Intro and question

Been lurking for a while now it's time to get started. My name is Dave I live in Michigan. After about a year and a half of trying I was able to buy a 82 wr 430 from a bike hoarder estate. When I bought it they said I had to take the other one too. I got the 82 running with out much trouble. An 86 250 enduro with no engine. I plan to trail ride the 430. I'll get it mechanicaly right but have decided not to restore bit rather leave the patina. I'm puttin the rear wheel from the 86 because I want 18 inch rear for tire selection. I'm considering swapping front ends to get disk brake. Is the swap worth it for a bike to be ridden in the woods and not having any plans of doing any vmx.

You can try and verify what I say.

The wheel and backing plate go together kind of as a unit. A 1984 or 1985 dual shock backing plate should allow you to use the 86 wheel as is otherwise to get a good and proper fit you will need switch the spokes and rim. Pretty sure the 250 would have a 2.15 wide rim where the 430 and up in that year span had 2.50.

I am not too sure about the front end. The offset of the earlier triple clamp with rubber mount handlebars is different than the later one with rigid bar mounts. I believe the travel of the two is pretty much the same, the later one has less sticking below the axle and has teflon coated bushings inside which may work better but also can seem to look like they could use replacement. I kind of like the 85-86 floating disc but certainly expect that I am in the minority opinion about it.

Nice find. I have the same 430. I picked up a 83 510 roller and I am going to see if the wheels fit my 430 this weekend. My 430 was restored by the PO but not a show bike resto, it's a rider. Hopefully the wheels will swap with little problems. I've been told they aren't a direct bolt on but it can be done. They say the DLS front brake works very well.

The 18" wheel is not worth the trouble, the IRC VE33 5.10-17 is a great tire and is as good as anything you can get in an 18. The first generation Husky disc brakes were not that great, I would leave the '82 stock and ride it as is.

I have both 17" and 18" on my two 390's. I much prefer the 17". It seems to ride so much better.
The DLS front brake when set up right is as good as a disc. My single leading front on the 390WR will lock the wheel on dry tarmac. Can't ask for better than that.
As Kartwheel says ..... just ride it like it is and enjoy it. Awesome engine too !

I swapped both wheels this weekend. Rear wheel fit as is with no modifications. Front also fit. I like using the 18" rear because I usually put used tires from my KTM on my vintage stuff. I run 4 or 5 races and then buy new. I don't ride the vintage as much.