[[x]]

Salutations, Everyone!

I'm an avid reader of the forums for a few years now, but I've never registered to partake in conversations. All of your conversations always answered the questions I sought answers to.

Until now! :help:

I've had my 2012 Ninja 650 since it came out in 2011, and it's about time I get some custom wheels for my war horse! I've seen some sick wheels out there, but none are listed for the "Ninja 650." I have come across a few wheels that have the same sizes: 17 x 3.5 and 17 x 4.5.

So. Can I just use any front wheel rim that is 17 x 3.5? Can I use any rear wheel that is 17 x 4.5?

Is there anything special that needs to be considered when purchasing a non-stock wheel/rim? (This probably is a dumb question -->) As in, are rims "speed tested" like some tires?

If there is no 17 x 4.5 rear wheel available, then can I increase it to 17 x 5? or 18 x 5? 17 x 6?

Any help in this matter is greatly appreciated! I apologize in advance if I wasn't supposed to post my thread in this topic area.


-x-

 

[Zandit]

Firstly, what are you trying to achieve?
Weight loss?
Bling?
Uniqueness?

There are custom forged Carrozzeria wheels available, but the cost is not worth it imo.

 

[[x]]

Thanks for the reply!

I'm mainly trying to achieve looks. I'm sick of the drab black and dirty looking wheels. I've been with the Ninja since 2008 with the 2009 Ninja 250 until I upgraded to the 2012 650, and I'm just ready for some sick-looking wheels. I will check out Carrozzeria wheels right now. I have been looking at the Assault series by RC, and I liked the Rival series by Performance Machine.

EDIT: I just checked Carrozzeria, but I didn't see the Ninja 650 listed on their site either. :ithank:

 

[kojiiro]

Regardless of rim size, you have to make sure that your rim will take the proper size bearings. Otherwise your axle will be rendered useless.

 

[[x]]

Regardless of rim size, you have to make sure that your rim will take the proper size bearings. Otherwise your axle will be rendered useless.

Thanks for the reply! That's good to know, so what information do I need to look up for what you're referring? "Proper size bearings" and axle info.

 

[Zandit]

If you are just looking for a new look, have you considered powder coating your rims a different colour?
Another mod I have seen is polishing the lip of the rim. This could be done in conjunction with a new colour for the hub of the rim.
Both options would be a hell of a lot cheaper than buying new rims.

 

[[x]]

Now those are neat ideas, and I'll probably considering trying it out while I take my time looking for new wheels. I wanted to get more red into the black bike. I never thought to polish the rim or just the lip, as you mentioned.

Another good advantage to new wheels would be significant weight reduction, right? I just swapped out the exhaust to a Scorpion system, and that reduced the weight a little. I've also ditched the tail lights and rear fender.

Weight loss is a good thing, right? LoL.

I still wish to continue this discussion if anyone is willing. :wavehand: I'm reading now the specifications in the owner's manual to see if anything about the bearings and axle is listed.

 

[djrussell]

You'll find more info on bearing, axle, and spacer size on the parts fiche.

For example: 2012 Kawasaki NINJA 650 (EX650ECF) Rear Wheel/Chain | Ron Ayers

I'm pretty sure any reputable wheel manufacturer will figure all that out for you though.

 

[cyclesarge]

If you are just looking for a new look, have you considered powder coating your rims a different colour?
Another mod I have seen is polishing the lip of the rim. This could be done in conjunction with a new colour for the hub of the rim.
Both options would be a hell of a lot cheaper than buying new rims.
View attachment 90214

View attachment 90215

This is the route I would go. I have bought aftermarket wheels for a bike in the past, a LOT of money for not much performance, some "bling" effect and very little resale value. Unless you are "showing" or racing the bike the bang for the buck just isn't there. It's your money and your bike though so go for what makes you happy, just remember it's still just a 4 year old Ninja 650 and no amount of money you sink into it will change that. FWIW, polishing a set of factory wheels will reduce the weight since you are removing the factory coating and some aluminum (to smooth out the roughness), not that you'll ever notice the difference.

Also I suspect parts like custom wheels for the Ninja 650 are hard to find are because of all the reasons I stated above.

 

[kojiiro]

Thanks for the reply! That's good to know, so what information do I need to look up for what you're referring? "Proper size bearings" and axle info.

There are several ways to research the bearing dimensions for your bike. Call the dealer, do a search or whatever. Heres some easy information on sizes for the 650.

636 fork swap - KawiForums - Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums

In the first post. So you will need a rim that will take that bearing size. Otherwise you wont be able to fit your axle through, which means you wont be able to mount it back up to your forks, unless you use a different axle that fits the bearing and the axle.

 

[kojiiro]

Now those are neat ideas, and I'll probably considering trying it out while I take my time looking for new wheels. I wanted to get more red into the black bike. I never thought to polish the rim or just the lip, as you mentioned.

Another good advantage to new wheels would be significant weight reduction, right? I just swapped out the exhaust to a Scorpion system, and that reduced the weight a little. I've also ditched the tail lights and rear fender.

Weight loss is a good thing, right? LoL.

I still wish to continue this discussion if anyone is willing. :wavehand: I'm reading now the specifications in the owner's manual to see if anything about the bearings and axle is listed.

Weight loss is cool and all, but you are going to (if you can find a brand that makes a set specific to your bike) be spending about 25% of the bike's cost just to lose a few pounds. Sounds good for a race or track bike, not so much for something you are nly taking to work and the canyons.

 

[[x]]

Weight loss is cool and all, but you are going to (if you can find a brand that makes a set specific to your bike) be spending about 25% of the bike's cost just to lose a few pounds. Sounds good for a race or track bike, not so much for something you are nly taking to work and the canyons.

I'm not too worried about the cost. I'm going to be keeping this bike for a long time. I kept my 250 for 4 years before I upgraded to the 650, and I was pure stock only on the 250. I'm practical in that regard, but I'm ready to start tinkering and customizing.

There are several ways to research the bearing dimensions for your bike. Call the dealer, do a search or whatever. Heres some easy information on sizes for the 650.

636 fork swap - KawiForums - Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums

In the first post. So you will need a rim that will take that bearing size. Otherwise you wont be able to fit your axle through, which means you wont be able to mount it back up to your forks, unless you use a different axle that fits the bearing and the axle.

That's good advice! Thank you! I'll be reading up on that article right now while I'm on break @ work. =) I'm looking up "bearing" for motorcycles right now, so I can get an understanding of what you're mentioning. I'm technically savvy, but I'm a mechanical noob. I learn quick, and I'm starting to do things on my own now. Just changed my own front tire and swapped out the exhaust in my back shed! Had fun.

EDIT: I just read up on the thread topic you posted a link, and that seems pretty radical. I never thought about changing such big components on the bike. Like most of the people were discussing, it's like a whole new bike at that point. I'm not sure I want to do anything like that, and I hope I don't have to do radical changes just to get some sick rims. LoL.

This is the route I would go. I have bought aftermarket wheels for a bike in the past, a LOT of money for not much performance, some "bling" effect and very little resale value. Unless you are "showing" or racing the bike the bang for the buck just isn't there. It's your money and your bike though so go for what makes you happy, just remember it's still just a 4 year old Ninja 650 and no amount of money you sink into it will change that. FWIW, polishing a set of factory wheels will reduce the weight since you are removing the factory coating and some aluminum (to smooth out the roughness), not that you'll ever notice the difference.

Also I suspect parts like custom wheels for the Ninja 650 are hard to find are because of all the reasons I stated above.

I greatly appreciate your input, and you have some solid points. I'm not really trying to do everything for performance, weight loss, or increasing the value of the bike. It's all just for me. The Ninja Life is for me forever. I don't even own a four-wheeled vehicle! I have two Ninjas and a boat. LoL. In essence, I just want some really sick looking wheels that fit me. I'm all about originality.

You'll find more info on bearing, axle, and spacer size on the parts fiche.

For example: 2012 Kawasaki NINJA 650 (EX650ECF) Rear Wheel/Chain | Ron Ayers

I'm pretty sure any reputable wheel manufacturer will figure all that out for you though.

You know what, DJ... You would think that they would, but all the ones that I have called didn't really sound like they knew what they were talking about. They only were able to do the bikes they had listed in their systems, and they couldn't even try to have a conversation with me about the wheel sizes. I'm thinking I could just get a tire with the same sizes (and bearing/axle info), so there lies why I came here. To see what info I need to gather and hopefully take it to a wheel maker.

I've been looking at the Service Manual and the Owner's Manual. The parts diagram was my next stop.



Thanks for partaking in this discussion everyone! I value everyone's input.


EDIT: So I have researched what bearings are, and I just had a DOH! moment. LoL. I knew what bearings are... :squid

After looking at the parts diagram, I do not see any significant information regarding the "Bearing Ball." It only lists the part number and does not list any sizing information. Also, I did not find the bearing information in the Service Manual or the Owner's Manual. At least, I don't think I noticed the information. The Service Manual is pretty lengthy, but it only mentions how to service the bearings. No real information on what type, size, et cetera.

 

[fencingdude101]

I'm at work right now so no time to research, but head over to The #1 Source For Bearings, Seals, Cables & More | All Balls Racing and look up the bike for a product number for their wheel bearings. They then have a chart that shows its size. That should put you in the right direction.

I used them to find the bike's steering stem bearing size- I was one of the guys who swapped their front end with a 2013 636 set. Lots of fun. Ended up working out since it's now a dedicated track bike. I once thought I'd keep the 650 for years, but ended up tracking it (due to a crash on the track, but...) and buying a Ninja 1000. Now I think I'll keep that one forever, but you never know.

Best of luck, my friend! Keep up the good spirits. Two sets of carbon fiber wheels is certainly on my list for the track.

 

[[x]]

Nice! Thanks for the reply! I was reading a little bit into that 636 fork set thread for a good bit, but it didn't seem like something that I would want to do. Seems pretty aggressive to change the wheels, but carbon fiber wheels? Aw, man. That sounds exciting and sexy looking at the same time. LoL.

I'm definitely going to look up that info on that website! Thank you for the link! I've been searching a lot of places for the bearing information, and I haven't been able to come up with anything yet. Right now, I have dismantled pretty much my entire bike to do some "spring cleaning" in all the nooks and crannies.

I did get in touch with one wheel maker that stated I would need to send in my tires for "digitizing," and I am about to write them back to see if that means whether or not they actually need the bearing/axle info. They also said they do not make a 17 x 4.5 rear tire, so what would my options be in that case? Can I get a 18 x 4.5? I would hate to have the rear wheel be the same size as the front. That just doesn't seem right to me. Thoughts anyone?

 

[cyclesarge]

I did get in touch with one wheel maker that stated I would need to send in my tires for "digitizing," and I am about to write them back to see if that means whether or not they actually need the bearing/axle info. They also said they do not make a 17 x 4.5 rear tire, so what would my options be in that case? Can I get a 18 x 4.5? I would hate to have the rear wheel be the same size as the front. That just doesn't seem right to me. Thoughts anyone?

Are you sure this is what you mean to say? I'm confused.

 

[[x]]

Which part confused you?

 

[tp555]

Have you thought of the 180 wheel conversion? Your new wheel needs to fit the 650 hub otherwise your not going anyplace. If you used a 636 wheel ( used in the 180 conversion for example) and the stock 636 bearings you would need 4 new bushings, right .left, center wheel and between the hub and wheel. Which hub 650 or 636? Both will work on the 650 and both need machining to fit and both have different specs for machining. How do I know this? Done it for people. So easier to find a 636 fancy wheel and use the adapter kit bushings to fit. This will give you a 180 wheel. Might have clearance issues with exhaust. I don't know . If you really want a custom wheel it will cost $$. You have to specify which tire size you want, 17x160 or 17x180 and which size axle, 20mm or 25mm. This determines bearing sizes. It will have to fit the 650 or 636 hub. You will have to make custom bushings just like the 180 uses. They 636 conversion sizes probably won't work. So the wheel needs to be spec'd and bushings made. Hub needs machining either way. Will cost you over $2000 for one wheel. Easier to go custom 636 and get the bushing kit and hub. Your call.

 

[cyclesarge]

Which part confused you?

I did get in touch with one wheel maker that stated I would need to send in my tires for "digitizing," and I am about to write them back to see if that means whether or not they actually need the bearing/axle info. They also said they do not make a 17 x 4.5 rear tire, so what would my options be in that case? Can I get a 18 x 4.5? I would hate to have the rear wheel be the same size as the front. That just doesn't seem right to me. Thoughts anyone?

I'm confused by everything I bolded above.
Did you mean to say "wheel" instead of "tire"?
Why WOULD a wheel manufacturer make a 17 x 4.5 TIRE?
You "would hate to have the rear wheel be the same size as the front"? In width or diameter?
Do you think the front wheel would be 17 X 4.5 or 18 X 4.5?
Or are you saying you'd have to go with a 17 x 3.5 rear wheel?
Does anyone make an 18 x 4.5 or 18 x 5 rear wheel? Would you be able to get suitable tires for that?

 

[[x]]

I'm confused by everything I bolded above.
Did you mean to say "wheel" instead of "tire"?
Why WOULD a wheel manufacturer make a 17 x 4.5 TIRE?
You "would hate to have the rear wheel be the same size as the front"? In width or diameter?
Do you think the front wheel would be 17 X 4.5 or 18 X 4.5?
Or are you saying you'd have to go with a 17 x 3.5 rear wheel?
Does anyone make an 18 x 4.5 or 18 x 5 rear wheel? Would you be able to get suitable tires for that?

Lmao. Sorry, brother. Honest mistake on my part. I've been mostly responding on the fly while at work, but I've been talking about WHEELS. Didn't mean to say tires.

As far as the front and rear wheel... I discovered that the front wheel on the 650 is 17 x 3.5, and it's 17 x 4.5 on the rear wheel. One of the wheel makers stated they can't make a 17 x 4.5 rear wheel, so they suggested a 17 x 3.5 (which is the same size as the front). I was trying to say that I wouldn't think it a good thing having the rear wheel the same size as the front...

And that's what I mean.. I don't know a thing about wheels and rims. I'm not sure if I can actually get a wheel that's close enough to the correct size (17 x 4.5), yet slightly wider than the front.

 

[[x]]

Have you thought of the 180 wheel conversion? Your new wheel needs to fit the 650 hub otherwise your not going anyplace. If you used a 636 wheel ( used in the 180 conversion for example) and the stock 636 bearings you would need 4 new bushings, right .left, center wheel and between the hub and wheel. Which hub 650 or 636? Both will work on the 650 and both need machining to fit and both have different specs for machining. How do I know this? Done it for people. So easier to find a 636 fancy wheel and use the adapter kit bushings to fit. This will give you a 180 wheel. Might have clearance issues with exhaust. I don't know . If you really want a custom wheel it will cost $$. You have to specify which tire size you want, 17x160 or 17x180 and which size axle, 20mm or 25mm. This determines bearing sizes. It will have to fit the 650 or 636 hub. You will have to make custom bushings just like the 180 uses. They 636 conversion sizes probably won't work. So the wheel needs to be spec'd and bushings made. Hub needs machining either way. Will cost you over $2000 for one wheel. Easier to go custom 636 and get the bushing kit and hub. Your call.

Ok. So. You're saying a lot of things that make only a little sense to me. I'm trying to learn the dynamics of all this wheel/rim business. Crazy. I thought I could just buy some new rims for my Ninja. LoL.

All right. Let's see. You're saying it's easier to find a custom wheel/rim for a 180 sized tire? Which would entail me swapping out my front forks?

Everything you're mentioning... Does the conversion also convert the rear wheel? I seem to be able to find 17 x 3.5 front custom wheels, but nothing for the 17 x 4.5 rear wheel.