[Darkknight3109]

I was wondering if anyone had ever come across a rear wheel that could be used to convert from drum to disc brakes. Apart from the spongey front suspension that can be corrected, id like to try to swap out this drum brake. Im sure itll save a good 7 or 8 lbs and help the torque even more.

[Back2-2]

Hello and welcome to the site.
I will say that any thing is possible given the desire and abilities of the person trying to achieve something.
But to answer your question - No, it would not be practical to covert to disc on a drum brake bike. You would need the entire brake system. Master cylinder, brake lines to fit, caliper and of course a rear wheel that fit and had a rotor. Mounts would have to fabricated for the caliper mounts and master cylinder. Actuator arm fitment to the brake pedal. Not saying it can't be done above the average persons abilities and certainly not worth the cost if purchasing the required parts. If you have the parts and the skill to weld and fab then it would be achievable.
I doubt that the weight savings would be as significant as you think given the amount of hardware that would be added over a rod and drum that would be removed.

Just my opinion of course. If you do attempt this modification please post it up for others to see.

[Darkknight3109]

Im still going to try it. The idea of weight saving aside, it wouldnt be too hard to do it. Maybe a new swing arm and wheel would be the biggest issue. That and finding room for the master cylinder. But disc brakes are far more practical in my opinion. Better stopping power and more control. I guess i should have clarified, now that i think of it. What i meant to ask is, if anyone knows what swing arm and rim might fit. From there you wouldnt need to fabricate alot.

[Darkknight3109]

Update:i joined a facebook group for the crf230fs and asked the same question. Apparently, someone has already been working on this topic. Theyve found success utilizing the swing arm and rim from a crf230m. Its a 22mm disc and caliper. The issue theyve experienced thus far is figuring out how to mount the master cylinder. Someone also suggested using an old xr200 or 250 rear end and wheel. But apparently european models came with rear disc as well. Not entirely certain on this but will research more and post what i find.

[Back2-2]

You sound determined and that's what it takes to get it done.
My opinion - the crf230 is just a basic little bike. I do not see the drive to put money and modifications into it. It works and fits the needs of exactly for what it is - A basic little trail bike.
But best of luck and I hope you post what and how you pursue the brake upgrade.

[Aussiecrf230]

Well you could look into this,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-CRF230-R ... 3622357977

If you get it you could write up a step by step as Neil suggested.

Unsure on it's suitability or value for money.

I have always been able to lock the rear wheel with the drum brake.
I too doubt there would be any significant weight saving.

I have seen guys spend a fortune on titanium bolts for their pegs, only to stuff another burger in the mouth washed down with a sugary drink and wonder why there is no weight saving and better acceleration.

[Darkknight3109]

I misspoke. It was the crf250x he used. Im going to try to get him to.join up and post what hes done since it will be a little while before i can do it. And yes, they are basic little bikes, but theyre great little trail bikes and after being forced to se my 07wr450f and downgrade to it, id like to atleast make the most of it. They get the job done regardless. Lol

[Aussiecrf230]

Not as slow as a tortoise but they definitely get there in the end.
My son can ride the wheels of my 230 and keep up with the 250 pack and even some of the 450 pack.
We ride single track and full width cross country.
If it was desert they would eat it for sure.

Nevertheless a tenacious little bike and best fun per dollar spent.

[Darkknight3109]

https://crf230fmods.wordpress.com/ after joining the 230 group on facebook one of the guys offered up this little gem. Its a complete compilation of all the mods that people have done on the crf230f platform. So many in fact that imho i would rather just buy a bigger bike or even try to swap the 230 motor onto another frame before going through with all of them. But i figured id share so that others could find the answer to my question.