I would like to know what is the purpose of putting on a 17" front rim on a 1993 CBR900RR, which comes standard with the 16" rim? The 16" that I have works perfectly.

Is handling improved? Does the tendency to tankslap become less? Are the tyres cheaper on a 17" rim? Does it raise the front a little to take stress off the wrists?

I see a lot of people with their 93-95 RR's are changing it to 17" rims and its making me want to do it as well.

Does anyone have any proof or advice on the advantages of the 17" rim or does it perform exactly the same as the 16" and is just a status thing?

No offence to anyone who has changed theirs, I would just like to know if it actaully helps the handling of the bike. If it does then perfect, im changing mine but if it doesnt then why do it?

 

well my best guess is that it openes up your tire possibilities. i am not sure about the handiling but i do know that if you ever go and try to buy tires for the 900's 16' rim then you know what a headache it is. i kept the front rim on my 93 and i have ridden 900's with the 17 and i did not notice any improvements on tankslap, handling, or getting the front wheel up. it is just a diff wheel size
JonBrown

 

it helps with handling and its easier to get tires. also it does something for the gear ratios with rotations. sorry kinda rushed and unclear

 

Thanks for the replies,

Do you know if there are any other rims that are simply take off and bolt on replacements. I have seen other dudes using VFR750 rims and CBR600F2 or F3 rims on their 900RR's? I am thinking of changing mine too but I dont want to do any modifications to my forks. I would like to find a bolt on replacement if there is any?

 

I have heard that it makes the bike not want to drop into the turn as easily and the only good thing about the 17" is the tire selection. Nothing bad about the 17" though except for it changes the geometry of the bike a little. Also Berm changing the front wheel is not going to do anything to the gear ratio, it just means that it will be spinning a little slower than compared to the 16" wheel. Also obviously the 17" rim and tire are probably going to be a little heavier than the 16" counterparts.

 

1 point to look out for is the speedo drive. the later versions had a speed sensor on the drive sprocket. i have heard there is a lot of work changing wiring and speedo assy to match. i made the mistake of buying a fully chromed front wheel (16") only to find the drive boss fitting was not cast into the wheel.

 

i know an f2 would be a direct fit speedo and everything, not sure about f3 or vfr.
i heard changing to 17 it's supposed to help w/cornering going in to and comming out of
w/out the twitchyness of the 16.

 

nah brah...F2's have a star-shaped hub thingy, it won't work for the 900. The whole conversion is not worth the trouble, but if you must, just get an F3 wheel--unless you have a 93-94 900RR, there won't be anywhere to hook up the speedo...

 

i had an f2 and the speedo hook up is the same as my 900's..

 

Whoever owned my bike before switched out both rims...and put a 17" on the front.

I read in a 900rr review that the 16" does make the bike more maneuverable in turns.