Yeah spokes and calipers is always a worry. Do bear in mind though that:
1, the angle will change when you relace and you can space the disk and caliper over a bit as well with bracket/spacers
2, using larger 320mm disks will move the calipers out more towards the rim as well.
....but... well, yes space will always be tight for calipers with opposing pistons.
I also had awfully expensive quotes for relacing from Ash's. you could buy a used set of quality motard wheels for that money
In sydney there was a mob at the end of parammatta rd that did respoking... name escapes me at the mo tho, they were a little cheaper.
Has to be said, this work will that mean that this wont be a budget thing... hubs and then 17inch rims (try Torpedo7 they may have a set that fits and ear not mega money) then spokes and lacing, then brakes... eek. you could easily do a single disk version like on my XT with KTM kit for cheaper, but I agree that twin disks has a lot of appeal with a fast bike, which this one is. Still when done it will be a killer build for sure.
Fitting a disk rear wheel in the LC swingarm has been done lots of times by the UK guys, and with a few mods it can be done using the ideas that GMU puts forwards, I would weld a tab on the swingarm, but to be honest the LC swinger is a bit thin, hmm... used Metmachex appear on uk ebay and norbos forum but post will be killer, new is just silly money imho. nice kit tho, but it seems they overcharge for bearings and other parts when needed, so be careful of that.
A bit OT: I wouldnt mess with the frame on an LC when fitting any new rear shock, you just have to build up the swinger to fit the OEM setup. there isnt a lot of room on an LC in this area. Replicating the rising rate from something else would be hard to get the geometry right i reckon. Look at the RGV conversions for RZs, you dont have to get them wrong much for it to not work properly and that is a well documented conversion. Whatever you do like this will be a compromise as any extension and strengthening of the arm will move and transit forces differently into the shock and the rest of the frame, a worry with any conversion. Bear in mind LC (and RZ) frames were not designed for the forces of better suspension (especially forks) and bigger tyres and brakes LOL. no big deal but we should remember it. As an aside someone told me recently that if you crash an LC with retrofitted USD forks you wont bend the forks, but you will bend the frame, do the same accident on the LCs spindly OEM forks and you would just bend the forks... food for thought perhaps? nah! I love the newer suspension and 17s!
Pete, you could always find some longer forks and spend the money on up-n-over pipes and build an off road LC... I'll get me coat!
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