17 inch wheel conversion

[dcspringer]

Hello.....I'm new to the site and was hoping to get some information on converting my GS front wheel to a 17 inch and my rear wider to mount a 180. I'm hearing that a R1200RT/R will work and are the easiest swaps. Looking for any input or possibly someone with these wheels for sale.

[mark1305]

You might do better posting this over in Old's Cool, unless you are talking oilhead GS. Then try maybe Beasts forum. Add a little more detail about which model so people can have a better idea of what will/won't work.

Out of curiousity, why downsize the front to 17? Going supermoto ? Maybe going down to a 19" front for better pavement cornering is a good compromise. I've pushed that size front to the max on the track and got good feedback and performance, and still good feel when the pavement ends.

[dcspringer]

Originally Posted by mark1305

You might do better posting this over in Old's Cool, unless you are talking oilhead GS. Then try maybe Beasts forum. Add a little more detail about which model so people can have a better idea of what will/won't work.

Out of curiousity, why downsize the front to 17? Going supermoto ? Maybe going down to a 19" front for better pavement cornering is a good compromise. I've pushed that size front to the max on the track and got good feedback and performance, and still good feel when the pavement ends.

I really don't plan on doing any off road riding. I got the GS because it fits me better than the sportier bikes I've had in the past. I took it out to the track the other day just to see how it would do and it really surprised me at how well it handled. I just want to be able to put a stickier tire on the bike and a 17 inch front will give me more options.

[mark1305]

Gotcha. And I know what you mean about the GS "fit". My F 650 is a much more comfortable road bike than my R80 ST. I want to get rid of one of the bikes to free up more time for other interests. But even though both weigh about the same, same HP, same top speed, same single upswept left exhaust, same suspension travel, etc., they each have a unique personality and give different satisfactions. And the Funduro with its more upright ergos just feels better for long road trips. (It has seen its share of off-road too, but I'm getting too old to pick it up when it takes a nap these days)