I recently acquired some Strada wheels for my Terra. I have several bikes but really like to use this one for commuting. However, I'm vertically challenged and the Terra is a tall bike. So I got some Strada wheels and put on an 80-20 tire for commuting: Shinko 705. I plan on putting some much more dirt oriented tires on the spoked wheels and using them for more aggressive off road. At any rate, I finally got it all put together Friday night with the Strada wheels and some new EBC Double-H Sintered pads front and rear and got to take it out today. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I love the tires. Much quieter and more stable at speed. None of that oscillation at speed. Far better handling. It is like a totally different bike. I don't know if it is entirely the tires or if the smaller wheels have something to do with it. It's also nice to be able to get both feet down. I can't flat foot but I'm not on my toes either. Easier to get on and off, too. I kept the original sprocket so the bike is a little quicker feeling, though I plan on getting a 17 tooth to get the revs down. Turning about 5,000 RPM at 80 MPH. If anyone is thinking about acquiring a set of Strada wheels for riding around town, I can't recommend it strongly enough.
Looks nice. I like the look of those wheels, but they would look even better powdercoated. Question: The front tire looks wider than the tire on my Terra. Are the cast rims wider than the spoked ones?
The 19" cast wheels are 2.5" wide, typical tires are 110/80-19 The 21" spoke wheels are 1.85" wide, typical tires are 90/90-21
Very nice! I agree with you on the road tires. They make a huge difference with the overall on-road capability. Below is my ride with 17" front and back and a bit wider even than the Strada wheels. I had considered just buying Strada wheels/tires but decided to go a more custom route. Looking back I would have saved a significant sum of money doing it your way. I agree with the previous comment, $80 for black, white, or red powdercoat on the wheels would definitely enhance the look of the bike! Thanks for sharing.
Love those spokes. A true motard. Mind if I ask what route you took? I thought about finding some hubs and getting Woody's to lace up a spoked 19/17 set. I much prefer this height even though I lose a little off road capability. 17/17 would be even better. I also thought about getting the rims powder coated but was already hiding enough spending from my long-suffering better half. I've seen some Terras with the big white Husky logo and some without. My bike doesn't have them but I really do like them a lot. Did your bike come with them?
They are Woody's wheels and spokes. Unfortunately they ended up being quite a bit more expensive than purchasing used Strada wheels online. You have to start with the hubs which new are $400+ new. Used they are between $50-100 off ebay. For the front I actually bought used BMW 650 GS wheel and stripped it for the hub. Most models of 650 GS share wheels and hubs. All powdercoated black. The big white husky logo I actually installed. Glad it looks so professional! Best upgrade I have made and only $10.
More info on my post Stradafy your Terra: http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/stradafy-your-terra.80567/#post-535254
