CB160 5-Speed

[G-Man]

I read a few articles in the web about converting a CB160 to 5-speed which required cutting and welding the crankcase to use the CB175 shift drum and gears.

I didn't fancy that so I created a hybrid shift drum which uses a 175 drum adapted with a locator sleeve to make it work in the 160.

 

[ballbearian]

I remember your post on the FB group a while back about a 5spd. Is this a new innovation of yours since then? Looks like a great idea.

I'm running your 305 shift shaft upgrade in my Dream quite well.

I wonder how long my spare 160 motor will stay packed in it's box now.

Just , Tom Hanna on FB.

 

[Esq'z Me]

I am planning to install a 175 transmission in my1967 CB160. I already have transmissions shafts and shift drum with forks, and a spare set of cases to trial fit and test mods needed.
Is this drum you have made available to purchase? Looks like you made a few. And is it an easy drop in or will I need some other bits.
Would love to learn more. Thanks

 

[G-Man]

Yes, for sale from UK. £160 GBP + £25 shipping.
£130 if you supply a donor shift drum.

You will need the CB175 detent mechanism but the drum just slides in where the 160 drum went.

 

[crazypj]

Much better idea than cutting and welding crankcases.

 

[Esq'z Me]

Thanks for the info @G-Man , I will be in touch !! Still pulling everything together.

 

[Esq'z Me]

Yes, for sale from UK. £160 GBP + £25 shipping.
£130 if you supply a donor shift drum.

You will need the CB175 detent mechanism but the drum just slides in where the 160 drum went.

I'm ready to start the gearbox swap.... I have a 175 cam in good condition.
Please reach out to me on how you want to proceed.

 

[bilbikek411]

Very nice Modification !

 

[Esq'z Me]

After studying the 175 5-speed shift drum and the 160 4-speed cases I believe it is much more involved than just cutting and welding. Machine work also required to create the bearing bore on the right side.
I've ordered the shift drum from G-Man.
I have several crankcases to practice on, but I'm too old and lazy to go that deep. Taking the easy route !!

I'll start a thread documenting the project when i get started. Accumulating all the bits at the moment.
Cool thing is, I have a friend with a low mile perfect condition speedo from a CL175 that has the 5 speed indications on the face that he will give me once I'm done.

 

[Richard73x]

@G-Man, I am working on converting my 1966 CB160 race bike to 5 speed. I have a donor CL175 sloper. How can I purchase your modified shift drum?
Richard Illman AHRMA 73x

 

[ancientdad]

@G-Man, I am working on converting my 1966 CB160 race bike to 5 speed. I have a donor CL175 sloper. How can I purchase your modified shift drum?
Richard Illman AHRMA 73x

Richard, I added G-man's name to your post so he will get a Notification from your request. He'll be along soon.

 

[Tony Clifton]

Michael Bateman produced a large number of helpful articles about building 160/175 racing machines which I loaded into Group W's FB site years ago under "Files", it's all still there for review and here's a sample:

"A 175 tranny can be fit in a 160 case without too much work, but you do need a milling machine to do it as you need to modify the cases to fit the shift drum – both style 175s have a ball bearing on the shift drum. It’s easiest to have both cases and both transmissions sitting side by side so you can see what needs to be done. A vert 175 tranny fits directly in the sloper case. The vert shift drum and detent mechanism can be fit in the sloper case as well. It does take a little milling machine work, but it’s not particularly difficult. It’s completely worthwhile to use the later detent mechanism if you have the time and capability to fit it. The sloper 175 has a detent mechanism the same as a 160 but with one more cutout in the plate."

I don't recall any welding being necessary.

 

[G-Man]

@G-Man, I am working on converting my 1966 CB160 race bike to 5 speed. I have a donor CL175 sloper. How can I purchase your modified shift drum?
Richard Illman AHRMA 73x

Hi Richard

I have one more shift drum available. All the necessary modifications are done on the drum. There is no risky welding/machining of the cases.

G

 

[G-Man]

Send me a private message for details or email me at [email protected]

G

 

[ancientdad]

Send me a private message for details or email me at [email protected]

G

I'll start a PM between you both.

 

[G-Man]

Thank you AD

G

 

[Blamkin]

I read a few articles in the web about converting a CB160 to 5-speed which required cutting and welding the crankcase to use the CB175 shift drum and gears.

I didn't fancy that so I created a hybrid shift drum which uses a 175 drum adapted with a locator sleeve to make it work in the 160.

View attachment 25860View attachment 25861View attachment 25862

Hello I’m new to this forum so my name is bill Lamkin I am restoring a 65 cb 160 a I’m putting in the cb175 transmission and need your shift drum. i can send you mine as I sourced a new shift drum. What would be the cost us Dollars. Thanks

 

[G-Man]

Bill

I started a private message thread. It is ridiculously expensive to send anything from US to UK. About double the price of me sending from UK to US.

Better(cheaper) for me to source a drum here, modify it and send it to you.

Happy for you to send me a drum if you can find a low-cost option.

G

 

[crazypj]

The absolute cheapest way is find friend/relative going on vacation to U.S. who is willing to take unwrapped drum back with them (or bring it over and mail it)
There are enough people here that someone could 'hold' it or deliver withing a reasonable distance.

 

[G-Man]

In a previous life, I used to do exactly that. I use to be in the US on business one week in four for 15 years. My roller bag was always full of little red Honda boxes.