18" rear wheel on a KX500

[Kawadougie]

I changed mine to an 18" primarily to gain traction in the loose stuff.  It does make a difference.  I bought a Buchanan spoke set and an Excel rim.  Total cost was about $160.00  It was very easy to install because Kawasaki drills the spoke holes in the hub so it acts a a guide.  It also helps that all of the spokes are the same.  I had the old rim off and the new one on in about an hour.  Much better than the old drum brake Huskies.

[triffecpa]

well, I just got my first pinch flat on Monday (at least I assume that's what it is.  I got a flat tire without any visible penetrating objects in the tire).  Also beat the crap out of the rim (I noticed a crack in it when I pulled the tire off last night).  Rode over some rocky, sharp terrain in the Cochiti Canyon area.  I guess that I'm going to have to look into this conversion.  In the meantime, I bought a cheap 120/90x19 rear tire and a new tube so that I can get back in the dirt this weekend.  Does anyone have a good (ie cheap) source for the spokes and rim?  Is it worth it to have the rim welded?  The crack is thru the bead area (about 1/2" long total).  Thanks Tracy

[Paul]

Monkeybutt Part, you should be able to get it for $185 or so, rim + spokes.

[teamgreen500]

I beleive the KDX200 wheels are a direct fit with capable/identical bearings (The KDX is a "Dual-Sport" in other markets; hence, it's a fairly heavy duty design) I've noticed the part # on the old micro-fice(sp?). There's a "model year" issue here, I think. I'll check. I think it's 89-92 KDX rear wheels...

A note: I've been using the 120/100-19 Kenda Carlsbad in the rear. This tire has about as much sidewall as most 18" tires and I've yet to get a flat while running a Bridgestone or Dunlop H/D tube. This is a very viable alternative to building/buying an 18" rear wheel.

Manny

[doordie]

Here is mine "18 wheeler"
We have a lots of that combo here in Sweden ?cause many
race enduro here.
Easy to get....
I use it for my races in enduro togheter with  rubber "no flat" mousse.
Bulletprof!!!

//doordie

[Mikkomaan]

Were i can find spokes for 18" rearwheel? Sorry for posting old topic.

[motopunk]

try here for spokes..    http://www.cross-center.com/

[Green Flash]

18" wheels for trail riding. 
19" for motocross

[manco]

I can say from experience that the Maxxis IT Desert in a 19" size is definitely a solid choice if all one has is a 19" rim. I ran one on a yz250 I set up for trail. I have ridden the worst Colorado and Moab has to offer with that tire on a 19" rim. I had zero issues and no complaints. Go with the heavy duty tube, don't skimp on air pressure and the sidewalls are definitely stiff enough to handle any rocky terrain.