I didn't go this way myself (I didn't know better at the time), but user AAV_Yardape posted this inspirational shot in
another thread:
It's a 2002 Sportster hub, 3/4" axle, mounted in a Radian swingarm which had been modified to fit the axle (the axle/fasteners in the pic are temporary for mock-up only). Notwithstanding the axle/swingarm issues, everything about this looks like a better starting point to me than the XS front hub; stronger, lighter, wider spoke base, and a wider bearing base. Looks like plenty of room between the hub and the swingarm for a caliper hanger.
From what little research I've done, these HD hubs are easily available across many model years, and at a reasonable price. Richard Pollock at
Mule has himself suggested these several times as a superior alternative to the XS front hub.
All the solutions are rife with compromise... XS front hub/Omar's kit is straight-forward and proven, but heavy (compared to some others) and obviously not as ultimately strong (although probably good enough for most street-ridden bikes). Sportster hubs, vintage Barnes-type, or other QC hubs have obvious design and strength advantages, but with a little more expense and complication in set-up. Then you could just go with any number of billet aftermarket MX or speedway solutions, but burn $500+ on a bare hub even before the brakes/rim/spokes get sorted!
I've looked longingly at various billet MX wheels, ISR hubs, etc., and balking at the $500-$1500 price of admission, chose to go with the proven Omar's kit (with my own changes, of course). Honestly, why worry about ultimate strength and light weight? If those factors were the greatest priority, we'd all be riding new modern bikes... For me, style, originality, and an honest invocation of "vintage feel" trumped strength and weight...
But here's the reality check, the dirty total nobody wants to admit to:
Stock '73 TX750 front wheel: $100
Omar's conversion kit: $295
Ducati caliper: $85
Aprilia hanger: $40
Ducati rear master cylinder: $35
Custom rotor adapter: $525 (I bartered labor for that one, so it wasn't out-of-pocket)
Russell brake line: $45
Brake pads: $10
Avon tire: $90
Banjo brake switch: $20
Brake rotor: $65
Let's add in $20 for all new fasteners, but not count the two other hangers and calipers bought for fitting/development purposes, but ultimately not used... My complete rear wheel/brake is already over $1300, not including my own time!
Suddenly, those seemingly "too expensive" alternatives don't sound so ridiculous after all, and while I shopped around for the best deals whenever/wherever possible, I wasn't saving any money; I was spending it!
Still, it's hard to put a cash value on the pride of accomplishment and satisfaction of doing it yourself.