Triumphrat

DaPoet

I know this may sound half-baked, but what ill-effects handling/stability-wise would present with changing out the 21' front for a 19"? I see that adapting the 19" front mudguard would require a bit of work, if at all possible. But I can't see any problem with lacing a 19" rim to the oem hub.

You may ask why? I like the spoked wheel look, the front "beak" and the long travel suspension of the XC. I have no idea how radically the rake and trail would be changed from this swap. Any serious thoughts on this would be appreciated.

GearHd6

Does your bike have ABS? If so, I believe you'll run into issues seeing the 19" front will now turn faster than the 21" did.

From what I have read, you wouldn't see much of a noticeable handling improvement making the change.

I'm having a hard time figuring out what you're trying to gain by going to a 19" front wheel. You say you like the spoke look, what is wrong with the 21" XC spoke wheel?

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2011 Tiger 800
1998 Daytona T595

blacktiger

So long as you lower the rear suspension the same amount as the front I don't see a problem so long as the bike doesn't have ABS.
The geometry on the XC is pretty steep at 23.1 or somewhere near so going any steeper would/might/probably have a fatal effect. Having said that, with all that extra suspension movement it's anyone's guess what effect it'll have on the ride as it dips and rises even if you do lower the rear to match the front.
Your question has been asked a long time ago and although Triumph are covering their arse somewhat, they don't recommend it.
Now, having had an XC for 18000 miles, I can tell you that it's not disgraced in the twisties by anything out there. It turns in, goes from left to right very quickly and with little effort and goes round corners as quick as any sane rider would want. So just get an XC and be done with it.

__________________
You only live once, so enjoy it.
'02 Tiger955i in black.67000 miles.
'12 Tiger800XC in black. 18000 miles.
http://s396.beta.photobucket.com/use...tiger/library/

DaPoet

I hear you all. I'm rolling on a well suspended DR650 right now and having a blast in the hills of georgia and north carolina, etc. So i'm well aware how a 21 front is no real hinderence to shredding in the twisties. I'm looking to upgrade to a platform that has a bit more everything. The reasoning behind the 19 front on a xc would simply to be get closer to a street setup look with a bonus of the wire wheels and the 45mm long travel fork. The wheels a bit poseur for sure, but the longer suspension is a real benefit . With around a 17mm drop in front axle height between the 19 and 21, the numbers may not be too steep, or then again it could be a deathtrap under deceleration from 90 mph. I was just wondering if anyone had experience with this sort of problem solving. I should search for formulas for determining rake/trail that allow you to plug in your numbers.

TheHaymaker

Have you ridden an XC yet? I understand you want "the look", but as said, handling will not be an issue. I have ridden dualsports and dirtbikes, big and small, on the assfault and there is NO comparing this bike to them. While the other always feel heavy, sluggish, ispy and vague, the XC is very precise and solid.

Yeah, I noticed a difference in the twisties, coming from a Ninja, but it's nothing to worry about.

I've been explaining to my friends that riding the XC is like I combined the cockpit of my XR650R with a Cadillac seat and suspension, then threw a crotchrocket motor in it.

Trrrrrry it, you'lllll like it.

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Why do I ride? Seriously? If you have to ask, then you would never understand my answer.

DaPoet

I'm sure I'll love it, like I love my DR. Just more better. Thanks for your comments.

David L.

This statement sound so sweat to my ears, that give me the ''punch'' to choose the tiger over the street triple

NORTY FLATZ

Since the Tiger (or any motorcycle that I know of) doesn't have "active handling", it makes no difference to the ABS unit if the ratio of wheel rpm's is changed or not.
Still, the overall effect would make the motorcycle handle differently than what Triumph wanted, or they'd have utilized a 19" wheel.

Without exhaustive testing, it is almost impossible to see what effect having a 19" wheel would have. There may be large issues, or not. It must be tested in all possible scenarios.

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You can't put a price on a good time!

TheHaymaker

If you steepen the rake too much.... It won't take long to find the effect.

__________________
Why do I ride? Seriously? If you have to ask, then you would never understand my answer.

blacktiger

Honestly Norty, I don't know why you continue to post because you clearly have no idea about anything to do with Motorcycles.
The ABS unit is calibrated for each individual model, through extensive testing, according to wheel size, expected tyre grip and all sorts of other parameters. If you change a significant part of that equation, as you would be by changing wheel sizes, then the ABS would either kick in far too early or, maybe, not at all.
The only way around that problem on the Tiger800 might be to fit a "roadie" ABS unit when fitting the 19" front wheel. BIG emphasis on the "might".

__________________
You only live once, so enjoy it.
'02 Tiger955i in black.67000 miles.
'12 Tiger800XC in black. 18000 miles.
http://s396.beta.photobucket.com/use...tiger/library/