Size and width of new rims on spoke wheels for a gs1100e

[921895]

Hello! My first post on this great forum. I live in Norway, and have a "slightly customized" gs1100e from 1980. I am planning to buy a pair of hubs from a gs with spokes and get them built up with new wider rims. I've used the search function and I have read some posts, but I would like advice on size, with and type. I have planned to use 2.5 "x18" with 110/80-18 for the front wheel and 4.25 "x17" with 150/70-17 at the rear wheel. Maybe Roadriders or Sport Demons. I know there must be done some modifications in order to achieve this. I have access to a workshop with a lathe, so it's no problem to make some new bushings etc. I want a combination of classic looks and great handling. Stainless steel rims and spokes, and maybe get the hubs powder coated black? What do you think? Price is not so important, as long as the results are good ;-) chromed steel rims, or maybe I need to use polished aluminum rims to achieve the desired width? Advice and good ideas are appreciated!

[John Kat]

It's a very good idea.
The original GS 750 wheels will fit without any modification on your GS 1100.
As far as larger rims the 2.5*18 upfront will do fine and the 4.25*17 at the rear aswell.
This combination will lower the bike a little but if you don't race it should be OK.
You might have to offset the chain a little to clear the tire depending on the tire width...
The only issue is cost as aluminum rims are expensive.
I reckon it could easily go above 800 Euros ... without the tires.
See El Gablo's Katana fitted with wire wheels to give you an idea.

[HiSPL]

If it were mine, I would look at what tires you might want to run and buy rims to match. A 17" front won't hurt anything and will make the bike handle better in twisties.

I do think that a 17" front wheel looks a little odd on these bikes if the rest of the bike is fairly stock. They were styled with a 19 and look best with that size. If you are looking to keep a stock look you might want to use the Pilot Roads that are made for the big adventure touring bikes out now. My V-strom uses a 110/80/19 front and a 150/70/17 rear. There are some pretty good tire and rim choices available for these sizes because most big adventure bikes use this size.

http://www.motosport.com/motorcycle/MICHELIN-PILOT-ROAD-3-FRONT-TIRE-11080R19

[tatu]

Does this help?

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=182737

[TheCafeKid]

The spacers used on wire wheels were different than in the cast wheels so you'll have to mess around with that, but otherwise it should be a straight forward swap. While a 17" up front will quicken steering, it will leave an odd looking gap between your fender and wheel unless you plan on swapping forks with something from a 17" wheeled bike. Bandit forks from what I've read are a pretty easy swap, though not much of a performance up grade. You could also try a set from an 83 on 700/750/1150. They had 16" rims though stock. But the forks were the best of the GS line and would gain you back some of your lost ground clearance from using a smaller diameter wheel.

If you're going with spokes I'd suggest hunting up a set of HD wheels that'll accommodate 36 spokes and lacing them to gS hubs. Otherwise I'd go full big dollar spend and get a set of alloy rims from one of the dirt bike manufacturers and lace them to either GS hubs or having a set of hubs milled that can accommodate modern rotors and do a modern brake set up. The possibilities are endless, if you want to spend the dough.

[salty_monk]

If you're putting wider rims on then why not go wide enough to fit Radials??

I think you need a 3 or 3.5" front & a 4.5" rear. You can still use 18"...

Dan

[John Kat]

They were styled with a 19 and look best with that size. If you are looking to keep a stock look you might want to use the Pilot Roads that are made for the big adventure touring bikes out now. My V-strom uses a 110/80/19 front and a 150/70/17 rear. There are some pretty good tire and rim choices available for these sizes because most big adventure bikes use this size.

http://www.motosport.com/motorcycle/...-TIRE-11080R19

I like the idea of using the tires made for these bikes as they replicate the diameters of the original wheels.
Another option is to use the Pirelli Scorpion Trail tires as fitted to the BMW GS 1200.
The advantage here is that you can use an 18" rear wheel that gives exactly the same development in 150/70*18 as the original 130/90*17.

http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/fr/fr/motorcycle/sheet/scorpion_trail.html?url=%3Fsubtype%3Droad

[921895]

Thanks for all replies. I think that I might will go for 2.5" x 19" to the front wheel and 4.25" x 18 to the rear wheel. Then I have the option of using either radial or bias, and still maintain the right diameter. For example Azaro Sport Touring AV45-ST 110/80R19 and Storm 2 Ultra 150/70ZR18. Or Road Rider AM26 100/90-19 and Road Rider AM26 150/70-18. (or other manufacturers). Does anyone know if I can use my drive hub on a wire hub from an older gs/gt?

[John Kat]

The rear sprocket hubs are the same for the GS 750 and the GS 1000/1100
Send us a picture when done

[921895]

Here are some pictures of how the bike looks now, with the original wheels. I have mounted small led turn signals and a rear fender after these pictures were taken.

[Nessism]

The forum software knocks down large photos.

Join Photobucket and upload your photos there. Then link the [img] code here and your photos will show up in high resolution, without forcing people to click the image to view.