18" rear wheel
 

Hi All.
I've read about the difficulties of getting 17" tyres in remote parts of the worlsso wondered whether there is a real value in increasing rear wheel size to 18". My questions are: How much easier would it be to get 18" compared to 17" tyres; what rim would I use to replace the original, both steel and alloy; what rear sprocket size would be needed to retain the original gearing; would there be any isues with the wheel fitting in the frame/swinging arm?
All and any comments or answers are welcomed, especially from anyone who's taken this step.

Regards,

Geoff

Dont know if this counts, but I wouldnt bother.

All opinions count Jens. Why wouldn't you bother?

Geoff

i was happy with the original 17" and had no problem getting tyres but i now want to fit a 18" black excel to my xt600.Anyboby know a good wheel builder ?

Hey Kent, well...

I cant se the problem witht he 17", and the money saved could be saved or used for better stuff for you're trip.

If I was going, I would buy my favorite tires, and bring them along. Cant see the idea in getting 18" wheel, and then you need to stay a week or more in some little town in the middle of nowhere, waiting for a tire you like, if they even can get it.

Were all different, and this is only my oppinion. You shouldn't go by it if it would make you feel uncomforable for the whole trip.

Thanks for your comments Jens, all very relevant.
I remember reading, possibly on the HUBB, that 17" tyres aren't as easy to obtain as 18", especially in remote areas such as Asia or South America. That's the main reason why I wondered if a change of rim size might be beneficial on a very long trip.

Geoff

Yeah, thats the word on the street, that they are hard to get. Perhaps you could ask in the regional forums on advrider to see if anyone in thoose places know if its true.


Here in Denmark i buy all tires from webpages, promarily from Germany, as not many dealers stock any kind of offroadtire, and those who does is motorcross-shops which only have narrow, really agressive non-dot tires.