Question on 74 Commando wheels.

wheelz

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Apr 21, 2022
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74 commando wheel question. I’m going to have Buchannans build a set of 18” wheels for my 74 Commando. Can I go to a wm4 (2.50) width on the front or will it be to wide?
 
My Rickman has 18 front and rear as that is how they made them. In 1971 it was WM3 aft and WM2 fore but
if I was doing it today I would go one more width-wise on each.
 
wheelz said:
74 commando wheel question. I’m going to have Buchannans build a set of 18” wheels for my 74 Commando. Can I go to a wm4 (2.50) width on the front or will it be to wide?
Click to expand...
Wheelz,
Just a question.Why are you going with an 18” front wheel?
Also you will be very pleased with having Buchanans do your wheels.All of the off-sets are perfect and mine have never been a problem for the last 7 years.They have been in business forever and are good to deal with.
Mike
 
I ran 18" rims on the race bike, but haven't thought of doing that on a street Commando. I would guess you lose a little ground clearance, but what advantage is there? And why use wider rims unless you just like the look?
 
Because I think that with a modern tyre, WM2 is way too narrow for the tyre to achieve a correct profile. A WM3 on the front and a WM4 on the back if you are shy.
 
YING said:
Wheelz,
Just a question.Why are you going with an 18” front wheel?
Also you will be very pleased with having Buchanans do your wheels.All of the off-sets are perfect and mine have never been a problem for the last 7 years.They have been in business forever and are good to deal with.
Mike
Click to expand...
I think 18’s will be easier to source tires for.
 
Onder said:
Because I think that with a modern tyre, WM2 is way too narrow for the tyre to achieve a correct profile. A WM3 on the front and a WM4 on the back if you are shy.
Click to expand...
Exactly , I’m going with WM 4 front and rear.

milfordite said:
I ran 18" rims on the race bike, but haven't thought of doing that on a street Commando. I would guess you lose a little ground clearance, but what advantage is there? And why use wider rims unless you just like the look?
Click to expand...
With 18 Avon Roadrider type tires they are about the same height as a 19 K81.
Onder said:
Because I think that with a modern tyre, WM2 is way too narrow for the tyre to achieve a correct profile. A WM3 on the front and a WM4 on the back if you are shy.
Click to expand...
 
I put a 90/90 18 on my WM2 rim on the Rickman. It does look awfully narrow I will admit. However, I notice that the wear pattern shows about the same as the 4.10 that was on it. Look at the wear on bigger tyres in general when on the old stock rims on your Commando and they wear out quickly in the middle and the edges are new looking. And please don't tell me I'm shy in the corners because, yes to some extent I am as Im 71 years old, but it is more the skinny rim pulling the tyre into a overly round shape.
...or so I think.
 
Onder said:
Because I think that with a modern tyre, WM2 is way too narrow for the tyre to achieve a correct profile. A WM3 on the front and a WM4 on the back if you are shy.
Click to expand...
agreed. I did a wm2 wm4 comparison in a long lost thread way back when. Not sure if the pics are still there because I used PhotoF@kit. :mad: highly unlikely.
 
Last edited:
Pix: Avon Speedmaster on a 18 WM3. Avon 90/90 on a WM2.
Note how flat the Speedmassa profile is, huge contact patch compared to a modern tyre. And this tyre has 5k on, it still viable.
Note the profile, although somewhat distorted by the pocket cam lens, it is very round and this is made worse by the skinny rim.
The front 90/90 doesn't feel all that much different in normal riding and braking seems about the same but , as noted, I am now an old duffer and don't haul ass as I once did. Or at least not as often.
The rear tyre profile can hardly inspire confidence in cornering by looking at it but on dry surface it seems fine.
No comments on wet weather as I avoid that at all costs. Too much cleaning required after that nonsense!
 

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