In wanting to reduce the assortment of sizes, was thinking to change the front to a 19" rim. Then could run a 110 or 120 maybe even a 130 wide up front. Also 19" dual sport tires seem to have a better selection and availability.
There are 19", 4" wide, 36 spoke rims on eBay I could order, keeping the same KLR hub and oversized brake disks
The question is: How much will this change affect the rake? Will steering be harder or easier?
This is my third world country adventure rig, so there is a practical motivation to reduce the number of tire sizes.
I appreciate any advice or insight you can offer.
Thanks CCjon
smaller tire in front makes you tilt forward and shortens the trail. Originaly you should have had 105mm.As you stiiffened springs in front and back as I understood, there might have happened a change already.
19" wide rig tires are often bad to find. In Germany I have found a supplier who gives 18" rims. There is no trouble in any of our central american countries to find rubber for 18 inch rims.
that way you tilt even more to the front and probably do not need any steering moditication at all.
All three wheels the same has its benefits on the trip without any doubt.
And don't forget to pass by. my offer from 2 years ago stands still.
Sven
We have built KLR rigs with 18 inch rims all the way round, a smaller wheel in the front will reduce trail some.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Jan,
Moving to a smaller wheel and tire will decrease trail and lower steering effort. I believe that after a short adjustment period the mod would serve you well. At first it will feel a bit squirley. BUT, I agree with Sven, it's not all that easy finding 19 inch tires. If it's possible, I'd go to 18" all around. You'd lose a tiny bit of low end but you'd pick up as much at cruising speeds.
'See you in Corning!
Jan. by the way.
Original KLR size tires I never got here (and didn't like them at all as in deep sand or mud you kissed the ground immediately), but its equivilent from Pirelli in old style inch diameter was easy to find. For the Solo KLR my mountain travel favourite were MT21 with a pretty open thread and below 65 miles still reasonably handling and braking on asphalt at not bad mileage. Above 65mph you could watch the thread vanishing and didn't feel happy in emergency stops.
So you are getting on your final stretch of preparation of the big trip?
Hope to see you.
Sven
