[vf1000rs]

What size is the RC51 rim (5.5x17" or 6" x17"). My rear Marchesini is unfortunately 6" and I have to run an ever so slight offset to the rim to have frame clearance. Most people I've seen run 6" rim on old kat frames notch or tunnel the frame for proper chain run with a centered rim. I have a 4.5" marcheisni rim coming from Japan which I think I'm going to switch to on my current 82 to correct the slight offset and on the second 82, I'm going to channel the frame during welding/bracing so I can run the 6" with perfect alignment.

The RC51 rim is 6" wide. That`s why the offset rear, not much of the cush drive can be machined away to get the chain run closer to the rear wheel. I will go with an offset countershaft sprocket also and then determine how much of the frame or cush drive I need to remove to clear while having the wheel centered. I have seen Stevea`s Kat with 6" rear and Strangeways did an amazing job of clearing out most of the frame on the chain side and bracing internally, I am trying to minimise the amount of frame I will need to remove, and again, I don`t have much room to maneuver with the cush.

My Kat has a 4.5" rear now so I can roll it around the garage and I could go that route, but it`s very easy, plenty of material on that cush to remove and then just a offset countershaft and good to go. I contemplated going that route, but I like this wheel better, and so far I haven`t seen this setup on an old Kat yet. It`s interesting if painful at times.

nice. welcome to KR. go stock on the Kat. some stable.

Too late, and thanks!

[vf1000rs]

So, after using the string method again to center up the wheel, 7mm spacer between the sprocket/cushdrive centers the wheel within 1 mm. Measuring to the countershaft sprocket shows a difference of approximately 10mm +/- depending on which side of my straight edge I use. A 10mm offset countershaft sprocket should line the chain up nicely with no channelling of the frame necessary.

[vf1000rs]

I got my 10mm offset front sprocket awhile back and got the chance to see how things line up with the 11mm offset rear RC51 sprocket:




Looks pretty straight from here, dont mind the worn out old greasy chain I`m using to check clearance:

[Smokinapankake]

WOW!

And um, did I say WOW!

Very nice work and very nice stable. Impressive to say the least.

[vf1000rs]

Thanks much! Slow going at the moment. The Kat is awaiting a large infusion of $$$.

[Thirdorb]

Shiny!

[mammut89]

welcome nice bikes !

[vf1000rs]

Thanks! Keeps me (in)sane!

[vf1000rs]

So it`s been awhile.

It took a one off axle, boring out the axle slots, a couple spacers, one off shock mounts, the offset countershaft sprocket and the offset rear sprocket...

Let`s just say I am happy to ride this thing, finally. It`s not done but it is functional.

[d_phi_d]

dang is just someting about an older bike.....looks great in the garage....

[ThAzKat]

You have some very nice steeds in your stable! Everyone of those bikes are so sweet!

[vf1000rs]

Thanks!
A couple more of the Kat:

[1FSTKAT]

Wow, the entire collection is amazing!

[bagndrag]

my only question is how do u choose which one to ride everyday

[vf1000rs]

Haha! Just rotate through!