18" vs 16" rear wheels

[Guest]

Morning all

i have a 1980 750L with the 16" rear wheel. The tyres are shot and need replaced but I was wondering if this might be the time to replace the wheel if it were advantageous.

I have not really decided on a final look for the bike but the buckhorn bars have gone for a pair of superbike bars. I am very attracted to the wrenchmonkees style but I have seen a couple of real nice cafes that I like too.

So are there any merits to the larger wheel apart from looks. I am not particualrly in love with the look of the small rear but if theres no real performance advantage I would live with it for a set of tyres or two.

Thanks
Tom

[Steve]

A lot of it will depend on the "look" you want for your bike.

The 16" wheel is likely wider and will support a wider tire properly.

The 18" wheel is taller, of course, so installing it will lower your engine rpm at any given road speed.
The wheel is not as wide as the 16", so tires will be a bit narrower.

You will also have to be sure to get the right spacers to make sure the chain and caliper line up correctly.

.

[salty_monk]

The cast 17" wheel should be a straight swap..... That's another option. Chef used to do that.. Swap between the two.