Why change the rims??

Hi Guys,

I have a 1986 700 with the stock rims. 16" front and 18" rear with the skinny tires. I have noticed that some of you have swapped out the rims for 17". My question is...why?

What's the advantage? Other than a wider selection of tires, what is the performance advantage or disadvantage? Is there a big difference in how the bike will perform? Is it safer? Better handling? ?....??

The manufacture must have set these bikes up as is for a reason? Anyone know why this was done.

As you can tell, I am totally lost as to why, so if you would not mind helping out a newbie.

btw, I just bought the bike yesterday. 1986 Interceptor 700 with 52K miles for $1000. She needs some TLC, but runs well for a 26 year old bike.

Thanks.!

 

The tire selection, performance advantage from switching from bias ply to radials is minimal at best.

 

You hit it the first time: availability of quality tires.

Not a VFR but I changed out the 16" wheels on my FJ1200 for 17" wheels. I've noticed no difference in handling other than the tires themselves are much better than the old bias ply tires. IMO anyway.

 

tires yes but i think looks more than anything..like puttin wheels on your car/truck..looks sweeter than stock.

 

Great.! Thanks for the info.