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10 Oct 2017
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Theres no need, but back in the days it was a mod to get a broader variety of tires, as most aggressive tires back then was only available in 18"
Theres plenty in 17", and has been for a long time.
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10 Oct 2017
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No need to change the rear wheel...The XT goes everywhere...Be careful in the choice of the tire you are going to fit and where you going to ride!
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7 Nov 2017
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I have laced an 18"rim on mine. Reason for me was to a) raise the bike that half inch and b) I wanted gold alloys.
No appreciable effect on performance but you could expect a fractional increase in tyre life as less wheel turns per metre travelled.
Currently using a 130,80,18 Mitas E07
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9 Nov 2017
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Where You Headed?
Certain places in the world you may have trouble getting hold of an 18" tire. Like Latin America. In Europe I'm sure 18's are more common. But just no need to make this mod.
You can get 18's... but in certain areas, MUCH easier to find 17's with more choices too. 18's are also typically MORE expensive as some of the real RACE tires are 18" size. Like Dakar spec Michelin, Dunlop and Pirelli. $$$$$.
With 17's you're more likely to find some of the Korean tires like Shinko, Kenda and IRC. Most are less money than the Euro 18" tires.
If traveling I would FOR SURE upgrade your chain to a DID X ring, vs. typical O ring chain. At least 20% to 30% more life with the X Ring chain in my experience over 200,000 miles riding these chains. Carry TWO spare front sprockets and change them out every 6K to 8K miles. This should extend your chain life on that bike to near 25,000 miles. (I just changed chain & sprockets on my DR650 ... got 25K miles on DID's top of the line ZVM X ring chain)
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9 Nov 2017
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Dr650 has 525 chain, which is a bit more rigid than our 520.
But otherwise i totally agree, i also use a couple front sprockets on a chainkit.
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