Front wheel size
 

Hello, I was going to put the thread title as "21 or 17" then thought better of it.

Just got a 2006 XT660R, I found the 21 inch front wheel quite sluggish getting over into the bends.
Like flicking through a medium sized roundabout (UK so on the left)
Very laboured going into first left then it will flick bolt upright instantly (I do like that bit) then laboured again hanging right, flick bolt upright again then the same sorta lazy hang left to exit.
I'm assuming it's the massive gyroscopic effect of the wheel, so anyone messed with swapping wheels? or do they have different fork bottoms/disks?

Any comments welcome

Cheers

How old is the tyre?..how worn/hard is it?..whats the tyre pressure's like?..

Best thing I did was to change the tyres..

I religiously maintain tyre pressure's. Once a month at the least. I use a �7.99 digital one from Halfords.It came out best in a RIDE review a few years ago.

What you describe is the classic nature of a 21� front wheel some years ago I had an Africa Twin and that was the same it�s just the trade off because if you are going to go off-road best results will always be the bigger wheel.

I sold the bike and bought Triumph Tiger which had a 19� way better than the 21� on the road and in the end put a 17� in the front to get the result I wanted so the bottom line despite my waffle you want a quick turning XT but an X and then drop the forks in yoke or change the front wheel size.

Definitely +1 on tyre pressures and tyre condition. I changed the rear shock on mine because the original was as effective as a biro spring and that made the bike steer a lot better, although a bit too firm off road.

My first bike was a KE125,second a XL250..I have a TT600re and the R.

I had a CCM supermoto before the R..sure it was fast(big bore kit etc) handled well...

The R is my favourite..Sure its got a big front wheel BUT imho it handles well and goes anywhere I dare point it.

Only changes made to the suspension are the Kev mod of fork spacers and X dogbones..total cost �15.

Rear shock adjusted to its mid point..Im 14.5 stone.

The tyre on her was the original and looked to be in good condition.

I changed them to Avon Trailriders, and have nothing but praise for them.

My mate has an R,year newer and came with the original tyres.

He changed his tyres at same time as me, no suspension mods.

I prefer the ride on mine,more sure footed.

Cheers for the reply's guys.
It's got Metzler Tourance front and back, pressures are good and tyres are in good condition.
I'll potter about for a couple of months see if I can get used to it, I used to have an ancient CB550-4 and I packed the forks with 2p's for the old stiffen up trick and I'd drop them down the yokes aswell for a sharper angle, so I may try those spacers as it is a bit bouncy.
Can anyone comment if it's a straight swap for 21 to 17 inch between the X and R.

Thanks

Changing from Metzellar Tourance to Avon Distanzia ( now Trailrider) transformed the handling of my Tenere, it's now brilliant on roundabouts, bends etc. The Tourance were honestly the worst tyre I have ever experienced! Once you are confident in the grip of that big old 21 inch front wheel it handles great! I have an XR650R on 17 inch Supermoto wheels and it's brilliant but the front can be twitchy. Steve

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...pse8rviipa.png Jon660 of this forum did this temporary conversion!

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6bcxn44w.png

I would say live with the bike for few months till you get used to the feel before spending any money.

With the wide handle bars, you will find (as I did) and low weight, I think the steering is very responsive but because the bike is tall, you need to put more effort like shifting your upper body weight for making quick transitions.

I guess it is possible (and costly) to use a wheel from X; the only way to find out is to try