I'm forever on the lookout for cheaper or more unusual options for the components of my specials. Although I haven't started to build the bike yet, I'm slowly gathering the parts to construct my pre 60 class TriBSA.
I'd originally planned on using the tried and true BSA QD (
quickly detachable) rear wheel until I sat and looked at a Harley Sportster rear hub that I'd purchased a couple of years ago on eBay purely for the ribbed Borrani rim. I noticed that it was pretty close in concept to the Beeza QD and a bit of research told me that they'd been in use by the Harley Davidson factory almost without change from 1958 thru to 1978. I purchased a NOS chrome brake drum for $60 and second hand backing plate and brakes for $25 and....voila, instant pre 65 back wheel.
Like the BSA QD, the sprocket is riveted to the brake drum so I'll grind the rivets out, drill and tap the holes and modify a 520 sprocket blank to suit so I can change gearing as needed. The Borrani 18" WM3 rimmed wheel is apparently from a '70-78 Sportster so buying one will cut a need to find a suitable rim and go to the pain and expense of having it spoked. I paid less than $100 for my hub with a spare Borrani rim.
