Exploratory: 19in. front wheel conversion, KTM SMT

[stomatomoto]

I recently became the owner of a 2012 990 SMT, and I like this bike, but one thing I really liked about the Tiger XR I test rode was 19in. up front. Not as dramatic or off-roady as the 21, it was perfect for the kinds of roads and ridings I do around here. The 17 turns a bit too fast, and complains far more on the rough terrain. In fact, the front already has a dent in it from the previous owner as I recently discovered--still holds air, but still, that's what we deal with 'round here.

Not really interested in a conversation about whether I should consider trying something like this or not, only really if it's possible and if people have done it or know where I should go to find out more about the process. I'm assuming some kind of fabrication will need to take place on account of the fender alone; where would you go to even begin to figure out how to do that? Thanks a bunch!

 

[Hazardous Waste]

I think the 19f 17r combo is the great on my new toy and it definitely opens up rougher serface roads and tire options. I'll likely buy a new EXC in the near future and be building this wheel combo for street and fire road duty.

Buchanan's can lace you up a 19 front on your hub no problem, they also are the only rim manufacture to build a 19x3.0 rim which is best for the 120/70/19 tire. Go with the fattest spokes which I think are 10mm for a bit less maintanence. Back when all my bikes had wire wheels I used Buchanan's to build my dirt track wheels and mount up Akronts on my British bikes to rid them of the steel rims, I always used Buchanan's and had a fast turn around and great workmanship.
www.buchananspokes.com

 

[EastBayDave]

http://www.yelp.com/biz/wheel-works-the-motorcycle-shop-hayward

Go see Chris @ The Wheel Works in Hayward, CA

Click link for details

 

[augustiron]

Before you go spending money on hardware, is the suspension setup properly for your weight?
Also, the SMT is cast mag wheels, finding a similar matching front 19 would likely be preferable to getting 2 new spoked wheel$, unless you find a used set off an ADV that will swap in.

 

[stomatomoto]

Thanks for the input all! I would like to try and stick with a cast wheel for the front, but if the only way to pull it off is to go spoked, I'll definitely look further into it. I've never had a spoked wheel bike, so I'd need to learn what that's all about in terms of the maintenance, but I like the idea for the off road chops as well. I don't really know what to look for in terms of getting a cast 19 though.

The suspension has been dialed in for my weight, yes.

 

[bpw]

Thanks for the input all! I would like to try and stick with a cast wheel for the front, but if the only way to pull it off is to go spoked, I'll definitely look further into it. I've never had a spoked wheel bike, so I'd need to learn what that's all about in terms of the maintenance, but I like the idea for the off road chops as well. I don't really know what to look for in terms of getting a cast 19 though.

The suspension has been dialed in for my weight, yes.

Unless you are doing serious off road the maintenance on spoked wheels is close to zero. Downside is you will need to run tubes or some type of tubeless set up. Upside is tougher/more repairable wheels when you do smash into something off road.

Hopefully someone else has figured out a cast wheel that fits, if not you need to start taking measurements from other bikes to find something that will fit.

Make sure you have enough clearance at full suspension travel so the bigger wheel doesn't hit the bike.