Upsising front wheel???

[XJdan]

Hi All,
I am custom modifying my 1998 XJ600N and would like to run enduro tyres to give it a different look. However I am finding the standard wheel size 17 inch front limits what tyres I can use. Has anyone upsized the front wheel to run an 18inch rim? What are the knock on effects? Brakes? Handling? Clearance? I will be realigning the mud guard so that should not be an issue?

Many Thanks

Danny

[stinkwheel]

It'll jack the front end up 1/2". Perhaps more depending on the tyre profile you fit.

That will increase the effective rake angle. Make the bike slower to steer and require more force to push it down into corners.

If you're offroading, this may be what you want anyway.

Or you can compensate by jacking up the rear end by a similar amount (fitting shorter dog-bones on the shock linkage) or by dropping the forks through the yoke by the same amount the wheel has raised the bike.

Make sure the new, bigger wheel isn't going to foul the front of the frame/engine at full suspension compression.

Also check the speed rating of any tyres you decide to fit.

It'll probably handle like a complete bagowank on enduro tyres because they'll have a narrow, high profile. So you've been warned.

If you want knobbly looking tyres for use on the road for purely cosmetic purposes. I'd go for Pirelli MT60RS or Avon Distanzias. The Pirellis have epic levels of grip but don't last long. These are both available in the 120/70 R17 size. A bit wider than standard for your bike but similar in ride height and should fit on the standard rim.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[lihp]

[stinkwheel]

[lihp]

[G]

There are actually some significant dangers associated with this, I'm afraid.

The real cost can be a lot higher than it looks on the surface.
It may seem a bizarre question; but do you plan to have children?
I'm sure those tight jeans you'll need to wear won't help.
There's the beard-care products; that's going to eat into your fuel budget.

The bike you've chosen isn't a light bike.
You're intentionally choosing to put on a significantly worse tyre as far as performance goes.

You should fine some options for 17" tyres. It'll likely perform a bit better and be massively less hassle.
A proper enduro front tyre is a 21".

You could get a wheel made up that would fit, but it's going to be a load of hassle and, if you have to ask the question in the first place; probably expensive.
Normal people will likely point and laugh, but of course "they don't get it" because you're "ahead of the curve".

[MarJay]

[MarJay]

Ok, so let's just elaborate on my post with all the GIFs.

Most people with wheels which are NOT 17" want to change to 17" because it gives them the best selection of sticky tyres. What you're trying to do is to make your bike worse for the purposes of looks. It'll be horrible to ride, and only appeal to people who pay fifteen quid for exotic cereal and say they liked it before it was fashionable.

It's stupid, and it's possibly dangerous and at least you're doing it to an ancient XJ and not some future classic.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[doggone]

Roadholding and practicality are not #1 on everyone's list.

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mOW-jWz4T0/VjtTFUf3OTI/AAAAAAAAPYE/LrmSGuy-HlA/s1600/ducati-scrambler-dirt-tracker-6.jpg

[MarJay]

[G]

If people are happy to make a bike significantly worse to ride, spending a lot of money and time in the process - up to them if they accept that.
Though does provide some amusement when they come to sell...

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/vV0AAOSw-itXqhkk/s-l1600.jpg

Hopefully someone else got a rear seat for a good price out of this .

[Tdibs]

Save the money, after you sink stupid money into it, it will still be a bloody Divvy.

Save and buy a dual sport if you want to hit some greenlanes.
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Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000

[wr6133]

[MarJay]