switch rims from 650L to 850G?

[Guest]

I bought a 82' 650L parts bike recently to sell for parts. I need new tires on frt. and back of my 80 850. I was wondering if I could use the rear rim off the 650L for my 850? The reason being the 650 has 16in. rim where the 850 has 17in. rim, I was hoping this would drop the height of my bike in the back and make me more flat footed. It calls for the same size tire (130/90) on both rims. I have already cut out the seat, gotten shorter shocks and lowered frt. end by raising forks up in triple tree. Also the frt. rim for the 650 is tubeless, which I'd like to do (850 is not tubeless in frt.), so is it possible to use that rim on the frt. of 850? I would have to attach second brake rotor on rightside. Not sure this is all do able? terrylee

[Flatline_Racing]

The 650 would have to be a G as well to even have a hope. The chaindrive and shaft drive rims are not interchangable. And as far as shafty wheels between a 650 and an 850 I will have to let someone smarter than me chime in.

[terrylee]

The 650Lis a shaft drive, so hopefully someone will know. terrylee

[terrylee]

Bump, anyone have any thoughts on my questions? terrylee

[Steve]

No problem, Terry, it's a straight swap.

You will need to move both rotors from the front of the 850 to the 650 rim, not just add the second rotor. I have not measured, but I think the single rotor on the 650 is a bit larger than the twins on the 850. If you need confirmation, I have both bikes here and can check for you.

.

[terrylee]

Thanks so much Steve! I can go measure the rotors. I assume it's no safety or handling problem to have a rear 16 in. and 19 in frt. If this will work I'm excited! Will save alittle on the price of the tire too. terrylee

[DanTheMan]

I think '82 and later 850 models also wear the 16" rear tire.

[terrylee]

Thanks guys, another concern was if the 650 rear rim would switch out and be exact match for rear drive gears on my 850? terrylee

[bwringer]

Thanks guys, another concern was if the 650 rear rim would switch out and be exact match for rear drive gears on my 850? terrylee

The driven spline in the wheel is the same part number.

I don't have any info on the 650 wheel specifically, but you'll also want to watch the spacing on the rear rotor to make sure it all lines up.

[terrylee]

Thanks Brian will do. terrylee

[Steve]

I think '82 and later 850 models also wear the 16" rear tire.

I understand that the '80 850L was the only year with the 17" rear.

Starting in '81, the Ls had 16" rears.

All of the 850G models had 17" rears.

.

[DanTheMan]

I understand that the '80 850L was the only year with the 17" rear.

Starting in '81, the Ls had 16" rears.

All of the 850G models had 17" rears.

.

Thanks Steve. All of my bikes wear the 17" rears (except the parts 850G doesn't have any wheels on it).