I would like to lace a spare 1.85" wide CB400F rear rim to a stock CB350F front hub (using the stock front spokes), replacing the skinnier 1.6" wide original front rim. Because the front hub is considerably smaller, the spokes intersect the rim at about a 10 degree different angle than the rear spokes, and this difference is accounted for in the way the spoke holes are positioned within the individual "bumps" on the rim center. Closely compare the front and rear rim's spoke holes on a 350F or 400F if you're having difficulty visualizing what I'm describing.
Can the rear rim's spoke holes be elongated slightly with a rotary file to let the spoke nipples sit at the proper angle to make with the front hub and its spokes? The OEM rim material is plenty thick around the spoke holes...... I can't imagine there would be any danger of the nipple pulling through a slightly elongated hole. Does any have any personal experience with this? Kevin Hunter
