Fitting a 18 x 4.5" rear wheel

[jacksdad1963]

As above really: I'm thinking of fitting a R1100 18x4.5 rear wheel, the wheel will fit but I'm concerned about the gearing!
Its already too low geared, so will fitting a 150/70/18 tyre to this wheel make it worse?
I've read a few posts from people doing this mod, as its easier to find radial tyres, can anyone add comments?  :2thumbup:

Edit....18 x 4.5 rear!

[K75RT Keith]

I'm guessing this is for your K1100? 
There was only one ratio for the LT if I remember correctly.  K's like higher revs and are geared accordingly.  There are a number of sites that will let you calculate the diameter of a tire and you should be able to get pretty close to a similar overall diameter.

[mystic red]

Size difference is not noticeable. I run one....

[jacksdad1963]

Mr Red: what size tyre are you using?

[mystic red]

That would be 160/60 in the Michelin....

[jacksdad1963]

Must be a tight fit against the swingarm! I've had a measure, looks like a 160 would rub...but as you've done it I must be wrong  :dunno2:
I can get a wheel for about £30, its the tyre thats the big money, if it don't fit....

[mystic red]

I assume you're fitting this to a K11LT? If you put your model of bike in your sig line we would not have to ask.

[jacksdad1963]

Now added sig
Yes, its a K1100LT  :2thumbup:
If I can get a 160/60 in there I'll get a BT023 Battlax to match the front

[mystic red]

Be advised that an RT wheel will not center. It will be slightly off set when you look at it from the back. Doesn't affect anything but is a deal breaker for a few.

[jacksdad1963]

Ok, so how much off centre is yours?
If the front and rear wheels aren't dead in line it will badly affect the handling?
I can get a wheel for good money, thats not a problem, but I don't want to spend £110 on a 160/60 tyre only to find the bike is unrideable!
Saying that, yours must be fine.....thanks for the input, I'll be really happy if I can get a pair of BT023 Battlax fitted!

[mystic red]

It does not affect handling...just bugs some people. I would say 1/4 to 1/2 inch Just try it..you won't be sorry.

[jacksdad1963]

I will!
I'm going to get the wheel first and fit it, then see how things go from there: that way if I don't do the conversion I can sell on the wheel without blowing lots of cash on the project
thanks for your input Red, one last thing....can you load pictures of your bike?

[drut]

Just an observation in case it baffles you,on my RS 16v(160/60-18) the rear tyre is tight against the silencer when fitting to the point of deflating the tyre & wetting contact area to get it in easily.The latest Dunlop Roadsmart being actually wider than the Michelin it replaced despite both tyres marked same size.

[jacksdad1963]

Thanks for the info Drut, its not a problem on my K11, there's about 60mm between the outer edge of the 140 tyre and the exhaust
The only tight spot is between the swingarm/lever and tyre, there's 15mm on that side, so in theory going up 20mm to a 160 tyre won't be a problem....its very close though!   :yow

[jacksdad1963]

Well, I've bought the wheel: cost £36 with delivery  :clap:
I'm going to try it on the swingarm and see how it looks (thanks mystic!)
Should things go as planned I'll be adding a 160/60ZR18 Battlax BT023 to match the front...watch this space!

[mystic red]

That's a great price for a wheel! The tire will look awesome...it's the size that should have been fitted to the LT from the factory, IMHO.

[tg4360]

I've got an R1150GS Spoked on my LT and the only thing I needed to do was move the centerstand (And cut the side stand bumper off the Luftmeister can but that was no great loss).

There was enough room on the swing arm side that I suspect the half inch wider rim with the proper tire would work fine.

As for tracking with the offset, The bike in stock trim always did turn right with my hands off the bars and it still does and about the same rate.

Speedo is more optimistic but I see that as an insurance policy now!

TG

[jacksdad1963]

Well i spoke to my mate who is a bike mechanic, he told me that many bee ems run with the wheels out of line as standard! The wide rim 18" wheel should be with me soon, I'll keep you posted about the swap over!

[mystic red]

I've lived it....you'll like it.

[K75RT Keith]

The BT-23 is a nice riding tire with good grip when leaned over and very reasonable tread life. 

[jacksdad1963]

Scot me old mate! I've now got the wheel and tried it on the bike, all looks well...except! How do you get the tyre in past the disc/hub etc. and the exhaust? I only just got the bare wheel in there! Seems like the tyre would never get past them, once in place there should be enougb room, its getting the tyre inthats now worrying me, the wheel was cheap but would hate to spend £120 on a tyre and find it wont fit....hope you can help again!

[mystic red]

Well, I have a Remus exhaust so I just take the can off. But it can be done with the stock. Other folks have. I believe you don't air it up and just work it thru. Then add air. Or drop the exhaust. Taking the back fender off may help with the process.

Hopefully someone who has a stock exhaust and a RT/RS wheel will chime in but don't worry, it can be done.

[johnny]

i gotts a stock exhaust and a rs rear wheel...

i remove the swing arm... then remove the wheel from the final drive... best to loosen the 5 wheel bolts prior to removing the swing arm... this way im positive my splines getts lubed abouts every 5000 miles...

j o

[jacksdad1963]

My bike has got the original one piece exhaust: and the nuts and studs in the cylinder head are corroded beyond belief! I would have to strip the head and repair every single one should i need to remove the exhaust (its a job i plan to do one day, tbh) maybe i need to do it now
How the hell do you remove the swingarm if you get a puncture? Sat by the roadside with a flat....not good!
Thinking the only way is to fit the wheel and tyre before inflating, as said....but will it fit through, even deflated? Don't think it would, can anyone say for sure?