How Size of Wheels Affects Motorcycle Performance
Because of several television shows, modifying your motorcycle has become very popular. Some people will have others do it but many do it themselves. There is a question that needs to be addressed. How does the size of the wheels on a motorcycle affect the performance?
The current trend is putting a bigger wheel on the front (diameter wise) and a wider rear tire. While this may give the motorcycle a custom look, it does affect the perfromance of the vehicle.
On a minor point, unlike a car, the speedometer cable on most motorcycles is connected to the axle. This means that the size of the tire won't change the accuracy of your speedometer. A larger tire (20"- 21" is a common upgrade) will affect the way the the motorcycle handles, especially in turns. If you make this change, make sure that you practice in a safe area to get use to it. While it doesn't change the turning a great deal, it is enough that is can cause a crash if you are not experienced with it.
The rear tire is not usually changed to a larger diameter but made wider. In perfect riding conditions, this will put more rubber on the road. It will give you stability and transfer more power to the pavement. It is similiar to the slicks on a dragster. One thing that it will do is cut down your fuel economy. Of course this is not nearly the big deal on a motorcycle that it is on a car or truck. You may drop from 40mpg to 39mpg.
The major problem with having wide tires on a motorcycle is when the weather is not perfect. A super wide back tire (or front tire) is much more likely to hydroplane in the rain or on wet pavement. A tire that is narrow is more likely to cut through the water on the road and keep the bike in the direction that you want it to go in.
Putting a wide back tire and a skinny large diameter front tire on your bike will give a custom look that many people like. There is nothing wrong with doing it. You just need to be aware of the changes that it can cause with the ride characteristics. Motorcycles are dangerous enough. Making amatuer mistakes without researching the affects can cause serious injury or death.
Modify your bike to your taste. Do it safely, and above all ride safe and keep your head on a swivel. Every other vehicle on the road is a potential hazzard.
