Hi everyone!
I surely agree that 17" wheel can look cool, and offers great tyre choice.
But, as pointed out before, gearing definitely can become an issue. Although I went for an 18" rear rim on my new wheel, the smallest sprocket for my Talon KTM MX hub is 36, forcing me to use an 18 tooth front sprocket. Also, having to compensate for the smaller diameter rear wheel by using longer shocks, will cause other issues (chain rub...) My very best advise is to search for posts by "mule" (Richard Pollock) and "grizld", they seem to have covered most potential problems wit this kind of mods
But there MAY be a way around the gearing issue in itself. The chain rub is another matter.
If using a MX hub (or any other hub requiring a bigger sprocket), it should be possible to machine a sprocket carrier/adapter , allowing smaller sprockets to be used. Using a 520 chain would make this easier. Then the wheel has to be laced with the rim offset towards the sprocket side, to make tyres and chain both line up. This is only possible if the hub is narrow enough, and the swing arm and brake disc allow this. Surely possible, but not easy and not cheap. But still cheaper than a higher primary gear set........
I believe I could have done this with the Talon hub I am using, and a small (like 200 mm) rear disc and a compact caliper, with the stock XS swing arm.
Good luck with your project !
I surely agree that 17" wheel can look cool, and offers great tyre choice.
But, as pointed out before, gearing definitely can become an issue. Although I went for an 18" rear rim on my new wheel, the smallest sprocket for my Talon KTM MX hub is 36, forcing me to use an 18 tooth front sprocket. Also, having to compensate for the smaller diameter rear wheel by using longer shocks, will cause other issues (chain rub...) My very best advise is to search for posts by "mule" (Richard Pollock) and "grizld", they seem to have covered most potential problems wit this kind of mods
But there MAY be a way around the gearing issue in itself. The chain rub is another matter.
If using a MX hub (or any other hub requiring a bigger sprocket), it should be possible to machine a sprocket carrier/adapter , allowing smaller sprockets to be used. Using a 520 chain would make this easier. Then the wheel has to be laced with the rim offset towards the sprocket side, to make tyres and chain both line up. This is only possible if the hub is narrow enough, and the swing arm and brake disc allow this. Surely possible, but not easy and not cheap. But still cheaper than a higher primary gear set........
I believe I could have done this with the Talon hub I am using, and a small (like 200 mm) rear disc and a compact caliper, with the stock XS swing arm.
Good luck with your project !
