Lacing rims

[smegballs]

I'm thinking of converting my MZ to some nice wide 17" rims rather than the skinny 18's stock.

Using my handy chart (https://www.steelthundercc.com/tiresizes.html) I can see that to run a 150/80 tyre I want a 3.50" wide rim.

Is it as simple as getting a nice spoked 3.50" rim and lacing it into my existing hub or is there some nastyness hiding somewhere? I haven't measured my swinger for tyre clearance yet but will obviously do that before purchasing anything.

Is a 150 over the top for the MZ's modest power output? The end product I'm aiming for is a stock MZ engine in a sharp handling/braking chassis..... something to learn to ride "fast" on as for the type of roads I ride, top speed of 70 is more than enough.

[G]

Tyre compound is the reason to change, not tyre size.
Won't get a massive amount more grip from a bigger tyre, but will from a better compound.
What do MZ racers use? I know a lot use slicks, but I think some do use a treaded tyre of some kind; not sure whether they have a road legal one or not.

Anyway, the MZ racing club is probably the best place to look for inspiration.

[stinkwheel]

I think a 150 is WAY over the top, and probably won't fit between the legs of the swingarm without fouling something (like the chain or the swingarm itself) anyway.

I'd have thought a 120 section rear tyre would be more than sufficient (and would corner better).

Anyway. Skinny tyres handle better. You only need wider ones if it is overwhelming the grip they provide with the engine power. I'll take a wild guess and say the rear wheel spinning up while you're banked into a corner isn't a major issue on the MZ.
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[chris-red]

First get some decent (Fresh) rear shocks and do some work on the forks, respring them with fresh oil and seals. A Set of rear shocks the fork oil and the fork springs can all be got from hagon and should cost you £200 or less.

This will improve handling far more than pratting about with wheels.

If you where going to change the front wheel it is probably a better idea to get a new front end with better brakes/forks.
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[truslack]

What model MZ is it? I can corner pretty damn fast on my ETZ250 no problems with the handling.

(it's just had new shocks and forks though)
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[smegballs]

I have an ETZ 250.

The front is really soft, soft enough almost to be an off-roader - just without the long travel. Its been good tho when I hit a massive pothole, the MZ just bounced over rather than throwing me off....

[G]

Further, it doesn't seem to be worth spending a massive amount to 'sort' an MZ; for racing the objective is relatively slow racing which after the initial spend can be done pretty cheaply.
Can get some pretty reasonable bikes for £500 say.

[smegballs]

[hmmmnz]

why not get some gs500 rims ect or do you like the spoked look,
probably more hassel than its worth changing it over to discs ect,
but you could get a complet front end for next to nothing,
converting to disc on the rear probably wouldnt be too hard either,
just a matter of welding a tab on the swing arm for the torque arm from the caliper,

might be a step too far??
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