Skorpion wheel widths

[samandkimberly]

OK, so I got a pair of Monster wheels for essentially free - 3.5x17 front and 4.5x17 rear. The rear is a challenge to fit - it will need a completely new cush drive, but I have a small shop and I've made cush drives before - this one seems relatively simple to fab up, just time consuming in that it will involved making up 7 separate components. Given the price of the wheels, and my lack of a rush I don't mind the time investment. Before I go to the effort, though, I wanted to get opinions from members on how changing wheel widths/tire sizes has affected the handling on their bikes. My own personal experience is that any step up in wheel size comes with a commensurate loss in feel and steering response. Going up to the 4.5 means going with a 160 series tire in the rear, and a 120 series in the front. Plus, these bigger tires can weigh more, of course. This bike, BTW, is completely stock, and will probably remain relatively detuned for it's entire life.

So, anyone seen much of a negative trade off going to wider wheels? Bill, I'm especially interested in your take, of course!

Sam

[Bill Jurgenson]

120 front ist right but the 4.5" rim is the correct width for the 150 rear. It is too narrow for a 160.
just as the 4" is too narrow for the 150 according to the tire companies. 5" is correct dor 160 or 165.

You are right about the handling. With rims of the original width, I always mount 110/70 and 140/70. I prefer to use Brembo 3.5" rear wheel from the TZR with 130/70. Wider tires demand more lean angle, more hang off for the same cornering speed.

There is a good reason for going to 3.5 and 5 (or 5.5") rims if you race: tire choice. There is simply put nearly nothing made for the OEM sizes. Slicks, rains, intermediates are available in the sainty sizes of the 125GP and then from 120 and 160 on up. The only "racable" tire to be had in 110 and 140 is the Bridgestone BT003 Racing. Pirelli SuperCorsa does work 'cause the 150/60 is only 143mm wide.

[samandkimberly]

Thanks Bill. Everything you've written is making me think I should rethink these wheels, even if they're free. But I think you're off on the tire sizes - my understanding of industry consensus is as shown in the Dunlop chart below:

At least here in the US, a 4.5" rim is still pretty good for race tires; there's still a lot of options available including some decent slicks, thanks to the Supermoto scene. But I'm getting more inclined to wait for some skinnier rims to show up. Know any Skorpions with spoke rims?

Thanks everyone,


Sam

[Bill Jurgenson]

I admit I have little knowledge of present Dunlops. With much bad experience in the past, I would touch them with. gloves.
Reference rim sizes for 150/60;
Pirelli - 4,25"
Bridgestone - 4,5"