Benefits of an 18" rear over a 17"?

[Dansin]

I know tyre choice is supposed to be better but what else?

Bike is going for suspension work at the end of the week. Do I shorten the KYB forks to a standard Dakar length, or keep them 1/2" longer to match an 18" rear?

 

[Timpo]

18" rear equals more tyre choice for aggressive going.
Always try to obtain as much suspension as possible, ie, your physical size is a good indicator.....

 

[Fanum]

...plus it'll go over things a wee bit better.

Oh, and the tyres are easier to change, but again, fairly marginal.

 

[Mav]

I know tyre choice is supposed to be better but what else?

Bike is going for suspension work at the end of the week. Do I shorten the KYB forks to a standard Dakar length, or keep them 1/2" longer to match an 18" rear?

For what you're using your bike for chap - tyre choice alone is plenty enough reason

EDIT - also, an 18" makes the bike slightly higher geared - whether that's a good a bad thing is up to you.

 

[Mav]

...plus it'll go over things a wee bit better.

Can't say I've noticed this...

 

[Dansin]

I'm convinced. I think.

@ Mav - taking it to Mr Bancroft on Friday. He's suggested shortening the forks so I'll see what he thinks about keeping them longer to match an 18" rear.

 

[Timolgra]

Do I shorten the KYB forks to a standard Dakar length, or keep them 1/2" longer to match an 18" rear?

Give yourself options of dropping them in the yokes a bit, I often drop mine around 10mm on dirt bikes

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Give yourself options of dropping them in the yokes a bit, I often drop mine around 10mm on dirt bikes

Same here......but.......If he keeps his forks standard and goes up 1" at the rear that will prob have a similar effect to dropping the forks 10mm. It think; it is a bit early though and my head's not working yet

Andres

 

[Timolgra]

Same here......but.......If he keeps his forks standard and goes up 1" at the rear that will prob have a similar effect to dropping the forks 10mm. It think; it is a bit early though and my head's not working yet

Andres

Yes, that's what I meant as Dansin has the choice of keeping them 1/2" longer to match the extra height with an 18" wheel, then he has the option of dropping them a touch ..... it must be too early

 

[Dansin]

For what you're using your bike for chap - tyre choice alone is plenty enough reason

EDIT - also, an 18" makes the bike slightly higher geared - whether that's a good a bad thing is up to you.

I hadn't even considered the gearing, I guess I can just drop to a 14T front to bring it back down.

 

[Mav]

I'm convinced. I think.

@ Mav - taking it to Mr Bancroft on Friday. He's suggested shortening the forks so I'll see what he thinks about keeping them longer to match an 18" rear.

Cool - you'll be pleased with results

I hadn't even considered the gearing, I guess I can just drop to a 14T front to bring it back down.

It's not that noticeable... just a slight edge of the acceleration.

Let me know when you're back on the road!