17" wheel conversions

[Wambo]

I haven't been here in a while since I sold my '04 DL650 a year and a half ago. The bike was great in many ways and there are some things I miss about it (riding position, great headlights, 5.8 gallon tank), but for the riding I do (no offroad)I would want to change a few things. I would like it to feel less top-heavy, with better handling and more agility.

I'm wondering if anyone has converted the wheels and tires to 17" (120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear)? I've tried a search but without any results. With smaller diameter and wider tread I believe it would make it even better in the corners, plus having more tire choices is a big plus. Maybe it would even make it feel less top-heavy. I think this would make it a great sport-touring bike and I would love to do it to a DL1000. I think it would give the new 1050 Tiger a real run for it's money, not to mention embarasing even more sportbikers ;-)

Bob

[awd505]

I would like it to feel less top-heavy, with better handling and more agility. Bob

That would be a Sport Bike.

I found my V is as top heavy as I expected, especially two up. I can roll to a stop sign or light very slowly almost to a stop occasionally timing it to where I don't need to put a foot down. Handling at fast or slow speed is very good and plenty agile. I have ridden off road (fire and forest service roads) even two up. Two up on some pretty rutted and rock strewn roads again I was pleased at the balance I could keep at a slow pace and very rarely having to put a foot down to regain balance. Having a good passenger does make my job easier. I am pleased all around.

[Wambo]

Actually I'm looking beyond a sportbike. Having ridden a Mutlistrada and new 1050 Tiger I wonder if I couldn't convert a DL1000 to the same thing, but with what makes me like the V-Strom (tank size, riding position, Excellent lights!). None of these have the tank size and lights that the V-Strom have. Riding position is close.

Besides, I've owned a sportbike and ridden several others. A comfortable sport-touring bike like a modified V would be great. Yes, I know I have the Bandit which fits the bill for the most part but lacks the great headlights and windprotection of the DL1000. I would just like the best of all worlds, outside of spending the extra money for a Multistrada or 1050 Tiger.

[rider1951]

Bob

Check this thread out.
http://11109.rapidforum.com/topic=101177835287&search=&startid=2

[Wambo]

Thanks Dave! It looks like the front wheel would be not much of a problem, but the back wheel may be a bigger issue. I had trouble with the guy from Quebec description. I will keep an eye on that. 120 front and 160 rear would be just fine if you can't make a 180 fit the rear.

[xpoulet]

Hi,

do you think that using a 17" front rim (120) is ok with the standard rear rim (150) ?
Thank you

[rider1951]

Hi,

do you think that using a 17" front rim (120) is ok with the standard rear rim (150) ?
Thank you


Don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

Bob just likes big. LOL

[Wambo]

Not in women! ;-)

[xpoulet]

Thanks dudes ;)

[bicyclekid]

why the strom already has a problem scraping pegs with the 19 ... if you get it leaned way over in the right conditions it will catch the passenger peg ... some of you know what im talking about if you are an aggresive rider ... like me ... if not your will be clueless .... and say sum dum thing like i lowered my bike with links and have no problem with scraping ... well buddy you aint keepin up with me no way ...