Changing wheel size?

**Mr. Ron** · #1 9 Nov 2003

Hello!
I would like to start by saying this site is the best i have encountered so far, and has become a valuable asset to the planning of my trip to Tierra Del Fuego in two years from now. My question is: How hard is it to change the rims on the late '80s early '90s GS100 to 18" and 21" wheels. I know these are popular sizes in S.America and might save some money, time and weight if i have these wheel sizes(I would like to avoid packing extra tires if i can!). I have spent my life as a serious off-roader and plan on engaging in this type of travel in Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Patagonia. I'm having a hard time finding a G/S80 and will probably settle on the GS100. Any sugestions?

**Mr. Ron** · #2 12 Nov 2003

Hmmmm no comment? Lets try this question: are good 17" rear tires available in South America? and are they reasonably priced? I just found a bike in California, an '89 gs100pd, and i believe it has 17" and 21" tires
Thanx!

**AliBaba** · #3 12 Nov 2003

HPN does it for a lot of cash....
http://www.hpn.de/

**Grant Johnson** · #4 12 Nov 2003

Assuming the purpose is to save money, its absolutely not worth changing rims - the price will pay for a lot of shipping or extortionate prices.

For travellers on big bikes, the problem is much the same, whether you have 17 or 18".

Suitable 17" tires are available in SA, but can be expensive. For that matter, adventure touring sized 18" tires are also rare and expensive.

3.50-18's are readily available, and lightweight cheapo 400-18 also. None of which are of much interst, so you are back to paying the price in the few places that have what you want, or shipping in.

Just ride it and worry about tires when it's time. Either they'll be available locally or you'll have to fedex them in. Not a big deal. Some helpful SA dealers will order well in advance for you. Walter Nosiglia in La Paz is good. See the Repair shops forum for more.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**Mr. Ron** · #5 12 Nov 2003

Thanx for the help guys! You'll be hearing more questions from me later.

**Mombassa** · #6 13 Nov 2003

I rebuilt an R80G/S from the ground up, including having a custom rear end made. Contact me for more info if you're interested. I've learned a LOT through this process. I'm in YVR too.

Kevin

**Mr. Ron** · #7 15 Nov 2003

thanx for the reply. I'm dodging rainstorms in California on the '89R100GSPD i purchased yesterday and should be home middle next week. I'll contact you then and give everyone a full report on my new Lady!

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"And remember, for every mile of road you travell, two miles of ditch will follow..."

**Sean Kelly** · #8 15 Nov 2003

Hi

Not the grippiest tyres in the world but the Michelin T66s on my R80GS still had plenty of tread left after 12000 hard miles. Cuts down the problem of looking for rubber.

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Sean

**Mr. Ron** · #9 15 Nov 2003

Me again. Just got the bike out of the shop, had a set of Metzler Tourance put on. Any opinions out there? The wheels are 17" and 21".

**Timo** · #10 6 Dec 2003

The tests I have read rate the Tourance very highly for steet use - good in the wet. They would be my first pick for mainly tarmac driving. Let us know how long they last.....

**Mr. Ron** · #11 7 Dec 2003

I agree, the tires are very sticky in the rain, although they seem quite soft. Can't drive it much right now, dealing with a recall issue before ICBC will register it. Wish me luck!

**gspd** · #12 16 Dec 2003

I'm actually in Argentina and Chile.
It's not a big deal to find new pirelli mt 60 tyres in '17. In Argentina
you'll find them in every big city for less money.
I met a guy who bought a set of 'em for 80 USD.
The pirelli mt 60 are really common here also in chile.
Another tip is to bring some with you, store them in a place like
"villakunterbunt" in Santiago.
If you need them, call the storage place and they'll send them to you by the
local bus services.It cost you maybe 10 - 15 USD. This is also quite common here
and relatively safe, that it works.
The experience on a R 100 GS is: front Conti TKC 80 runs for 20000 k's. Rear
"17 Metzeker Enduro 2 is run down at 8000 k's and Metzeler Tourance is at
8000 only half run down.
Because the front tyre is really knobby you have no problems with the
"racing" tyres like Tourance as a rear tyre in the gravel or on the bad roads.
The Conti TKC 80 is really the best bet for the front wheel but in rear it
lasts only for 6000 k's.

Good luck and keep rubbers always downside

Bernd