19" Front Wheel

creeve · Aug 13, 2018

I wasn't planning to get into this project until the winter. However, a Multistrada 950 wheel came up on ebay for a reasonable price. I made a low-ball offer and they accepted, so here we go.

I have high hopes that this will be a pretty easy install. The part #s for the brake disks and axles are the same between the two bikes, which eliminates a few of the most obvious problems. I have done cross model swaps on other ducatis (swingarms,wheels,rearsets) and they have all gone pretty well.

Things to address:

- Brake Disc Mounting Width
- Axle Spacing
- Lower Fender Spacing
- Crossover Brake Line

kuksul08 · Aug 13, 2018

I would convert to a dual front brake line in the process. Makes bleeding easier than using a crossover.

Interesting idea. I have a VStrom with a 19" front. I have never, ever tucked the front end on that bike and it makes roads feel smoother, and the diameter adds stability too. However it is definitely slower turning. You are going to have to raise the rear or drop the front to keep the geometry balanced when the front is 1" higher.

creeve · Aug 13, 2018

kuksul08 said:
I would convert to a dual front brake line in the process. Makes bleeding easier than using a crossover.

Interesting idea. I have a VStrom with a 19" front. I have never, ever tucked the front end on that bike and it makes roads feel smoother, and the diameter adds stability too. However it is definitely slower turning. You are going to have to raise the rear or drop the front to keep the geometry balanced when the front is 1" higher.

Hmm, hadn't considered changing the brake line configuration. I will look into that.

I don't think being an 1" higher in the front will be an issue. I am pretty sure the Hypermotard is 1" higher in front than the Hyperstrada as standard.

Both bikes are specified to have 5.9" rear travel, but the Motard has 6.7" of front travel compared to the Strada's 5.9". I am not aware of any other geometry difference in the bikes to account for that 1" difference.

kuksul08 · Aug 13, 2018

The motard is higher in front and rear (for ground clearance).

Just for reference I lowered my other bike 10mm in back and it made a huge difference in handling. I ended up having to raise it back up or else it handled so slowly.

creeve · Aug 13, 2018

kuksul08 said:
The motard is higher in front and rear (for ground clearance).

Just for reference I lowered my other bike 10mm in back and it made a huge difference in handling. I ended up having to raise it back up or else it handled so slowly.

So I guess the rear shock on the Hypermotard must be longer while maintaining the same travel.

I could probably machine a spacer for the lower shock mount to increase the length.

BadToTheBown · Aug 13, 2018

I don't have a warm feeling you'll be able to spacer this up, both ends are double shear clevis, I'd consider looking for a motard shock, should be cheap on ebay, good luck...

creeve · Aug 13, 2018

BadToTheBown said:
I don't have a warm feeling you'll be able to spacer this up, both ends are double shear clevis, I'd consider looking for a motard shock, should be cheap on ebay, good luck...

Yea it will be a complex part to make. I would like to keep the preload adjustment though and making a bracket cost me nothing but time. Designing metal parts is what I do for a living.

jerdog53 · Aug 14, 2018

I'm interested to see how this turns up

BadToTheBown · Aug 14, 2018

Well based on what my shock looked like when I pulled it, that will be some special spacer...good luck...

creeve · Aug 15, 2018

BadToTheBown said:
Well based on what my shock looked like when I pulled it, that will be some special spacer...good luck...

The solution would be to make a bracket that moves the frame mouting point by 1". The bracket would bolt into the shock mount on the frame and at least one other point, either existing or added.

creeve · Aug 16, 2018

It occured to me that I could also flip the position of the eccentric rear hub to gain rear ride height. I checked last night and the rear axle is above centerline currently, so flipping it would increase ride height. I will have to experiment with it.

hexanerax · Aug 18, 2018

Won't that cause the chain to drag over the swingarm ? Dropping the axle centre below the centerline lower may reduce the clearance that the sprocket top has over the swingarm.

creeve · Aug 20, 2018

hexanerax said:
Won't that cause the chain to drag over the swingarm ? Dropping the axle centre below the centerline lower may reduce the clearance that the sprocket top has over the swingarm.

Good point. This same swingarm comes with a range of sprockets on different bikes stock, from 39 to 45 tooth, which are about 1" different in diameter. Really going to have to experiment to be sure

krolinked · Aug 21, 2018

I have an SP shock if you want one for a good price. But not sure if it will be too tall in the back afterwards. You'll prob need a different kickstand too

19" Front Wheel

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