18" GS Front wheel installed

[badbrown]

got an 18" front wheel to match my 18" rear on my black gs550E. Tire sizes are now 130/80-18 rear and 100/90-18 front. much better match from the 19" behemoth that was on there. Much to big for a 550.

[badbrown]

I recommend this mod. If you can find one. The rim width is also the same as my 19" and the rotor bolted right up. Also recommend spraying them black. Also want to note that the rim DOES NOT support bolt holes for a right side disc, which may be an issue for 650-1000 guys with dual discs and calipers.

[80GS1000]

Looks great!

Have you noticed any difference in handling from running the 18" front rim?

[badbrown]

Just put it on this afternoon, so I did'nt get a chance to ride it yet. I imagine it should handle slightly better since I lost some mass and weight. And the bike sits about 3/4 of a inch lower. I'll ride maybe tommorrow then post.

[redtires]

Looks great...I am curious though what the speedo difference will be, or did you use the drive gear from the 18" wheel? If you kept the one from the 19", you'll be reading roughly 2mph faster than actual speed at 60mph. Also...not to jerk the thread in a different direction...is that one of those F-16 fairings that J.C Whitney sells? I saw one in their catalog, but had no way of telling what they looked like on a bike. How much of a difference does it make?

[sharpy]

hi

If u want a front guard the one of a GSX 550 esd will fit as the original guard will look out of place.

[Bopi]

Ya know, I kinda like the black pipes, what did you paint them with and how is it holding up under heat.

[badbrown]

I did'nt try the 18''s speedo gear yet. It sits slightly different on the hub but I'm sure I could squeeze it in there. It was 1/16 in. wider. ........the fairing is from a Buell. I got it from ebay and painted it black.............the exhaust is from ebay. It came in powder coat black. It's a MAC exhaust from Bike-Parts-Outlet on ebay. They sell for $99 plus shipping.

[beergood]

Nice look. While you are monkeying around with your front end you might think about chopping that fender down.

Just a thought.