GSXR rear 4.5 rim versus 5.5 rim

[nurse]

I have read, read and read again all the posts and dont have any real issue with the actual mod, i have all the accessorries and they all fit together nicely.  My predicament came about yesterday when i went to collect the last piece of the puzzle (a caliper hanger) and saw a very good condition 91 gsxr 750 being broken with a complete rear wheel assembly.  This wheel however is a 5.5inch rim versus my (89-90) 4.5inch that is ready to go on. 

My question is aside from trye size selection is there any benefit in performance and handling to go for the 5.5 over the 4.5?? 
Would the differing wheel size give rise to any obvious fitting issues (most of the accessory part numbers are identicle on the parts fiches) and the hub sizes look very similar.

cheers

[Arnie]

IIRC, the '91 wheel has straight spokes as opposed to the curve of the '89 - so don't match up as well with the front OEM Yamaha wheel.  The 5.5 can mount up to a 180 tire, the 4.5 a 160 or 170.  The handling may be slightly "heavier" with the wider wheel and tire.  You may also have some chain alignment or clearance problems with the 5.5" wheel and 180 tire.

Arnie

[nurse]

Thanks for the info Arnie, i may well keep with what i have (it will save the agro of selling the wheel i have to fund the 5.5" rim if nothing else!!).  Cosmetically the 5.5" does lok gooood though!

[nurse]

Anyone else have any thoughts on pros and cons for either rim size?
Any particular tyre flavour recommendations in 170 sizings??

[The General]

Anyone else have any thoughts on pros and cons for either rim size?
Any particular tyre flavour recommendations in 170 sizings??

What part of the world are ya from mate? Doug

[nurse]

General - I'm from that cold wet and dreary part of the world They like to call the Great Britain!

[andyb]

Anyone else have any thoughts on pros and cons for either rim size?
Any particular tyre flavour recommendations in 170 sizings??

You're not going to find trackday compounds in a 170 size, but otherwise there's a bunch of things that will work just fine for you.  Just depends on if you want a sticky racy tire, a hard touring tire, or someplace in between.  My preference is Bridgestone BT-21 or -23's lately, but it's very open to your own preferences.  Pick a brand that you've liked in the past or that you feel like you're getting a good deal on.