Wheel conversions: What front/rear wheels still readily available?

[indyblue]

Most of the wheel conversion write-ups are fairly old now and involve cycle models or parts (mid-90's) that are no longer easy to find (around Indy at least)?

What models/years have lots of options to find the parts for?  Wheels, swingarms, etc.

Preferably no machining required like the GSXR mods.

I don't mind the stock 16's, but it would be nice to have more tire options.

'84 FJ1100, 42,000 miles

[ZOA NOM]

Just a quick scan of Ebay... My advice is go with tried and true. I've done two GSXR swaps with no machining. Spacers only.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/91-92-SUZUKI-GSXR1100-GSX-R1100-OEM-REAR-WHEEL-RIM-HUB-AND-TIRE-GOOD/201904265975?epid=1911867948&hash=item2f026e9af7:g:jjYAAOSwbYpazVGe:sc:FedExHomeDelivery!94513!US!-1:rk:4:pf:0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-GSX-R750-GSXR750-91-92-Rear-Rim-Rear-Wheel-131748/273490866033?hash=item3fad536f71:g:wZAAAMXQ9rVQ5eSI:rk:17:pf:0

[Country Joe]

Ditto on the GSXR 750/1100 or RF 900 rear wheel swap.  It's as easy as it gets.

[Millietant]

Ditto on the GSXR 750/1100 or RF 900 rear wheel swap.  It's as easy as it gets.

But, remember to get all of the original Suzuki bits with the wheel - disc, sprocket carrier, cush drive rubbers, spacers, etc.

Joe/Rick - What did you guys do about the brake caliper, mounting bracket and torque arm with the Suzuki wheel ?

PS - Inbyblue - that's one very sweet FJ. I love what you've done with the colour scheme and your bike looks a beaut !

[ZOA NOM]

Ditto on the GSXR 750/1100 or RF 900 rear wheel swap.  It's as easy as it gets.

Joe/Rick - What did you guys do about the brake caliper, mounting bracket and torque arm with the Suzuki wheel ?

I got all '91 GSXR parts, including the caliper and torque arm. I ran a long bolt through the footpeg mount for the torque arm on my latest mod. I cut the tab off the FJ swingarm and moved it to the bottom on the previous bike. I also abandoned the entire ABS system. I did keep the factory FJ rear master and brake line. The rubber line gives a little better feel to the rear brake, which I like.

As for the front wheel, I got lucky and found an '88 FZR wheel, which is the bolt-on choice. My previous bike had the '89 FZR wheel, which I purchased by accident, not realizing the different axle size. What I did was drill the forks to accommodate the 17mm axle, and used the FZR speedo drive, and it worked just fine.

[indyblue]

Thanks for all the info.  I'm gonna check the local cyle-recycle shop to see what they have.  I'd much rather be able to see the condition with my own eyes before I buy, so local > internet for me.

Thanks for the comment about my FJ too!

[Millietant]

Thanks for all the info.  I'm gonna check the local cyle-recycle shop to see what they have.  I'd much rather be able to see the condition with my own eyes before I buy, so local > internet for me.

Thanks for the comment about my FJ too!

I'm with you on the "see before I buy" approach before I buy anything big, and I always take my trusty tape measure and all the measurements I "need" to be able to achieve.

I tend not buy direct over the "internet" from private parties, and have sourced most of my parts from Owners Club, User Group and Forum members such as here. I believe there's definitely more "trust" between like minded owners/members.

[Little Pink Steve]

Are there any weight penalties with fitting a different rear wheel?  Complete wheel, disc, sprocket and carrier, Cush and tyre.

Anyone have the weight of standard, FZR, GSXR?

[fj1289]

Are there any weight penalties with fitting a different rear wheel?  Complete wheel, disc, sprocket and carrier, Cush and tyre.

Anyone have the weight of standard, FZR, GSXR?

I think what you'll find is the wheel assembly is lighter, but the larger tire may be heavier.  Either way, it's not enough to require changing a well sorted sespension setup.  

[Little Pink Steve]

Are there any weight penalties with fitting a different rear wheel?  Complete wheel, disc, sprocket and carrier, Cush and tyre.

Anyone have the weight of standard, FZR, GSXR?

I think what you'll find is the wheel assembly is lighter, but the larger tire may be heavier.  Either way, it's not enough to require changing a well sorted sespension setup.  

Reason I ask is that my project is moving along. I've 2 wheels that I have a choice of one 5" complete with 160 tyre 14kg and 5.5" with 180 tyre 15.4kg.  Complete as in rim, disc, tyre, Cush, sprocket and carrier.  I'm interested to see how it stacks up against the more common options and the original.

I hear a lot of recommendations for using a 5.5" with 170. Road Pilot GT most likely.  I believe the difference should be less than a kg with a 170 fitted to both.

I swingarm I've installed is quite beefy so the 5.5" looks much better IMHO. (I'm planning on writing up the conversion as it's a little different to the norm), but need to figure out the shock and linkage first.

[Millietant]

I've got a 5.5" wheel from a YZF 600 R (Thundercat) with a 170/60 Bridgestone BT023 on my FJ and I absolutely love it.

I have the space to fit a 180/55, but don't feel the need. I like it as much as the 180/55 Michelin PR4 on our FZ1 - in terms of grip, turn in and stability.

An Aluminium sprocket and Wave disc would probably save more weight than any swap with another OE manufacturer wheel - going CF would be a different matter though, weight-wise and cost-wise.

[aviationfred]

An Aluminium sprocket

I highly advise against an aluminum or a super light alloy type sprocket. The FJ will destroy the sprocket in a short time period.

For the weight concerns, the hollow, cast 90's era GSXR wheels are lighter than the early FJ 16" machined wheels. The FJ is not a light weight sprint bike. A Kg difference between wheels should not be a concern. The 180/55/17 has been a proven size tire for sport touring bikes for well over a decade. Go with the 5.5" wheel. The main objective for a 17" front and rear wheel change is tire choice.

Fred

[aviationfred]

There are hybrid sprockets available for the OEM FJ wheels and the GSXR wheels. There is a slight weight savings, but large increase in price versus 100% steel.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=16219.0

Fred

[aviationfred]

Here are a couple of FZR front wheels that are available.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=18085.msg181930#msg181930


Fred

[Mike Ramos]

An Aluminium sprocket

I highly advise against an aluminum or a super light alloy type sprocket. The FJ will destroy the sprocket in a short time period.

For the weight concerns, the hollow, cast 90's era GSXR wheels are lighter than the early FJ 16" machined wheels. The FJ is not a light weight sprint bike. A Kg difference between wheels should not be a concern. The 180/55/17 has been a proven size tire for sport touring bikes for well over a decade. Go with the 5.5" wheel. The main objective for a 17" front and rear wheel change is tire choice.

Fred

Fred, excellent advice on all points.

I have the Road Pilot 5 in 180/55/17 with good performance.

Though not using the GT version - not sure if it's necessary.

Just a thought.