Wheels?

[JoeSTL]

So I'm seriously thinking of doing some track days next year. I have pilot road 2's on my FZ now, so I'll probably get some different tires for the track. Since the track days will be spread out over the summer and I ride basically every day, I figured I might as well get a different set of wheels for the track tires and change them out when needed.

So my question has to do with wheels. I can't seem to find how to choose wheel sizes for motorcycles. Does the wheel size go with the tire size? I know we have the 180/55ZR-17 on the rear, so would any wheel that fits that tire also fit on the FZ6? And what about rear sprockets and rotors?

Thanks for the help!

 

[ChevyFazer]

Best bet would be to find a used set on eBay, or if you got deep pockets go get a set of those carbon fiber wheels! They claim its like adding almost 20hp just by reducing the weight and rotating mass

 

[ANLR21]

Joe, by all means set up some track days. It will improve your skills tremendously in a controlled environment, allowing you to explore not only the capabilities of the bike, but also your own techniques and areas where improvement is needed.

As far as wheels/tires, +1 on the above. Grab some used FZ6 wheels from fleaBay or a local salvager, 'cause you're going to bing them up. Save your stock wheels and PR2s for longer-term. Swapping wheels is not that big a deal.

You can find all sorts of opinions on the "best" tires for the track, just accept that you're going to wear them out quickly. That's the whole point. You might want to consider talking with a few local racers or other track monkeys, in many cases they have take-offs (used track tires) that they might sell cheap or give away.

Don't forget about your brake pads. Stock pads will overheat quickly and you'll find yourself doing some off-track explorations at speed. For moderate track work, I've found that the EBC HH pads work well all around.

Sprockets? Many including me have gone to a 15/46 setup on the FZ6, I don't care about absolute top end, corner transitions and exit speeds are more important.

Good luck, share your experiences

ANLR21

 

[JoeSTL]

Best bet would be to find a used set on eBay, or if you got deep pockets go get a set of those carbon fiber wheels! They claim its like adding almost 20hp just by reducing the weight and rotating mass

Unfortunately my pockets aren't that deep! They would be awesome though...

Joe, by all means set up some track days. It will improve your skills tremendously in a controlled environment, allowing you to explore not only the capabilities of the bike, but also your own techniques and areas where improvement is needed.

As far as wheels/tires, +1 on the above. Grab some used FZ6 wheels from fleaBay or a local salvager, 'cause you're going to bing them up. Save your stock wheels and PR2s for longer-term. Swapping wheels is not that big a deal.

You can find all sorts of opinions on the "best" tires for the track, just accept that you're going to wear them out quickly. That's the whole point. You might want to consider talking with a few local racers or other track monkeys, in many cases they have take-offs (used track tires) that they might sell cheap or give away.

Don't forget about your brake pads. Stock pads will overheat quickly and you'll find yourself doing some off-track explorations at speed. For moderate track work, I've found that the EBC HH pads work well all around.

Sprockets? Many including me have gone to a 15/46 setup on the FZ6, I don't care about absolute top end, corner transitions and exit speeds are more important.

Good luck, share your experiences

ANLR21

Thanks for the info. I'm definitely one of the slower riders in this group I ride with, so I need something that'll help build my confidence without having to worry about who's behind me or oncoming traffic or catching up or deer on the road or any of the other 5000 things I think about when riding on country roads.

After the new year, I was planning on upgrading to SS brake lines and better pads anyway, plus a suspension upgrade as well.

So to go back to one of my original questions, are motorcycle wheels all specific to each bike?

 

[Ssky0078]

Unfortunately my pockets aren't that deep! They would be awesome though...



Thanks for the info. I'm definitely one of the slower riders in this group I ride with, so I need something that'll help build my confidence without having to worry about who's behind me or oncoming traffic or catching up or deer on the road or any of the other 5000 things I think about when riding on country roads.

After the new year, I was planning on upgrading to SS brake lines and better pads anyway, plus a suspension upgrade as well.

So to go back to one of my original questions, are motorcycle wheels all specific to each bike?

I have heard of guys taking wheels and switching them between bikes but that is beyond my comprehension at this point.

I would find somebody that is parting out their bike or look at salvage title bikes and see if they will part out a set of wheels. Also watch ebay as I have seen a couple of rims on there that are considered straight but have a few chips in them from a curb check for like $150. If you get them off another Fz6 you don't have to worry about the fit and can get your tires mounted on them and make sure they are balanced.

Chevy just killed his bike and is looking to get rid of it, maybe he can help ya out.

http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-general-discussion/47281-well-folks-thats-all-she-wrote-fz.html

 

[Ssky0078]

Other options

2006 Fz6 Cast Rear Wheel fo 379.93
2006 Yamaha FZ6 OEM Cast Wheel, Rear | Lgb 5SL-25338-00-98 | MotoSport

2006 Fz6 Cast Front Wheel for $479.50
2006 Yamaha FZ6 OEM Cast Wheel, Front | Lgb 5SL-25168-00-98 | MotoSport

For roughly $860 you could have a brand new set of wheels, no worries of them being straight or damaged. I'd say worth it if you are trying to fly around as fast as possible.

 

[JoeSTL]

Other options

2006 Fz6 Cast Rear Wheel fo 379.93
2006 Yamaha FZ6 OEM Cast Wheel, Rear | Lgb 5SL-25338-00-98 | MotoSport

2006 Fz6 Cast Front Wheel for $479.50
2006 Yamaha FZ6 OEM Cast Wheel, Front | Lgb 5SL-25168-00-98 | MotoSport

For roughly $860 you could have a brand new set of wheels, no worries of them being straight or damaged. I'd say worth it if you are trying to fly around as fast as possible.

I just bought a complete rear wheel on ebay with rotor, sprocket, and cush drive for 85 bucks shipped. Seller says it's straight and in great condition, so we'll see.