17" Wheel Conversion

[Rebel73]

Looks like an auxiliary port for charging phones and stuff.

[CIP57]

The OP is going in the right direction if money is no object. The CB is one of the most neutral UJM's I have ever ridden but the stock tires ****. Just going to a set of Michelin's PR3's was a huge improvement. Going to 17" rims opens the door to take advantage of modern technology of today's tires. A set of PP3's would make a world of difference tightening up the suspension & lowering the center of gravity. I have seen a set of 17's on a few Japan sites, just get ready to open your wallet. 2K + for the conversion.

[Nemo]

(02-04-2015 08:56 PM)mjezek Wrote:  As a teaser, ever wondered why a motorcycle turns, despite the front wheel is perfectly straight ?

I have never wondered before because we've been doing it since we were kids, so the answer was "because that's how it works". However, now that you ask I wouldn't mind the explanation because I don't know.

[curlyjoe]

(03-02-2016 06:33 AM)Nemo Wrote:  

(02-04-2015 08:56 PM)mjezek Wrote:  As a teaser, ever wondered why a motorcycle turns, despite the front wheel is perfectly straight ?

I have never wondered before because we've been doing it since we were kids, so the answer was "because that's how it works". However, now that you ask I wouldn't mind the explanation because I don't know.

This helped me at least partially understand. Two wheeled physics

[Lord Popgun]

(03-02-2016 06:33 AM)Nemo Wrote:  

(02-04-2015 08:56 PM)mjezek Wrote:  As a teaser, ever wondered why a motorcycle turns, despite the front wheel is perfectly straight ?

I have never wondered before because we've been doing it since we were kids, so the answer was "because that's how it works". However, now that you ask I wouldn't mind the explanation because I don't know.

Read this about 20 times and you still may not know : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_an...e_dynamics

[chync]

That thing on the handlebars looks like a steering damper to me. Used for racing.

I have been looking at these Kineo tubeless spoked wheels. I think they look great but sure aren't cheap. They are 17" but their kit comes with everything you need to mount wheels, sproket, brakes, etc.

http://www.bikehps.com/acatalog/Kineo-Wi...wards.html

[kennyw]

Also, just because you change a wheel to 17" from 18" doesn't necessarily mean the tire OD is smaller. You just end up using a different aspect ratio to keep the OD if you want it the same. I switched a 1982 Honda V45 Magna over to 17" wheels so I could find radials. Luckily, Honda also had made a V45 Saber in 1982 with 17" wheels that were a direct fit.

[chync]

In case anyone uses this thread for making a decision on 17" wheels I thought I would share my experience. I finally bought the 17" Kineo wheels and for anyone concerned about parts scraping easier on the smaller wheels here is why it doesn't happen (I believe).

The main reason I switched to the 17" wheels was to get some decent sport tire options. In addition to switching to a smaller diameter wheel I also went to a wider wheel. I'm now have 180's on the rear which also have a higher aspect ratio which helps turning in to corners. When the bike leans I believe the geometry of the wider and taller tire may actually compensate for any loss in ride height. All I know for sure is that I can lean the bike and use all but a quarter inch of the edge of the tire without scraping anything (I believe I could lean the bike over even further but it's clear from examining the cracks in the pavement at that lean angle I would need some leathers with knee pucks). Ok maybe a bit of exaggeration there. I have replaced the stock pegs with racing pegs that prevent them from scraping but both the muffler and center stand are the next things in line to start grabbing pavement. That hasn't happened on the 17" wheels again using most of the tire. I routinely scrape my boot on the ground but never any parts of the bike.

If you like to ride sideways, even on the CB1100, the 17" wheels give you some tire options to get you closer to that goal. If you don't like riding sideways then there is certainly no risk of switching to 17" wheels and scraping anything.

[peterbaron]

(02-04-2015 01:37 PM)mjezek Wrote:  

(02-04-2015 01:15 PM)Django Wrote:  

(02-04-2015 12:31 PM)mjezek Wrote:  One reason is, I want to ride her on the track and there is not really a lot of sticky rubber in 18" out there ....

Special road surface on track should be sticky enough for available rubber in 18", considering what one could do with a CB 1100. It has just 90 hp, not over 160 hp.

The foot pegs and then the exhaust scratch the ground very early anyway in the curve. With 17" you could lean even less.

I don't know, if this is a good idea.

I respect your opinion .... let's leave it like that ....

+1...use brain when modifying

pb