RG500 17inch font end change

[RG5002013]

Hey from New Zealand
I have a 1985 RG500 100% stock. Only change I want to make (at this stage) is the front wheel so I can get sticky tyres 17". I have the option to fit 1989 GSXR1100 front end. Will it work? worried about rake, trail don't want more wobbles.
Cheers John

[pearljam724]

Why would you want to change anything on it ? It's a very rare and valuable bike as is. The term " sticky tire " for street use is highly over rated. Unless, you're hanging off the bike at very high speeds, dragging knees on a track. Any modern street tire has a lot more than adequate grip. Even a street tire under track conditions is plenty sticky for anyone under expert racing class. Especially, if street ridden. Modern mid to high cost street brands of today have amazing grip compared to street tires from 20 years and beyond. Regardless of brand, model or size you choose.

[RG5002013]

The bike is completely original and I will restore it one day. Meanwhile I intend to set it up for dedicated post classic racing (Pre89 in NZ). All the original stuff will be kept aside. Engine will be stock. At least I will use it!! The best possible thing you can improve is tire selection. As you say I will be hanging off it at 240KPH, nothing compares to the new tires (I also race Superbikes). The bike is now capable (with 1989 GSXR wheels) of taking the new sticky rubber that hopefully lets me see off the 1989 GSXR1100s etc. Totally agree that these bikes should be kept original, but want to have fun as well, nothing I plan to do (crashes aside) will affect the original nature of my RG.

[tz375]

Check your rules and then find a set of wheels that's legal. Dymags would be nice but a touch spendy. Early GSXR wheels are not as light but at least you are getting into modern rubber which makes such a difference it's not funny.

There are 16" tyres around, but for racing they are not really worth the investment. I'd get a complete front end with later thicker stiffer forks with matching wheel or even a set of early R6 forks if you can get away with them.

[pjmcburney]

Why would you want to change anything on it ? It's a very rare and valuable bike as is. The term " sticky tire " for street use is highly over rated. Unless, you're hanging off the bike at very high speeds, dragging knees on a track. Any modern street tire has a lot more than adequate grip. Even a street tire under track conditions is plenty sticky for anyone under expert racing class. Especially, if street ridden. Modern mid to high cost street brands of today have amazing grip compared to street tires from 20 years and beyond. Regardless of brand, model or size you choose.

FFS, it's not about a holier-than-thou, 'gotta keep it original' attitude, nor is it about how good modern rubber is or whether you could perceive a difference, nor about keeping the bike absolutely stock.
Who are you to say how I or anyone else rides, or how I perceive the merits or otherwise of what rubber is available for the stock rims?

I'm considering this change with my RG as well, and I'll only be riding it on the street...

The issue with the OEM 16" front is tyre choice or the lack thereof.
There are increasingly very few manufacturers who still make a 110/90/16, but everyone makes a 120/70/17 or similar.

I've heard good things about RGV250 wheels on RG's (still quite light) and the GSX-R's with 17" fronts and upside-down forks work well as well, with absolutely no need to alter the original stuff in any non-reversible way.
Mind you, I'd be sticking with a 600/750 rear rim as the 1100's run a 5.5", which takes a 170 minimum - that might be a bit too much tyre for an RG.

Mate, go your own way with your own bike, ignore the nay-sayers and anoraks and have fun.
You're a braver man than me to be racing it I gotta say...

They look and work great with a 16" or 17" on the front :




Good luck.

[RG5002013]

Hi Guys
Thanks for the feedback. I Thought I had posted a reply but seems to have been lost. Anyway I did the change and had my first race meeting, all good!!! I used the GSXR1100 1989 front end and wheels, all fitted well with some minor mods which I can detail if anyone wants to follow suit. I use my sons R6 (hand me down) race tire's (I'm his pit bitch). My road ride is a Katana 1100SZ. 100% original never raced, dropped or reconditioned. Cheers John

[RG5002013]

Hi Guys
Thanks for the feedback. I Thought I had posted a reply but seems to have been lost. Anyway I did the change and had my first race meeting, all good!!! I used the GSXR1100 1989 front end and wheels, all fitted well with some minor mods which I can detail if anyone wants to follow suit. I use my sons R6 (hand me down) race tire's (I'm his pit bitch). My road ride is a Katana 1100SZ. 100% original never raced, dropped or reconditioned. Cheers John