Consequences of replacing wheels XJ650

As I mentioned before, I really like the classic look of my 81 XJ650 but I also really like the look of wire spoke wheels. Reading through some old posts, I see where some have already done this using wheels from a XV700L. Unfortunately, due to Photobucket's change in service, many of the photos are no longer available. From what I can tell, the 700 has a 19" front and a 15" rear. The obvious difference is the rear as the XJ650 has a 18".
All that said, I'm curious how these changes might affect the bike whether it be handling or something else. Appreciate any comments.

 

the 650 maxim has 16 inch rear tire. you could try to find a taller 15" tire to make up the differance it is the Seca 650 with the 18 inch rear tire


you will lose a little top end speed and run higher rpm at crusing speed with the virago rim and tire. but that is the price you pay for the spoke rim ,you could find a correct size rim to have mounted on the virago hub if you are that concerned about it$$

 

140-90-15 126 aprox width

150/80-15 120 aprox width

160/80-15 128 aprox width

an inch is about 24. mm

 

Thanks for the correction on the Maxim rear tire. I've looked at so many different bikes of that era that I probably confused myself.

Appreciate your explanation as well. To be truthful, I probably won't be doing much highway riding, if any at all. Commuting 10 minutes to work each way and using it around town will be it's primary job with an occasional romp in the country.

 

then go with the stock virago tire becase spokes are nice look nicer with white walls

 

Can you confirm if the Virago front wheel is 2.15 x 19 or not?

 

tire 3.00s-19 4PR
1987 to 1989 rear 140-90 70s

 

Or remove the hub send it to Buchanans and have the size and width rim of your choice laced up. They do excellent work with a fast turnaround. I went from a 15" to an 18" on one of my other projects and the tire choices doubled plus it looks asthetically balanced, front to rear.

 

what is the cost of that ?

 

It depends what you want done and what kind of rim you choose. But to lace and true up a wheel is about $100 not including parts or postage.
Lacing an aluminum or chromed wheel up without buggering it all up isn't that easy. Not the cheapest wheelsmith around but the best. They make their own stainless spokes and produce the Sun brand aluminum rims.

https://www.buchananspokes.com/

 

I don't know if this will be of any help, but I saw these on Kijiji up here in Toronto, Canada. The ad number is Ad ID 1311497734, see if it works so you can get a visual if you don't have one already. I don't know if the guy will even ship south of the border, but these rims are like hens teeth as far as I know and his price seems really good.

 

⤴️Coveted Virago shaft drive spokes front and rear in perfect condition $550 firm.

 

Won't help me, but I'm sure it will help someone.