It’s been a while since I shot in portrait mode, and wow, it’s got volume!
I converted it to 17-inch while keeping the 15mm diameter axle shaft.
Fewer replacement parts means the price can be kept down, or so it seems. But I’ve learned all sorts of reasons why this bottom case (fork) isn’t used very often. (´；ω；`)
The brake pad contact isn’t fully bedded in yet, but please don’t worry about it.
For now, I’ve just quickly slapped on 17-inch tires. I haven’t changed the rake, swingarm droop, or anything else. (I can’t do anything about it right now anyway.)
Front 3.5-17, rear 4.5-17.
These are the stock sizes from the GSX-R1100K. The handling is nimble, and I wonder if we can get the benefits of 17-inch radial tires.
Bigger isn’t always better, you know.
*That’s assuming we can choose the tires.
Sorry the pad contact is a bit light.
The disc is a Sunstar Neo Classic slotted design. It looks period-correct and suits the early GSX-R GR71 really well.
Basically, I prefer thinner tires.
You can ride without worry—it’s easy to flick, the handling and lean-in are nimble, and you get clear feedback about tire grip and solid confidence.
I wrestled with tire sizes when I swapped wheels on my GS1000S.
Back then, radial tire sizes were plentiful, and I thought front 2.5 and rear 3.5 would be the easiest to ride, but before I knew it, the era shifted to rear 4.00 with 150 becoming the standard.
In recent years, 18-inch has shifted to 4.5 rim width with 160 as the standard.
I really wish they’d keep making 150 sizes.
When you can’t choose tire sizes and brands, it’s tough. (´；ω；`)
