Should be able to id the year from the frame and engine numbers - there's a table in the tech section? Then you can see if it's a '78 with '81 wheels or whatever.
Wondering now if I should go back to the original plan of pulling the motor?
I would still investigate further. There is no proof yet that the engine needs a top end especially if only tape holding on to airbox. Keep digging in and come up with true compression numbers. Dont give up!
The stance looks good with smaller rear wheel because the forks are pushed up to the handle bars.
That’s what is the question. I’ve looked over many tires now in side by side comparisons in bike shops and stats online and I’m convinced there is about an inch+ diameter difference between the 16” & 18” choicesA 16" rim is smaller than an 18" rim but the outside diameters of their stock tires are eff nigh the same.
Hi 'Chance,
BTDT. Swapped wire wheels into my artillery wheeled Special (aesthetics) and swapped them back (practicality).
No visible stance change. Only difference was the narrower 18" rear tire let the bike corner better but made it
more straight line skittish.
A 16" rim is smaller than an 18" rim but the outside diameters of their stock tires are eff nigh the same.
You can get the same nose-down stance and save the front fender from further damage
by putting the forks back to normal and fitting longer rear shocks.
That right there gives reason to consider all the tire and shock choices carefully. It is clear that you are not going to personally benefit from a lower than stock XS Standard at all.Shocks are on the list if I keep the 16", I'm 6'4" a little extra height is also good for comfort.
There is definitely a difference in the wheel/tire diameters. The bike will be more difficult to put on the centerstand with a 16" wheel. That tells you right there that it's sitting lower and has to be lifted more to get it on the stand. With the bike on the stand with a 16" wheel, you can pretty much slide a 2 x 4 under the tire. With an 18" wheel, the space under the tire is about half that.
That's too bad. You'll learn pretty quickly that a centerstand is a wonderful thing to have when it comes time for servicing things like the wheels/tires. As far as the exhaust goes, the bike will run best with a 2 into 2 using long mufflers. Gently tapered megaphones are good but we're at a bit of a loss now since MikesXS quit making their good ones. They used to have a wonderful muffler for these.