19" front wheel or stick with the 18?

[justinope]

Hey again! I've noticed a lot of people on here have stuck with the 18" front wheel from the bike instead of going up to a 19". how have you guys found that to work on and off road? I was thinking it'd be nice for tire choices really mainly but I've noticed on the forums some people have found great functioning tires in the 18" size. Anyone tried a 18 and a 19 front and have an opinion maybe? I think this is my actual last concern before buying tomorrow.

I just figure they use 17/19 on the GS's for a reason and other bikes instead of 17/18 but maybe not

[SpudRider]

I'm happy with the 18-inch front wheel. If I make any change, I will switch to a 21-inch front wheel, but I don't have any current plans to do so. ;)

[detours]

I have the 19" front wheel and love it. CSC sent the 18" with the bike, but I never installed it so I can't compare. The 19 feels very planted on road and dirt, so I have no reason to switch to the 18.

A larger wheel handles rocks and bumps better in general, but spudrider has done more technical trails than me (and most) with his 18" wheel. You might consider sticking with the 18 for now and rebuilding it with a 19" alloy rim later.

[DanKearney]

I swapped the 18" for a 19" and put the Kenda big block tires on the bike. The rubber is so different from the stock tires that I really can't compare the two. Conventional wisdom says bigger front wheel = better trail handling. I'm no expert.

I rode the bike, fully loaded from Denver area to Taos, NM and then a bunch of Forest Service road riding after I arrived. The Kenda's were much better on the packed dirt roads than the standard tires. I'd say the Kendas are just as good on tarmac as I remember the comparable Continental TKC-80's were (on my BMW F650GS).

With the 19" front wheel there are more tire choices in the 50/50 and 70/30 on/off road range that I like to ride on.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[justinope]

hmm I wonder if the 18" wheel would be resellable at all to someone looking for one somewhere either for this bike or others. if I could get back like $100 from it, it'd be a no brainer choice for me

[Huck369]

The 18" does fine, the difference is minimal between the 18 and the 19", the only real difference is choice of tires, but I have found plenty of 18" tires that I like.
I don't think an average rider will be able to tell a difference in the 2....but a 21" would be a big enough difference that it'd be very noticeable....

[DanKearney]

hmm I wonder if the 18" wheel would be resellable at all to someone looking for one somewhere either for this bike or others. if I could get back like $100 from it, it'd be a no brainer choice for me

I plan to swap the original 18" front wheel and OEM tire back on when I am doing my commuting runs and put the 19" knobbie back on when trail riding is in the offing.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[Parker]

I am planning on tackling a BDR next spring and thought I'd try a 19-inch tire on the front of the RX-3 and a 13t sprocket. I figure this will give me a little more on the bottom end for the dirt without affecting handling on the paved portions of the route. Any thoughts?

[Lee R]

I've ridden both (friends has the 18 I have 19) No difference on road that I could tell. I bought it for the greater selection of tires but you have options with the 18".

The 13T sprocket helps a bunch on dirt, I swapped mine out. I'll probably gear even lower but it'll impact max speed on road.

[SpudRider]

I don't have a motorcycle lift, so I need to lie down on the driveway to check the flywheel inspection port for TDC. It's much easier for me to sit, and check the cam inspection ports for the timing marks. ;)

[detours]

I think for any of the BDRs, you will appreciate the advantage of the 19" wheel, especially for only $200.

Also, the 13T front sprocket will be essential for your trip. You might also want to consider a 45T or 46T rear sprocket for some extra low gearing.

Spudrider has the 13T/46T combination and says he likes it a lot. I have the 13T with the stock 44T rear. But I plan to install the 45T rear before next season. I'm going with the 45T to more easily maintain highway speeds.

[RedSpruce]

I am currently running a 19" front wheel with Kenda Big Block tires on the front and rear. I also have a 13t front sprocket and 44t rear. I really enjoy this setup, my experience is that the bike is more manageable in double/singletrack without hurting it's pavement capabilities.

[StevieUT]

I'm happy with the 18-inch front wheel. If I make any change, I will switch to a 21-inch front wheel, but I don't have any current plans to do so. ;)

Hey Spud, I dented my stock rear rim a little and I'm planning on taking the opportunity to lace up a a new warp 9 rim. However I'm thinking about going with an 18x2.5 rear and a lower sprocket. With a 18" rear would you recommend going up to a 21" front? I'm hoping that would make the bike more trail friendly. Any drawbacks to this config in your opinion?

[willy dog]

Hey Spud, I dented my stock rear rim a little and I'm planning on taking the opportunity to lace up a a new warp 9 rim. However I'm thinking about going with an 18x2.5 rear and a lower sprocket. With a 18" rear would you recommend going up to a 21" front? I'm hoping that would make the bike more trail friendly. Any drawbacks to this config in your opinion?
the 17inc. rear can bottom out and scrape the inside of the fender and air box would be careful adding to rear tire

[surfndirt]

the 17inc. rear can bottom out and scrape the inside of the fender and air box would be careful adding to rear tire

Exactly, and this is a 18" with a K270, plastic shield guarding airbox has completely eroded away, and the screw holding the airbox sides together is no longer existing since its work down through the thread hole, mudflap hook is no longer there either. Added JB plastiweld as a temporary fix on some of these things

Airbox is about to get broken next, not to mention the caliper bolt dents in my muffler. Yes I ride it like a rally bike...but hey...I can't say it hasn't gotten through anything I've thrown at it. Currently in contact with CSC if they can work with me on somehow amending this issue.

13t sprocket and stock front size is fine for offroad, sand just takes some getting used to with this bike, as well as knowing it's limits with ruts.

[StevieUT]

Yeah, I'd say that's a drawback. I'll stick with the 17" rear but with a warp9 rim. I really want to install a rim lock and there's nada for the stock rear rim. I do think I will go at least with 19" in the front, which should help with the silt I run into. Also, I'm not crazy about the lack of availability of heavy duty tubes for the 18" front.

Thanks for the replies!

[BlackBike]

Wow surf, you were not intended to get such use and abuse from a $3800 motorcycle. Cease and desist immediately and go purchase a $15k bmw.

[GSC]

the 17inc. rear can bottom out and scrape the inside of the fender and air box would be careful adding to rear tire

Especially with the ' lowering link ' installed.

I must add that Ryan warned me first ! I went for it anyway, and yes a few hard knocks and the Kenda big blocks scrape the air box connectors.

[detours]

Let's nail down the rear wheel/tire/suspension combinations can rub the inner fender and airbox.

Sounds like these combos will rub:


18" rear wheel and tire with stock dogbone
17" rear with off-road tire and lowering link


Any others?

I haven't seen any rubbing with my stock 17" wheel with Shinko 804/805 (130/80-17) using either the stock or progressive shock, and I've ridden some pretty rough trails.

[Juanro]

With a 17 rim and a 120/90/17 Metzeler Tourance, standard dog bone link, it rubs. I had to add a monoshock extender to raise it a few centimeters.

[3banger]

I've up graded to the 19" mostly because I made a poor on line choice on a rocky step up and made the OEM 18" wheel a little more square. But IMO the upgrade is worth it have better tire choices. My new favorite is the Heidenau K60 Scout front (110/8019 59T) and rear (130/8017 65T). They are just as good as the Kenda's off road but corner like a street tire on the pavement. The Kenda's get a little squirrly when you push them on asphalt.

[willy dog]

Let's nail down the rear wheel/tire/suspension combinations can rub the inner fender and airbox.


Any others?

I haven't seen any rubbing with my stock 17" wheel with Shinko 804/805 (130/80-17) using either the stock or progressive shock, and I've ridden some pretty rough trails.
i weigh around 280 with no trouble on the kenda's 5.10/17

[madsocial]

I actually got the 19 inch as a spare wheel. I even bought a spare 17 inch wheel for the rear. That way I can quickly change from off-road to on-road tires without having to deal with tire irons and all that mess. For the cost it just made sense. Also, the front 19 inch will offer you more off-road tire options than the stock 18.

[jbfla]

Just finished mounting a Shinko 705 (110/80-19) on the 19" rim ----- twice :grr:

I had it mounted, then looking over on the work bench, I realized I had forgotten to put on the rimstrip.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/19quot%20wheel%20mounting_zpsebrx3fvj.jpg


Adding to the fun, I couldn't use my wheel mounting stand because the centering spindle was too large to fit through the wheel bearing.

I don't know if it makes a lot of difference, the 19" rim is 2.15" and the Shinko tire calls for a 2.50" rim.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/19quot%20rim%20stamp_zpsxqszhs5h.jpg

The tire seems to fit OK.

jb

[jezzrite]

What spoke length did you use for this? Can one use the original 18" spokes?

I asked this because the stock 15" spoke fitted nicely with my new 17" rim for the rear tyre (South East Asia got 15" wheel for stock), and I wonder if the front can do the same.

Just finished mounting a Shinko 705 (110/80-19) on the 19" rim ----- twice :grr:

I had it mounted, then looking over on the work bench, I realized I had forgotten to put on the rimstrip.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/19quot%20wheel%20mounting_zpsebrx3fvj.jpg


Adding to the fun, I couldn't use my wheel mounting stand because the centering spindle was too large to fit through the wheel bearing.

I don't know if it makes a lot of difference, the 19" rim is 2.15" and the Shinko tire calls for a 2.50" rim.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/19quot%20rim%20stamp_zpsxqszhs5h.jpg

The tire seems to fit OK.

jb

[jbfla]

What spoke length did you use for this? Can one use the original 18" spokes?

I asked this because the stock 15" spoke fitted nicely with my new 17" rim for the rear tyre (South East Asia got 15" wheel for stock), and I wonder if the front can do the same.

The 19" wheel was purchased complete with hub, spokes, and rim from CSC, the US distributor.

jb

[jezzrite]

I can confirm with 100% accuracy that if one wishes to change from 15" rear to 17" and 18" front to 19", one does not need to buy new spokes for both rear and front. The original spokes are of sufficient lengths.

These are the proof. My Zong is outfitted with rear Mitas E07 130/80-R17 on a 2.5x17 rim with stock spokes and front Mitas E07 110/80-R19 on a 1.85x19 rim also with stock spokes.

Can't wait to try them out!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5443/29303539624_9da01b4c25_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LDsipN)
Rear Mitas E07 130/80-R17 on 2.5x17 aluminium rim. (https://flic.kr/p/LDsipN)

https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8427/29304227103_c6306a8a25_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LDvPLT)
Front Mitas E07 110/80-R19 on 1.85x19 aluminium rim. Note the clearance between mudguard and tyre. Entirely stock. (https://flic.kr/p/LDvPLT)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8349/29303606024_4732079016_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LDsD9C)
Note that after changing to 17 rear and 19 front, the double stand is unable to give ground clearance to both wheels. Only managed to keep the bike stable. (https://flic.kr/p/LDsD9C)

[Jay In Milpitas]

Very good, Jezzrite!

The stand can be changed to hold one wheel off the ground with just a little metal welded on. Very easy.

[jezzrite]

Very good, Jezzrite!

The stand can be changed to hold one wheel off the ground with just a little metal welded on. Very easy.

Nice. I will do exactly that. Thanks Jay! :thanks:

[BlackBike]

Nice. I will do exactly that. Thanks Jay! :thanks:

Pure awesomenes! I am looking foward to mounting my new tires too.:D

[SpudRider]

...I don't know if it makes a lot of difference, the 19" rim is 2.15" and the Shinko tire calls for a 2.50" rim.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/19quot%20rim%20stamp_zpsxqszhs5h.jpg

The tire seems to fit OK.

jb

You can vary one rim size in either direction from the rim size specified in the tire fitment chart, and not encounter any problems.

[jbfla]

Here's the continuation of my 19" front wheel story from page 2 of this thread.

Checked the grease in the bearings of the new wheel. It had a sufficient amount, but I added a bit more.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/brake%20disk%20rotor-front/bearing%20grease1_zpsbdgntkxo.jpg


Mounted the new Shinko 705 (110/80-19).

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/19quot%20wheel%20mounting_zpsebrx3fvj.jpg


Then the fun began. I tried to remove the front brake rotor from the stock 18" wheel.

I used a heat gun on high for 5 minutes, and still stripped the head on the first rotor bolt I tried to remove......>:

I've lost count of the number of stripped bolt heads and bolt threads on this bike.

So I ordered a new stock rotor with bolts:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/brake%20disk%20rotor-front/stock%20brake%20rotor%20new_zps3tzrsdlq.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/brake%20disk%20rotor-front/rotor%20cleaning_zpsvpufa3gr.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/brake%20disk%20rotor-front/sand%20mounting%20surface_zpscx2t6y7m.jpg

Ready to mount the rotor.

Lightly seated 5 of the rotor bolts in the holes, but when I went to put the 6th bolt in..........

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/brake%20disk%20rotor-front/bolt%20off%20center_zpsfyzwqhgc.jpg


So I removed all the bolts and tried all possible configurations.

No matter which way the rotor was turned, the last bolt would not seat properly.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/brake%20disk%20rotor-front/test%20mount_zps4mjjehcw.jpg


Was it the rotor or the hub? :shrug: Don't know.

After screwing in all 6 bolts so they just touched the rotor surface, but were not into the recessed space around each hole....

.....I turned each bolt a quarter turn at a time, and slowly, each bolt was fully seated.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/brake%20disk%20rotor-front/torqueing%20bolts_zpsv9npaddk.jpg


My best guess is that each bolt was bent just enough to fit into the recess around the holes.


http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/brake%20disk%20rotor-front/rotor%20mounted%20in%20place_zpszyulgdvs.jpg


All that happened last fall....

Being frugal, I wanted to get some more miles out of the stock front tire.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/new%2019quot%20front%20tire_zpsczga0cjd.jpg


And........ it looks like my legs will keep getting shorter.....



The new 19" wheel/tire combination is nearly 2" taller.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/wheel%20and%20tire_zps5dvaqzsk.jpg

I jacked up the bike, removed the front wheel, transferred the wheel spacer and speedometer drive, and mounted the 19" wheel/tire.

Sorry no photos of this ....it was near 90 F degrees today, and I was working in the sun in the driveway.... >:(

The final result:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/19%20inch%20wheel/19quot%20wheel%20on%20bike_zpsfbkltjev.jpg

With the new tire, the seat height is 32" (with a 1" lowering link installed).

jb

[fjmartin]

Nice write up. I also put on a 19" front wheel today. Picked it up at CSC while down there for the Baja ride. I wanted this wheel for my off-road setup. I have the stock wheels with stock CST tires for road rides and another set now with a 19" running Shinko 804/805s for dirt. I'm heading out Friday for the Stumpjumper 100 Desert Race and I'll be doing the ADV/Dual Sport Poker ride at the event. Hoping this new combo works well! Also, my bike continues to get taller. With the 19" front, tall wheels, Progressive shock, Seat Concepts seat it has grown from 30.9" standover to 33.5". I'm now on my tippy toes but they both can touch where before I could flat foot.

[jbfla]

I've ridden 200+ miles (on pavement) on the new 19" front wheel and tire.

There is no discernible difference in ride or handling.

The main reason to change to the 19" wheel would be a wider choice of tires.

It does raise the front of the motorcycle, which if that is a concern, you could offset by raising the fork tubes in the triple clamp.

A slight benefit is that the larger wheel corrects some of the speedometer error.

With the stock 18" front wheel, the speedometer reads ~ 7 mph higher than the GPS (at 60mph in 6th gear).

At the same speed with 19" wheel/tire, the difference is ~ 4 mph.

jb

[fjmartin]

I just put a 19" on mine for my off-road wheelset. I put on Shinko 804/805s. I like the way the bike rides with those tires both on and off-road, I like the geometry as my bikes rear was raised with the Progressive shock, I like the extra ground clearance for off-road and I didn't notice any handling issues at highway speeds. It did great in a 140 mile mostly offroad poker ride I did on Saturday with fast 50 mph gravel and sand service roads and some serious singletrack. Stock wheels and tires has a -10.2% speedo error. Stock wheels and Shinko 244's had an -11.7 and now with the 19" and 804 it's -5.6% optimistic. I've corrected this with a SpeedoDRD.

[RC]

I can confirm with 100% accuracy that if one wishes to change from 15" rear to 17" and 18" front to 19", one does not need to buy new spokes for both rear and front. The original spokes are of sufficient lengths.



So... pink elephant: where can one find a good 19" front rim choice for under $200?

I figure with that option I could replace the rim and:
1. Save $
2. Get a lighter, stronger rim (alloy over steel)
3. Instead of having a spare wheel laying around, I would only have a spare hoop.

I've already checked Warp9 and several other websites, but they don't offer a 19" front 36 spoke, only rear.
Given the popularity of 19" fronts in adv bikes, I would think there would be more options, but perhaps the adv crowd is not so keen on lacing rims, preferring to buy wheels only. I see CSC sells the 18" replacement rim for only $42, but no option to buy the 19" rim.

[SpudRider]

So... pink elephant: where can one find a good 19" front rim choice for under $200?

I figure with that option I could replace the rim and:
1. Save $
2. Get a lighter, stronger rim (alloy over steel)
3. Instead of having a spare wheel laying around, I would only have a spare hoop.

I've already checked Warp9 and several other websites, but they don't offer a 19" front 36 spoke, only rear.
Given the popularity of 19" fronts in adv bikes, I would think there would be more options, but perhaps the adv crowd is not so keen on lacing rims, preferring to buy wheels only. I see CSC sells the 18" replacement rim for only $42, but no option to buy the 19" rim.

A size 2.15-19 rim with 36 spoke holes will work for either the front, or rear wheel. ;) For example, you can choose either the Warp9 or Tusk rims from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. I have built about a half dozen wheels with Warp9 rims, and I like them a lot. :tup:

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/1075/13192/Warp-9-Rim-Rear?term=2.15-19+rim

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/1075/40036/Tusk-Impact-Rim-Rear?term=2.15-19+rim

https://images.rockymountainatvmc.com/images/prod/400/w/war_11_whe_oran.jpg

If you decide to lace a 19-inch front wheel, I suggest you purchase the 19-inch spokes from CSC. The longer spokes will definitely increase your chances of building a stronger wheel. ;)

http://www.cscmotorcycles.com/19-Front-Wheel-Spoke-p/z50-117.htm
http://www.cscmotorcycles.com/product-p/z50-118.htm

If you don't mind spending the money for custom spokes, I highly recommend a 21-inch front wheel. The 21-inch front wheel has transformed my RX3. :tup:

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=17732

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20Dragon/GEDC4642_zpsvo4m1kua.jpg

[RC]

Hmm, I would have thought a rear rim would be overbuilt compared to a front to handle all of the extra torque and weight.

But yes, seeing how my rear wheel rebuild to 17" warp9 rim resulted in barely enough spoke length using the old spokes, I would not risk using the old spokes for a 1" rim increase.

I am very tempted to go the 21" route. While I'm not much of a trail rider, I have heard some RTW ADV riders proclaim that the larger wheel size is worth it even for long stretches of gravel or heavily potholed pavement.

[SpudRider]

Hmm, I would have thought a rear rim would be overbuilt compared to a front to handle all of the extra torque and weight.

But yes, seeing how my rear wheel rebuild to 17" warp9 rim resulted in barely enough spoke length using the old spokes, I would not risk using the old spokes for a 1" rim increase.

I am very tempted to go the 21" route. While I'm not much of a trail rider, I have heard some RTW ADV riders proclaim that the larger wheel size is worth it even for long stretches of gravel or heavily potholed pavement.

Trust me, you will never regret going to a 21-inch front rim. The improvement in handling is dramatic. :tup: I see you have joined the following thread. ;) Another fellow plans to build a 21-inch front wheel for his RX3, and I intend to give him the spoke information tomorrow.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=17732