19" rear rim on 81 xl 500

[PRITCH39]

Hi all I have just bought an 81 xl 500 in pieces. The bike has come with 2 excell rims a 21"m and a 19".
My question is, is there any reason I cant use the 19' on the back? is it within the period? the only reason I ask is that most old bikes i have owned have had 18" rear, some of my more modern bikes have had 19" rear. And finally would anyone care anyway.

thanks guys Brian

[head]

I would like to know as well as there is a way better selection of tires when you go 19"

[Davey Crocket]

You can use 19's.

[BAHNZY]

If the bike is for motocross then you are blessed. All MX bikes since the early 90's have had 19" wheels so there is a massive choice to pick from. There is still good 18's but they don't have the same levels of performance.

[Nathan S]

Yep. 19" rims existed way back in the day, so there's no argument against using them on VMX bikes.

[PRITCH39]

Thanks guys this makes me happy .Also makes dirt track easy as I can get hold of, not very used tyres off a mates sidecar for free

Brian

[Slakewell]

19 inch tyres are much harder to change by hand than 18's. Plus on old bikes 18's tyres help add to the suspension.