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I'm looking to change my gf's 150R to a 150RB (Expert). What minimum change is needed to put on the bigger wheels? Do I need to replace the swingarm or can I just put bigger rims and tires? Will there be a clearance issue if I don't change the suspension?

I've seen the posts comparing the two versions. I'm not so much interested in the differences between the engine, gearing, and suspension, as I am about getting the bigger wheels to help with ground clearance on the trails and in the deep sand.

Thanks.

Required:

RB swingarm
RB rims
RB spokes
Tires/tubes
Lower top of forks to 8mm from top of fork tube (not top of fork cap)
Longer chain
Larger rear sprocket (stock RB is 56)

HIGHLY SUGGESTED:
RB rear brake line - some people stretch the R line but it is a bad idea.

Part number wise, the bikes are identical except for the items mentioned. Only difference between the R and RB fork is the line on the R that tells you where the top tree sits.

I just did this conversion for a touch over $1200 using all new parts (complete wheel sets). It can be done for less. New OEM swingarms and wheel assemblies come with bearings.

Riddler, is that bike for you, or your son/daughter? I'm curious because my gf is an older rider and your tag line says you're "north of 40".

Anyway, thanks for the info. I'm going to start pricing parts today.

Do the bigger wheels make a big difference on the bike?

dpe94 wrote:Riddler, is that bike for you, or your son/daughter? I'm curious because my gf is an older rider and your tag line says you're "north of 40".

Anyway, thanks for the info. I'm going to start pricing parts today.

Do the bigger wheels make a big difference on the bike?

sons bike, but I am guess I will start playing with it a bit more now that it sits higher! I have ripped around camp several times in R trim and the bike really pulls well. can't say for sure how it will handle since we just bolted it together this weekend, but anything has got to be better than the 14" rear on the R. you should include a Steathy Flywheel Weight in your parts list. your gf will appreciate the smoother bottom end it gives the bike.

riddler9 wrote:Required:

RB swingarm
RB rims
RB spokes
Tires/tubes
Lower top of forks to 8mm from top of fork tube (not top of fork cap)
Longer chain
Larger rear sprocket (stock RB is 56)

HIGHLY SUGGESTED:
RB rear brake line - some people stretch the R line but it is a bad idea.

Part number wise, the bikes are identical except for the items mentioned. Only difference between the R and RB fork is the line on the R that tells you where the top tree sits.

I just did this conversion for a touch over $1200 using all new parts (complete wheel sets). It can be done for less. New OEM swingarms and wheel assemblies come with bearings.

How big is the tank you have on that 150rb in the picture? Who manufactures it?

it looks like it could be the IMS tank and if so, it is a 1.6G tank.

http://www.crfsonly.com/catalog/product ... ts_id/2242

ken

Ah... It looked bigger than that with that right side coming down almost to the kickstart lever.

I saw a guy last season with a KTM 2 stroke that had a 3.5 gallon tank, and it came down so low on both sides. Looked like it would be hard to get to the carb with the tank on.

yeah, i've seen some of those tanks and they are odd looking for sure.

looking at this take further i believe you are correct. it's not the IMS tank.

ken

I hope riddler9 responds. I'd like to know how big this tank is and who made it. Biggest I've found for the 150r is a 1.7 gallon Clarke tank, which is only slightly larger than the 1.6 gallon IMS.

What he has on that bike appears larger...

And whatever it is it still works with radiator guards.

What brand are those radiator guards as well Riddler9???

it does look like the clarke tank:



we are clarke dealer as well so if you end up going this route over the IMS let me know.

the radiator braces look like works connection braces.

ken

On honda's website they don't have the expert or big wheel version. But at most motor sport places i have been to they have it listed as expert or big wheel.Also what is the difference between the big wheel and the expert version.

kride wrote:On honda's website they don't have the expert or big wheel version. But at most motor sport places i have been to they have it listed as expert or big wheel.Also what is the difference between the big wheel and the expert version.

Same thing just different used name. Expert=Big Wheel

Thanks that helps.

dsrpilot wrote: How big is the tank you have on that 150rb in the picture? Who manufactures it?

wow, sorry for not seeing this months ago - it is a Clarke 1.7

dpe94 wrote:I'm looking to change my gf's 150R to a 150RB (Expert). What minimum change is needed to put on the bigger wheels? Do I need to replace the swingarm or can I just put bigger rims and tires? Will there be a clearance issue if I don't change the suspension?

I've seen the posts comparing the two versions. I'm not so much interested in the differences between the engine, gearing, and suspension, as I am about getting the bigger wheels to help with ground clearance on the trails and in the deep sand.

Thanks.

I did the swap from small wheel to Big Wheel on my son's. The minimum you need is:
1. Swingarm
2. Chain

The brake cable is long enough and works fine. The sprocket wold be personal preference. Rear spring is rider specific so you would not need to swap.

I bought front and rear rims with tires on ebay for $300. Swingarm I bought new as there was a recall for 2007 swingarms so I didn't want a second hand one. New swingarm was $325.

Good luck . . .