Opinions wanted on my Cafe wheelset.

andysrage

Since starting my cafe project, I've started second guessing my choice in wheel/tire sizes for my desired look/performance.

The current plan (for which I already have ALL the parts but unassembled!) is to build the front wheel with an Excel 19x2.5" rim, S.S. Buchanan spokes and shod it with a Bridgestone BT45V 100/90-19 57V tire (OD 26.1"). The rear wheel will be built with a Excel 18x3.5" rim, S.S. Buchanan spokes and shod it with a Bridgestone BT45V 130/80-18 66V tire (OD 26.1").

Now I am considering 18" front & rear like CBs and RDs have with a 110/90-18 front (25.8" OD) and 140/80-18 rear (26.8" OD) tire combo. Aside from giving me more agressive look and more contact patch there are other gains. The slightly smaller front OD will lower the front end, quicken steering via reduced trail and improve braking. The larger rear wheel OD will improve cornering clearance, topend gearing (I can't get the MikesXS 5th Overdrive for my 256 engine) and shift weight forward. I know that the Specials run a 140 rear tire but to ensure chain clearance, I'd use MikesXS front 520 sprocket backwards and shim the rear sprocket .125 to maintain the chainline.

Anybody agree with my thinking? Selling all the parts (with exception of the rear rim/spokes) might be the hardest part since it's around $500 worth of goodies. Do I just throw this out there and see if anyone is interested or stay my current course?

Jack · Full Member Joined: Mar 15, 2005 Posts: 411

you'll get much better responsiveness with quicker steering going to a 90 or 100/90/18 front and stick a 110 or 120/90/18 in the back. I'm a very aggressive rider(50% of the time) with sticky Avons mounted and I have yet to dump my BMW in twenty years of ownership.You'll never encounter the lean over rates on the back roads as they do on the race track.

royfisk

Jack quit it, another coinsidence. Im running avon distenza's on my xsl bike and so far like them over most other tires I have ever run.

oldkarkid

I have had those bridgstones on my bike too, they are not a good tire if you like to keep them on a bike for more than 2000 miles. Ive got the avons on my xs now and they are incredible. Ive got the 19-18 setup on and it is pretty quick. 18-18 would be quicker, but if your not racing, it only matters what you think about it, not us. I lean my bike to the sidewall with avons and it is just as sure as if i were standing up. Get some really good tires and you will get braver and those corners will be more confidence inspiring. There's my $.02

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