| Author | Message | ||
     Buellfart |
this question is probably a little like a kid asking why the sky is blue but I`m serious;Why are sportbike wheels so small?I`m a big guy and I like the feeling and look of a big bike-just love my buells too much.I realize that a lot of this has to do with racing technology,tire manufacturers,demand for,etc. I`m currently building,really planning more than building,a Buell with a spine frame,using all of the stock or better isoplanar mounts and keeping the essential frame geometry but with the largest wheels I can get decent street tires for.Probably gonna be 19" flattrack wire rims,also will move new forks forward an inch or two and keep the engine in as near as possible to it`s original relationship to the axels,center of gravity etc.anybody have any thoughts on this regarding keeping as many of the original handling characteristics as possible?I have to commit to a drawing soon so that a CAD guy can begin a structural analysis. | ||
| Bombardier |
17 inch is the compromise between handling and stability. The larger in diameter the rim the more it wants to stay in its current path. | ||
| Buellfart |
Thanks Bomber,so,I guess,for normal street riding(99% of my ride)it may even be more desirable to have larger wheels since good tracking is of considerable importance to me.I also intend to install steering damper for unforeseeable handling characteristics in 1% of situations where I may push the envelope.Does this sound about right? | ||
| Bombardier |
Another factor in the handling would be the steering head angle and the trail. Compare the Vrod steering geometry to the Buells' and you will see the difference. Perhaps if you rode a machine with the specs you intend to produce on your bike it would give you an idea of how it will be to ride. For a large wheel diameter, perhaps a flat twin BMW Adventurer type bike would give you an idea of the power and steering characteristics for a straight line type bike with large diameter wheels would be like. Remember that this type of bike usually has longer handlebars to allow enough leverage to turn it. This may help with the requirements for your machine also. Ride all types of machines and then you will be able to make an informed decision about what you want to achieve. If you cant explain what you want at least if you have kept notes about which bike you rode and what you liked about it you tech guy can access the specs for this machine and transfer it to your bike. Hope this helps. |
