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Spoke Wheels & Tires ( Classic vs Pure )

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XUMERX

XUMERX

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2021 BMW R18 FE
Im curious as to what people think about the different tire sizes on the R18 classic vs the pure.. I have the pure with the 19 inch front wheel.. I feel like I want the meaty front tire that comes on the classic. Upon review it seems like the rear tire is also a different size. Anyone feel any benefits from having the classic size? I love the style of the wheels so another wheel would be out of the question.
 
Nope,, I was wrong the rear is the same size on both models.
 
I took an MSF class on my classic and the fat front tire isn’t quick to steer in to turns. It takes a large counter steer effort turn do quick weaves and tight u turns. It does however look amazing on the bike. It is also a tube type rim, so that can be fun.
 
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XUMERX said:
Im curious as to what people think about the different tire sizes on the R18 classic vs the pure.. I have the pure with the 19 inch front wheel.. I feel like I want the meaty front tire that comes on the classic. Upon review it seems like the rear tire is also a different size. Anyone feel any benefits from having the classic size? I love the style of the wheels so another wheel would be out of the question.
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I’ve had a couple of bikes ( not the R18 though ) with balloon front tyres. They rode perfectly well and I had no adverse handling issues. If I had to be really picky I would say the front end felt slightly more clumsy at very low speeds, maybe the contact patch and tyre profile made that so, don’t know. I guess it’s mostly looks and which you prefer.
 
Yes.
I'd like to trade my 19' for a 16' from a classic.
Pity your'e not in Europe.
 
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I never tried a Classic.
But I like the look.
I have a big fat front tire on my Montauk and the handling is ok.
 
Back in the day when some of us we rode the R1200C, I switched from stock front wheel to a meatier tire on a mag rim. The rotational momentum of the fat front setup was immediately noticeable. The first turn I made required some steer wrestling from me. Of course once you get used to it you forget how it was previously.
 
XUMERX said:
Im curious as to what people think about the different tire sizes on the R18 classic vs the pure.. I have the pure with the 19 inch front wheel.. I feel like I want the meaty front tire that comes on the classic. Upon review it seems like the rear tire is also a different size. Anyone feel any benefits from having the classic size? I love the style of the wheels so another wheel would be out of the question.
Click to expand...
I have a '21 Pure, was given a '24 Classic as a loaner while diff seals were being done. Seals were not in stock so I hade the Classic for 5 days. Did some reasonable length rides both solo and two up and I have to say the ride was smoother, bike flowed side to side easier and suspension seemed more supple. I understand it was a new bike but my Pure has only 14000 kms on it. I queried the service department and the only difference is the front wheel and tyre. Although I got great wear from the oem tyres I am going to try the Meztler front as the OEM Michelin rear still has 3-4000 kms left on it. Any suggestions otherwise would be appreciated.
 
In the same way that I liked the 15” rear and 17” front wheel on the R1200C, I also like the look of the R18 base.
 
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