disk on a 550.