19 Inch Rear Wheel?

[b1dude]

So I'm getting the modifier bug. I've owned my '03KDX200 for about 2 months and want to monkey with it. Started looking at new/modified front forks...which started me looking at swapping kx 250 suspension pieces.

Here's the question..Why the larger wheels on the KX 250's. Do us KDX'ers stand to gain/loose anything with the larger rim...18" vs 19" (assuming it could be fitted).

I ride a lot of deep loose sand...I've wondered if the taller rear would add some stability.

Thanks ahead of time for the thoughts fellas...Happy ridin'

Eric

 

[JasonWho]

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[b1dude]

Jasonwho..thanks for jumpin' in,

"When you say deep sand, do you mean like paddle tire deep?"



By deep sand I mean enough to rut out real bad but certainly not enough to stop you. When you find the older trails that the rains have smoothed out they're a blast. It's the rutted crap that's a pain. This is where I was wondering if the larger diameter wheel would make a difference.

Ya know...I didn't bother to decode the tire sizes for overall diameter. Anyone have some quick overall diameter numbers for our 18/19 tires that fit the KDX swing arms?

Again, thanks for responding!

Eric

 

[KDXFreestyle]

JasonWho is correct. It isnt as good with pinch flats, isnt any taller, and is a lower profile. If you want to save money and run the same tire as a 250, just run a 110/100-18. The difference being, the tire is a total of 10 mm wider than stock. The best tire for your money and for riding in any conditions are Dunlop 756 front and rear. Dunlops last the longest.

 

[FLBusa]

I kind of quickly read through the replies so I don't know if this was covered...

The reason why enduro bikes have an 18" rear versus the 19" rear on MX'ers is that with the 18" rim you have a taller side wall. This gives you a plusher ride and also provides more traction over roots and rocks. Generally you're also not squaring off a lot of berms and doing a lot of really hard accelrating like an MXer. On an MX track, you don't find those types of obsticals and the taller side wall allows too much flex so they run 19" rims.

Just wanted to add...
Destry Abbot runs a KX250 for enduro's. He has replaced the stock 19" rim for an 18" rim. :cool:

 

[DougRoost]

All the above is correct. To use car terms, 19" is essentially a "plus 1" tire to the normal 18". So just as you might go from 15" wheels to something like 16", 17" or 18" on your car for better cornering, same with the 19" rear wheel. On a loamy MX track that will probably help you in the corners. But just like hitting a pothole wiht 18"s will do damage vs. 15", same with 19" rear in the woods. Bent rims, flats, etc. are more likely.

BTW, I've had Dunlop 756's and Michelin S-12s. IMHO, the Michelin's outlast the Dunlops and offer as much or better bite (S-12 rear, M-12 front). Trelleborgs are supposed to be amazing but they do cost more.