Question on Wheel Sizes

Zyankaly · 11-02-2004, 02:23 PM

for the theorie:
what are the +ve and -ve things about haveing a smaller front than back wheel ? instead of same wheel size ?

Because I have 16 front 17 back.
I gues that it makes it faster to handle but don't i loose stability while leaning ? doesn't the front tire get pushed faster to it limits ? questions over question.

basicly... whats the difference.

I know some of you are some real pros so maybe you could answere my questions.

thx guys.

boogsxr · 11-02-2004, 09:38 PM

Don't Know Why Wheel Diameter Would Make A Huge Difference, But Had A 93 Cbr 900 Rr W/ 16 Front 17 Rear And Many Complained About Diversity Of Front Tire Options. Every Other Bike Since Has Been 17/17. As Long As It Handles Well, Who Cares?

Zyankaly · 11-03-2004, 03:35 AM

well, I DO notice a difference when riding friends bikes... but can't realy tell.

True, you don't have so many options for your tire as nearly all settings come in 17/17.

I don't know if its just cos I'm so used to my settings or if its realy somewhat better on...

anybody else got some info for me ?

hybrid · 01-20-2005, 01:49 PM

I didnt see this till now but it primarily has to do with rotational weight. A 16" rim has less outer ring weight because its smaller, the trade off is in tire sidewall technology, hence the reason some people can use 16.5" rims and some dont like it. If you look into the engineering aspects of it youll see a combination of preferences by rider feel all the way into motogp. Some even go as far as to mix the sizes on those as well.

There is a lot of physics involved that I wont bore you with but look at some car wheels and tire choices and youll get the idea and then apply to a bike and you will understand completely.

hybrid · 01-20-2005, 01:52 PM

Just in case you didnt know, on superbike wheels you can change the front rim width as well. I have personaly seen some of the riders I used to work for go from 3.5" to 3.75" in the front to control "ploughing" in the front. It really has a lot to do with tire profile front or rear.

Zyankaly · 01-20-2005, 06:26 PM

profile... i nearly got NO profile
semi-slicks are legal here i just got 2 or 3 lines tht go through the wheel that look like an S but they do not push water away or anything, i think they r just supposed to look good, so they r nearly slicks

just sux when it rains... have to ride REAL slow.

hybrid · 01-21-2005, 12:54 PM

by profile I mean the shape of the tire itself. No tire is actually round. it is more like a lot of different steps in angles. Your talking about tread design.

Zyankaly · 01-21-2005, 10:09 PM

WHAAAAT ???? my tire isn't round ???!?!?!?!?!?!?! what can i do against it ???