FS wheels/tires for FE570??

I have been thinking about selling my Ducati. I enjoy riding my FE 570 off-road much more than the larger Ducati, and I think the Ducati may get me in trouble (legally and physically) when I give in to its power and tendency to take me over 100 MPH. Plus I like the lighter feel of a bike the size of a Husaberg.

I was thinking about replacing the Ducati with an Aprilia RXV 550, because its twin cylinder engine would be smoother and it seems to make more power, but I thought maybe I wasn't giving the Hussy a far shake - maybe I should try it out first with street tires/wheels.

Of course, the knobby front (I run a trials rear) and rim locks make the bike vibrate a lot at speed, so I am going to try out an FS 570 if I can find a demo (or swap bikes with someone for a while), but I was wondering; I have seen little mention of the FS 570 here, even less of anyone who is running SM tires/wheels on an FE 570, or even street tires on the 18"/21" wheels of the FE (actually, it would be interesting to hear from someone who has ridden both with 17" and 18"/21" street tires).

Also, I assume I may need to tweak the suspension a bit, but I want it primarily setup for off-road as that is my primary use. I need to have it resprung (I weigh 250+).

With the stock 13/52 gearing my bike exceeds 90 MPH indicated, but I never had the guts to try to go faster on pavement with knobbies. With the 12 tooth it still exceeds 90 MPH indicated, but is noticeably more wound out - I think I lost about 10 MPH for the same RPM. I am wondering with the 17" SM wheels/tires and more suitable gearing how the bike is at speeds above 70 MPH - still plenty of power left? I would like to get up above 80 MPH with enough power left to take me relatively quickly to 100 MPH, but I don't think I need to exceed 100 MPH most of the time, I just want it just in case I need to leave some crazy behind. Most of the riding I envision using the bike for - twisties in the countryside - I would stay under 100 MPH.

I know about light bikes and wind, whether side wind or frontal - I used to ride a DR 350 all over the place, so I can deal with that. I also know this would not be a long distance touring bike, and I would not want it for a primary commuting bike either; I don't do long distance much if at all anymore, and I don't have bikes for commuting, only for sport.

Thoughts? Feedback?

Thanks

Nobody has put SM wheels on an FE 570??

BERGBRO said:

thats my opine anyway. hope it helps.

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That helps a lot thanks.

So, assuming a person didn't necessarily need or want cutting edge wheels, what wheel sets/etc. do you recommend?

I've seen the price vary from $1K to $2K+, but it wasn't apparent exactly what bits of kit a person needed. Wheels laced on hubs of course (cush hub?). Rotors? Calipers?

Serpexc said:

Sadly, I probably won't do too much street riding. I have way more fun on the dirt and won't jeopardize my driver's license. But it'll be cool to swap over now and then for a scenic ride on whatever twisty pavement I can find. 8)

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Yeah, that's kind of why I am going to try to sell my Ducati. It is a fun street bike, but compared to the Hussy it is heavy and not as agile - much more comfortable, but not as much fun in the twisties. I tend to get carried away a bit with it and at least once on a ride I get over 100 MPH indicated. That is fun, but it is the getting near the speed where I could lose my license (and the bike) if I get caught, and eventually I will get caught. Then there is the whole issue of whether I would hit something at that speed, or lose control when encountering unexpected debris on the road.

I figure putting SM wheels on the Hussy would help the occasional need to go tear up some twisties - most of those corners I would not enter or leave anywhere near 100 MPH, and an SM would be more fun on them.

I too have more fun off-road though. A lot more challenging.

Thanks for the info.