Hitchcocks Forum

I just acquired a 2011 RE 500 Classic. It is the last year for the 18 in. front wheel. I will be driving on dirt roads a third of the time so thinking about what it would take to convert to 19 inch wheel with 80/20 tire. I’m also 6 feet 4 inches tall and twantubg t I raise the handlebar. Recently I saw a front fork assembly and handlebar off of a Triumph Thunderbird that is being advertised as Royal Enfield ready. It could accommodate a 19 inch wheel (with spacers). The Thunderbird is a muscle bike and so I know the unit is heavier that RE stock. I have a good bike mechanic friend willing to do the work for free. Good idea? Bad idea? Cautions? Better way without spending a fortune? Much appreciated!

If you mean these on the web, https://www.ebay.com/itm/132398149077?s ... 1558.l2649 I think you'll find they are Royal Enfield Thunderbird forks not Triumph. They look smart though. I think you'll find a 19" wheel will be straight swap plus you could lace a new rim on for not too !much cash, give you a choice of 19" or 21"?

Our host have a wide range of 19inch wheels and what they will fit. (You may be limited on the width of tyre thought.)

"I will be driving on dirt roads a third of the time" At last! A situation ideally suited to the poor front brakes typically fitted to Enfields! Seriously, do consider this when choosing tyres and brakes, we all tell ourselves we'll go easy on the brakes on the dirt but front end wash-outs are the most common cause of accidental mud eating!

REgards, Mark

When "mud plugging" I always think the mindset I don't have a front brake is the best policy.
(My wife was the first person NOT to fall off when we were leaving a very wet motorcycle rally where the camping area is on a one in three slope. I told her you don't have any brakes and anyone who walks in front of you run over them, they should know better.)

I have a 100/90 R19 Heidenau K60 on my 2017 C5. About as wide as I'd care to go. Any wider and you have to grow the beard, get the lumberjack shirt out and remove the mudguard.

Andy

110/80 X 19 Continental Knobbly on my Electra X (ish) BUT the wheel has to be "fiddled" past the heads the mudguard stay bolts to fit the wheel using the gaps between the knobbles.

Thanks all -- Appreciate the thoughts and the reminder that front brakes on anything soft leaves to a bad (and hard ending)! I drive a Suzuki Vstrom on these same roads that behaves pretty well when I do. Decided to keep the 18 inch whell but get tires that have better than street grip.