Hi all,

I've talked to a bunch of folks who say that you can just flip around the front wheels on a Z400 to get a few more inches of width. Makes sense since the wheels are deeper on one side than the other.

So I finally tried it and it worked, except that the valve stem would hit the caliper when I spun the wheel. It barely touched but it did. I didn't leave them this way since even though it was barely making contact over time I can see it damaging or pulling out the valve stem leaving me with a flat tire somewhere.

Anyone else flip around the wheels without a problem?

Thanks!

 

i have not personaly done it but my cuz who i ride with did it on his banshee
you just have to make the valve stem come out the other side somehow that is what he did
i am not sure if he drilled it or what
but when cornering they tend to catch a little bit and unless you have a good set of rims it may cause some damage

 

To flip the wheels, you have to drill holes in the other side, then plug the existing ones. I used JB quick (like JB weld) and it did a great job. Most people dont realize you have to change the stems, until they bust one off from not paying attention. Some dont check. Good that you did and noticed.

 

Sounds like a lot of work. I don't know the clearance but you can buy stubby valve stem replacements and 90 degree valve stems. No drillin required. I did a google search and found plenty for under $10, some under $5.

Rob

 

The SIMPLEst way to plug the holes is:
Drill the new hole and insert your valve stem
Remove the old valve stem, and insert one backwards into the OEM hole.
No mess, no fuss, and an airtight seal.

 

Thanks everyone. Nobody mentioned that which makes me think that they never actually tried it. I don't need the extra width that much. I suppose if I was to do it I would use shorter valve stems, or the 90 degree bend type.

Thanks again!

 

take the cap off of the stem and see if that still rubs..........
my friend flipped his yfz wheels with the stock valve stems and just removed the tops off of them......

no contact at all...

 

Hey Scary, I tried that, still rubbed. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

take them to walmart and have them put in stubby valve stems..
woudnt think it would cost more than $10.00 for both. that way
you dont have to drill any holes, just air them up on the inside.

 

This would be a no-no. Valve stems are made to take more pressure from the bottom than the top. That's why the base is bigger and thicker. Putting them in backwards could cause them to blow out under pressure.

wouldn't be fun comming off of a big jump and blow one out.