XS650 Bobber Rims/Tyres help

[Ash]

Hiya,
I've recently bought as XS2 and am looking to get some new tyres/rims.
At the moment they're standard at 18" x 4.00 rear and 19" x 3.50 front.
I'm using this bike as a donor so i can turn it into a bobber. Can anyone give me some advice on what size to go for.
I've been told 16" rear 19" front. But reading more online people are saying 21" front.
Are there common sizes that are mostly used to get the bobber look?

 

[fredintoon]

Hi Ash and welcome,
by "turning it into a bobber" you mean your planned build includes hardtailing the frame?
Yes, you'll get more of a "bobber look" if you hardtail but don't plan on taking a it on a long ride.
Over distance hardtails can wreck your spine and will be hard on your arse.
About the wheel sizes, 16" rear 19" front can be done with stock XS650 wheels so it's easy to do.
While the traditional bobber usually wears a 21" front that takes more work.
You'll either have to lace a 21" rim onto an XS650 front hub or use a 21" Harley front wheel instead.

 

[mrtwowheel]

For the best handling most people here recommend the stock rim sizes and close to the stock tire sizes. I bought Shinko 712's for my hardtail, 110/90-18 for the rear, 100/90-19 for the front. I buy my Shinko's from Chaparral on Ebay. I've used Shinko's on all of my other bikes, they are comparable to the Bridgestone Spitfires that I was using. I had a bad rash of deep sidewall cracks with the Spitfires, all under 2 years of production dates. I get the Shinko's drop shipped from a warehouse near me, sometimes next day, always within two months of DOT production date, I'm a happy guy. Have not rode on these yet. The Shinko's are a bit wider than most brands of the same size, this can cause clearance problems on some bikes. I've only had one problem on my '86 GoldWing, front tire rubbed on fender, tweeked it out and it is fine now.

Scott

 

[littlebill31]

I have Shinko 712. Good tires.

Sure you want to bob an XS2?

 

[Ash]

Hi Ash and welcome,
by "turning it into a bobber" you mean your planned build includes hardtailing the frame?
Yes, you'll get more of a "bobber look" if you hardtail but don't plan on taking a it on a long ride.
Over distance hardtails can wreck your spine and will be hard on your arse.
About the wheel sizes, 16" rear 19" front can be done with stock XS650 wheels so it's easy to do.
While the traditional bobber usually wears a 21" front that takes more work.
You'll either have to lace a 21" rim onto an XS650 front hub or use a 21" Harley front wheel instead.

Hey, yeah I'm having a frame build at the moment by fenland choppers.
I'm aware it won't be the comfiest but I also have another bike for touring so thats alright!
So youre saying either way (having a 21 front 16 rear OR 19 front 16 rear) would be fine it'll just change how much work goes into it?

Thanks

 

[Ash]

I have Shinko 712. Good tires.

Sure you want to bob an XS2?

I'm in the UK so not sure if I can pick up all the same things.
Yeah I'm sure, why?

 

[littlebill31]

Old XS frames are getting harder to find and becoming more valuable.

Have you riden any bobbers with 21 fronts and 16 rears?
Early bikes had stock 19/18. Later bikes had the 19/16.
Personally I like the 19/18, even in bobbers and hardtails. The similar size makes them look more like a boardtracker instead of the run of the mill rolling TC Bros advertisement.

 

[Ash]

Im having a new frame built so maybe I'll hang onto my frame and sell it

I'm not sure if I've ridden one with 21/16
I think so but this is my first build so my first time looking into things like this in detail.

 

[Ash]

Im having a new frame built so maybe I'll hang onto my frame and sell it

I'm not sure if I've ridden one with 21/16
I think so but this is my first build so my first time looking into things like this in detail.

 

[fredintoon]

Hey, yeah I'm having a frame build at the moment by fenland choppers.
I'm aware it won't be the comfiest but I also have another bike for touring so thats alright!
So you're saying either way (having a 21 front 16 rear OR 19 front 16 rear) would be fine it'll just change how much work goes into it?
Thanks

Hi Ash,
it all depends on what "look" you want and how much money you are prepared to spend on getting it.
The least work (and cost and effort) is to leave the bike's front end stock and stay with the 19" front wheel.
And if you discard the front mudguard remember that it acts to stiffen the forks so you'd best fit a fork brace in it's place.
To use a 21" front wheel you will also need to have the bike's front end modified (and that ain't cheap) to suit
it or the bike won't handle as well as it did.
EDIT,
if Fenland Choppers are building you a new frame you have to trust they know what they are doing
so it's up to you. Just tell them what size wheels you want and they'll build to suit.
ENDEDIT

 

[Ash]

Think I'm Gona go for 19/16 thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

 

[Ash]

Old XS frames are getting harder to find and becoming more valuable.

Have you riden any bobbers with 21 fronts and 16 rears?
Early bikes had stock 19/18. Later bikes had the 19/16.
Personally I like the 19/18, even in bobbers and hardtails. The similar size makes them look more like a boardtracker instead of the run of the mill rolling TC Bros advertisement.

How much do you think a 1972 XS2 is worth then. I've got someone who wants to buy it from me!

 

[littlebill31]

In the US, if it has a clean title, I'd pay $500 for it.

 

[650Skull]

Can't compare US prices to Europe or England You would be better to use your local XS650 Forum for a better gauge on local prices.

If you decide to keep the front end wheels ect for your purpose built frame be aware the front fork lowers, (external), hub and rotor, front guard and stays are a one year only set up.Cant swap any of those parts with any other model/year XS650 and the rotor has a rubber damper between the rotor and Hub

If you have already commissioned the frame me, be aware the front engine mount on the engine is different to later 74-84 447 motors. Actually double check that info as it might pertain to the earlier XS1/XS1B engines only.