First generation comstars vs GL1100 comstars

[prairiewing81]

Hey guys,
After I bought my 'project' GL1100 I, I noticed that the front wheel had been replaced with one of the gold colored comstars optional on the 78-79 goldwings. Although it seems to be in good condition, I am wondering if the black accented one that came with the GL1100's is a better, safer wheel, and whether I should buy one to replace this one. Thanks for your advice.
Bruce

 

[joedrum]

ive never ran inyo any reason that the comstar wheels have any flaws and have used them both ......in fact ithink there better than most wheels nice and light and strong

 

[Omega Man]

Doesn't the older wheel use a taller thinner tire?

~O~

 

[detdrbuzzard]

i've never seen a gold colored comstar

 

[Omega Man]

i've never seen a gold colored comstar

I have, they come on other Honda's mostly. I'm guessing they are swapped when found on a Wing, or an option like Prairie mentioned.



~O~

 

[mcgovern61]

I like them!!!!! :music2:

My '81 Suzuki GN400 had gold wheels similar to those comstars.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

i've never seen a gold colored comstar

I have, they come on other Honda's mostly. I'm guessing they are swapped when found on a Wing, or an option like Prairie mentioned.



~O~

i forgot about those

 

[slabghost]

Some have expressed concern over the rivets used to assemble the comstar wheels. They really are rather easy to verify regularly. Watch for an oily ring to appear around any rivets. Dry dirt is just normal dust. Oily black ring around the rivet indicates movement.

 

[Omega Man]

Something to consider.

 

[mcgovern61]

 

[prairiewing81]

According to my research, they were marketed as a "maintenance free" option to the spoked wheel in '78-'79. The early ones don't have curled edges as shown in the photo of the other Honda. The spokes are rolled alluminum as opposed to the cast pieces standard on the '80-'82 although they are assembled the same way. They are even lighter weight than the newer ones, and they do look cool, but they give the appearance that they might be not as strong.
I haven't verified if the tire size is different. It has an old Yokohama tire on it now which I will need to replace, and I found a straight used '81 rim with a new Metzeler tire on it for a reasonable price at Straightwings.com last week. I hope I can still get it.