Different front wheel size?

[wildbill]

I have a question. Have any of you installed a 17" front wheel on a 78E or any other year model? What works and what all did you do? I`am thinking about going to a 17" so I can use more sticky and better tires and also slightly lower the bike. I would like to know if this is a good idea or not. Thanks. Watching it snow.

[Pat Kelly]

Lower the bike enough front and rear and you'll no longer need a side or center stand, the bike will be resting on the ground.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Bill,

Well, I can see that having a smaller front wheel might improve the stability due to it turning a bit faster at the same road speed, providing a slightly stronger centrifugal affect. You'll need to either get an electronic Speedo since the OEM would be registering faster than you would really be going!

It should only drop the front end about an inch! You can lower the front end without changing wheels, just slide the tubes up further in the triple trees!

Also, there are many good sticky tires and brands you can get in our size, and I usually have more trouble with the back tire than the front with regards to sticking and handling, and I'm running a cheap ChenShen on my front with a nice Dunlop EliteII on the rear, and it held very nicely thru the Ga., NC. twisties!!

It just looks like you're asking for more headaches than it's worth!?
T.C.

[wildbill]

Thanks for the responses.The front forks on my bike are slid up to the bottoms of the handlebars and I guess I still have over 6" of ground clearence under the engine.The springs in the forks are not progressive.I like the ground clearence just would like to see if there was someway to use 17" tires by changing the front wheel size.Well it was a idea so thanks and take care.

[wildbill]

What about a 18" front wheel? The 18 and 17" tires come in many different profiles so it would be posiable to use a smaller front tire and still have the same ride height. That way if it would work then one could use a wider selection of tires. The fun part would be finding the right wheel and making it work.

[fredintoon]

changing the trail

Hi Wildbill,
pulling the fork tubes up through the trees &/or using a smaller front wheel are things sidecar riders do to reduce the steering's trail and thus make the rig easier to steer. Over-lightening a solo bike's steering could lead you into trouble, sticky new 16" tire or no.
On the XS11 you can also reduce steering trail by using Special fork legs with Standard trees so the reduced trail you'd get with a 16" wheel could be countered by using Standard fork legs with Special trees. OTOH that's a load of work, stay with the 19" wheel?
Fred Hill, S'toon.

[Dennyz]

Changing the front wheel involves several areas. The speedo and front brakes will have to be addresses. Axle and front fender will also be an issue. You need to be concerned about the front wheel and tire being compatible with the rear. Most of the newer 17" front tires are radial. It is not wise to run a radial up front and a bias in the rear. Now you are looking at serious modifications.

This is one of these, go "big" or "stay home" kind of modification IMHO.

My obsession started much the same way. I am now into it "Big". Fortunately I have 2 very nice stock Specials and a modified Standard to ride, while I play around with an idea (dream). Don’t give up the dream!

P.S. If you want to raise your forks up a bit more, put extension under your handlebars. The fork mount caps from a special turned upside down and longer bolts will get you a bit under an inch.

[wildbill]

Thanks that was what I was shooting for.Where can you find the extensons to raise the handlebars from the top of the triple clamp?Fairly easy on a dirtbike but on this I have no idea.My bike is a 78E.Thanks