Wheel and tire question for my cafe build.

[ttrousdell]

Whats up guys. Pretty new to the motorcycle scene. The 81' 650 special that i have came with a 19" wheel disk brake in the front and a 16" wheel with drums in the rear. Curious as to why someone would put such different sizes. I guess better acceleration with smaller wheel?

My main question is that i would like to replace these wheels as the finish on the chrome is not too good and I could use new tires anyway.
On mike's i was looking at getting 2.15X18" in black for front and rear - https://www.mikesxs.net/product/34-3182.html

spokes for front - https://www.mikesxs.net/product/19-0067.html
Spokes for rear - https://www.mikesxs.net/product/19-0060.html

For tires ive liked the vintage Firestone look so i would get these 18x4.00 http://www.jpcycles.com/product/212-001

Can i easily run this 18x4.00 with the 2.15x18 setup? If I wanted to go bigger could i fit a 18x4.50 with 2.5x18 in the rear? what tubes will i need for both?

Thanks

 

[maynard911]

Your suggested sizes are all within bounds, although you would be pushing the tire fitment chart limits with a 4.00 on an 2.15" rim. You would be better off with the 2.50 rim.
I am a bit confused as to why you would be considering Firestone reproductions if doing a café style build, they are much more of a chopper/bobber/brat kind of tire. There are many tires out there that would have a higher performance level for a fraction of that $175 Firestone price, and be more in keeping with the café look.

 

[proeliator]

16" rear & 19" front are the factory size wheels for an '81 Special
Firestones have the "look" but I have heard nothing but bad things about their performance.