GS 1150 rear wheel on my 1100 Katana

[John Kat]

I decided to upgrade the rear wheel on my 1100 Kat
The OEM wheel is very narrow at only 2.5" wide while the 1150 wheel came in both 3" and 3.5" sizes.
To fit the wheel, I prepared a kit that comprises:
A larger outside disk spacer ( by 5 mm)
A narrower outside sprocket spacer ( by 5 mm)
A larger ( by 3 mm) OEM 1150 engine sprocket spacer
A cut-out brake stay to clear the tire
Here's a picture that compares the OEM spacers with those required.

Here's the 3.5" wheel

[Greg B]

Why not go with a 4" GSX-R wheel?

[John Kat]

Why not go with a 4" GSX-R wheel?

The GSXR 4" wheel is definitely the best "racing" upgrade for our GS's.
My GS 1000 ST is equipped with this wheel in an effort to reduce weight.
There are a couple of issues however:
1) It detracts from the OEM front wheel as the lips aren't polished
2) It requires the complete rear brake setup including the brake stay
3) It requires the matching sprocket carrier
4) It requires an offset engine sprocket
5) The OEM chain guard no longer fits
Still worth the effort if you can find one!

[jwhelan65]

Bandit brakes stays are direct bolt in and look factory

[John Kat]

A few pictures of the 3.5" versus 2.5" wheel.
Interestingly enough the 3.5" wheel weighs 20.7 kg versus 22.5 kg for the 2.5" wheel?
It must come mostly from the thinner rear disk?
The 3.5" wheel with a 130/90*17 tire

On the bike

The reason why you need to narrow the brake stay: