18inch rear wheel for Africa Twin

defendercrzay · Dec 4, 2011

Hi people, I am very new to the forum. I am getting my first Africa Twin (RD04) next weekend, probably.

I would like to change the rear wheel to 18 inch. I 've seen some people change the rim and keep the hub with new spokes etc.
Is it possible to take a used 18 inch rear wheel of another motorcycle and (with use of new spacers) make it fit the Africa Twin? Might be cheaper?
I think once the sprocket is aligned, the disk isn't such a big deal to get alligned? Either spacers for the disk or make a custom callipermount like they do at the front for SUper Motard's?

Can this be done? Am I right or am i very wrong? And might it be cheaper than buying the new rim and spokes + labour?

Please kindly post your ideas.

Very good site, interesting forum.
Thank in advance.

defendercrzay · Dec 11, 2011

I meant :"what size TIRE would be the best fit?"
:hitler:

defendercrzay · Dec 11, 2011

Thanks people,
I have located a company that sells the EXEL rim and spokes, and who can do the lacing here in Belgium. It's only 2,5 inches wide, would that be ok?
and what size would be best fit to that rim?
Take care,

ritosxf · Dec 11, 2011

if you buy a used rim , make sure it has the same number of spoke holes as the rim on your bike

important bit this !!!

also the spokes on the one side of the rear are at about 45 degrees , and the other side about 60 degrees

so the rim is drilled specifically for the aft

thetimkirby · Dec 6, 2011

A new rim on the old hub is probably the quickest and cheapest. The rims on many of these bikes can be pretty ropey anyway, so you may not have the choice. Mine is an RD07a 2003 and has needed both replaced, and this is not unusual. Your only problem may be getting a rim with the right number of holes: I believe they are fewer than most bikes with 18 inch rims. I'm sure someone who knows your model better will be along soon.

Good luck, and welcome.

18inch rear wheel for Africa Twin

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