Drive shaft

[tvrla]

But part of the beauty of the R65 is its short wheel base - and you'd be giving that up just to mount a larger tire which will slow the steering, and the longer wheel base will slow it even more.

The smaller tire has less rolling resistance and allows one to corner quite aggressively.

It's a small, light weight, bike that is pretty damn good just as it is.

Take a look at the other bikes from that period - the norton commando, the ducati SS, the triumphs, BSA, Enfield, etc, ---- all small tires. It's just the way they were and they do just fine with them. They're not cruisers, or current sport bikes - it's just the way they are!

[Barry]

It's a small, light weight, bike that is pretty damn good just as it is.  

I agree and to add to the list of bikes from the same era as airheads a 1976 Z900 560 lbs and 82 hp had the same stock rear tire size 4.00 x 18.

Maybe  I didn't know any better but it really wasn't a problem other than tire wear. And with tire compounds so much better today the same size tire would be better still.

[MR.E]

now then

it is an amazing bike, revvy and will really lean in to corners, found out on a round-about.
But all my previous bikes are superbikes (yamaha r6's) so i guess really thats the bike i love looking at - though can't own one cos it will kill me!

I love riding the bike, but looks wise is not really impressing me.
Who knows, i'll sort something out

Thanks

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

It looks like you have it set just fine, to me!
I think you are just bored.

Time for a 2nd bike?

[MR.E]

shots of the bike

Think i may try a different tread on the rear tyre, as it is only asthetics!