17 inch wire wheels

[tevie54]

Does anyone know if I can get my 18 inch wire wheels converted to 17 inch using the same hubs so I can use more modern rubber and have a more modern look.

[iansoady]

No reason why not. Somebody like Central Wheel in Coleshill near Brum would be able to help as obviously the spoke lengths would be different. There's probably a clever formula to work this out but it's beyond my ageing brain......

[Moto63]

Afternoon tevie54...... Yes central wheels in brum have a good range of morad rims, both diameter and width so as long as you get the correct spoke numbered rims to match the number on  you're hubs then you shud be good to go as they say.....they also do a rim sealing service that allows you to run tubeless tyres on spoked rims. Never used it so can't comment on just how good/effective it is...cheers, Michael

[tevie54]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll give them a call, I was told by a company near Oxford that the problem I've got is the number of spokes, apparently 28 is unusual (CBX250 wheels) but I thought rims come blank and are drilled with the necessary holes to match the hub. I'll let you all know how I get on.
Steve

[Moto63]

Aahhh....I thought you were running RS250 wheels in an rs frame but XL500 engine. The morad rims only come in 40/36/32 hole, as far as I'm aware (could be wrong tho). Keep us posted on any developments n best o luck....cheers, Michael

[tevie54]

Hi Micheal, I am running the RS500 but I fitted the CBX wheels as they looked slightly wider and I was able to fit an FMX650 disc to the front but after doing the Practical Sportsbikes trackday I realised my 18 inch Metzelers don't fill me with confidence so feel some modern sticky rubber is the order of the day and there seems to be more choice with 17 inch rims. 

[johnr]

it might work out cheaper to sell the wheels you have and buy a set of supermotor wheels already fitted with 17 inch rims, ok, it could be a faff getting the brakes to match up, but there are plenty of small 125s running incredibly wide 17 inch spoked rims and huge disk brakes these days.

[themoudie]

Aye tevie54,

What's wrong with some Avon racing compound 18" tyres?    If you have seen the antics of the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club or the British Historic Racing Club you will know that all their events are run on this type of rubber. Come rain or shine and the lean angles are impressive! Might be cheaper and easier than phaffing about with wheels! 

Avon_Historic_Racing tyre_range

Vintage tyres are another potential supplier: Vintage_tyres_supplier

My regards, Bill

[tevie54]

Both valid points but Avons are £329 a pair and if I'm honest I like the look of the wider 17 rims and tyre choice is definitely better, and cheaper, but I do see your point, new wheels and tyres could work out more expensive than just new tyres, that's why I'm hoping to be able to get wider rims for my hubs, I don't mind just buying the rims, I can build the wheels myself. I'm on a mission now

[themoudie]

No problem tevie54, all the best in your search for wider 17" rims.

Regards, Bill

[silver]

Avon road rider tyres are ok, as someone else said they do one identical to the road tyre in racing compound. I have bought alloy rims off ebay. Just bought a new 2.15 X 18 36 hole flanged rim for £70 New. got it next day and it looks to be top quality. I also bought spokes from a chap in Germany but 5 have now broken so its back to central wheel for spokes.
All the best. Dave