17"rear verses 16" rear

[crzyjarmans]

Hey Guy's,

     Just wondering, my 87' has a 17" front, but a 16" rear, it was like this when I bought it, What are the advantages for going to a 17" rear?, thanks 

[big r]

The biggest advantage is a lot bigger selection of tires. There are not many 16 in. sport tires for the FJ. Big R

[yamaha fj rider]

Wider tire and more tire options. The 16" very limited, 17" lots of choices, radials and sport tires. If you need a set of standard size tires for your FJ. I have a set of almost new Avons Aazro tires for sale.

Kurt

[ribbert]

Hey Guy's,

     Just wondering, my 87' has a 17" front, but a 16" rear, it was like this when I bought it, What are the advantages for going to a 17" rear?, thanks 

MODERN RUBBER.

Radials, enormous tyre selection, wider tyre, more rubber on the road, more grip, looks cool and depending how you ride, handles better.
Modern tyre technology is amazing but the 16"s benefit very little, if any, from it because of the type of bikes they are mostly fitted to. There is not much demand on them going, stopping or cornering.

If you don't ride hard and none of the above is important to you the 16" is probably fine but the tyre choice is diminishing.

The 17" front (which you have) is far more important and generally carries a much stronger recommendation.

Noel

[markmartin]

Remember, the diameter of the rim isn't what makes the difference.  On that account, you end up with the same tire diameter, if not a tad smaller. The advantage gained is a shorter sidewall so probably less flex in the sidewall.  

The bigger difference is the profile of the tire.  The GSXR (easiest swap) rim is 2" wider than the FJ wheel.  The tires that fits these rims are wider also, and have a more consistant and larger radius.  Which I think just makes the bike feel much smoother and predictable leaning into corners whether you're riding  fast or just cruising.  Check out this post for a look at the profiles of a 16" compared to a 17"

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?action=search2

The tire on the 5.5" x 17" rim is only 3/4" of an inch wider than the Stock 3/5"x16" rim, but the profile isn't pinched on the 5.5" rim like it is on the 3.5" rim.


You can also see in the picture that the tire diameter looks the same with either rim.


As others have said, you can buy better rubber with the 17" rims also if that makes a difference to you.

[Arnie]

Mark,

Linky no workee

Arnie

[markmartin]

Mark,

Linky no workee

Arnie

Thanks Arnie.  Lets try this one. http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=6203.msg54785;topicseen#msg54785

[crzyjarmans]

thanks guy's, all replies greatly appreciated, Think I've made up my mind, as I just put new tires on my FJ, when its time for new tires again, Ill try and find the 17' rim, again, thanks for the info

[rktmanfj]

thanks guy's, all replies greatly appreciated, Think I've made up my mind, as I just put new tires on my FJ, when its time for new tires again, Ill try and find the 17' rim, again, thanks for the info

JMO, but I'd be looking for the wheel now, and have all the details of the swap worked out and ready to go on when it's time.   

[aviationfred]

Hey Guy's,

     Just wondering, my 87' has a 17" front, but a 16" rear, it was like this when I bought it, What are the advantages for going to a 17" rear?, thanks 

Shawn,

I just noticed that you refer to your bike as an 87'. I remember the photo of your bike in you introduction thread. The bike in the photo is a 89', possibly a Canadian or European 88'. You definitely do not have a 87'.

Fred

[1tinindian]

thanks guy's, all replies greatly appreciated, Think I've made up my mind, as I just put new tires on my FJ, when its time for new tires again, Ill try and find the 17' rim, again, thanks for the info

JMO, but I'd be looking for the wheel now, and have all the details of the swap worked out and ready to go on when it's time.    

+1
It's never to soon to start gathering parts.

[crzyjarmans]

Hey Guy's,

     Just wondering, my 87' has a 17" front, but a 16" rear, it was like this when I bought it, What are the advantages for going to a 17" rear?, thanks 

Shawn,

I just noticed that you refer to your bike as an 87'. I remember the photo of your bike in you introduction thread. The bike in the photo is a 89', possibly a Canadian or European 88'. You definitely do not have a 87'.

Fred

Sorry Fred, but it is an 87', I'll take a pic of the tag on the front, There may have been some changes, not sure?, But it most certainly is an 87

[Dan Filetti]

Sorry Fred, but it is an 87', I'll take a pic of the tag on the front, There may have been some changes, not sure?, But it most certainly is an 87

I owned an "1984 FJ" for 5 years. I bought it from a Yamaha dealer in CO, registered it in three states; (CO, GA and PA) all as an '84.  I would have bet $20 that it was an 1984.  It was not until someone on the Yahoo list pointed out that my color scheme was that of an '85 that I even questioned it.  I then checked my VIN, and sure enough, it WAS an '85.  A dealer, three states registration offices and I had had it wrong for 5 years!

Check you VIN to be sure.

Dan

[rktmanfj]

FWIW, I agree with Dan and Fred... something must be hinky with the paperwork.   

[crzyjarmans]

here's a pic of tag