Is there any actual advantage to the sf models smaller rims for street use?

Or is simply a matter of having better street tire selection for the smaller rims?

I have access to free track time (road course) and although I usually use my R1, riding the Kawi around town has got me thinking it might be fun to drag a knee on this little hooligan-mobile.

 

Yup, the big advantage of smaller street wheels is less gyroscopic effect at high speeds allowing the bike to be leaned into corners easier. Another is better stopping power because there's less leverage on the brakes.

 

When I went from knobbies to a set of Shinko 705s, I noticed a significant improvement in handling. I was going at least 5-10mph faster in turns without even noticing.
There must be better road tires than the 705s, and I'd even ride them on the track.
Tires will do the trick in my opinion. But SF wheels would be even better.
And why not try the little bike? Would be fun no matter which one you take.

 

For the cost I would just say road tires. SF rims will require new sprockets and a way to reprogram the speedo. Not worth it unless you plan on really doing a lot of pure road stuff.

 

I love my SF

 

I agree with the tires, I recently put shinko 244 tires on my bike and it seems as if highway speeds over 75 are just sketchy with those tires. Needless to say, the front has barely any wear and I've run them for about 1500 miles now but the rear looks like it will only last me about 4-5k. Plus switching rims is a costly thing. And if you are looking at tires, go to Motorcycle Gear, Parts and Accessories at Motorcycle Superstore Good prices and free shipping on orders $89+

 

Go - thanks! Good points I hadn't thought of.
Max - the 705 was a tire I was looking at (bang for the buck). I wonder if something like the Pirelli MT 90 would be worth the extra money.

Wildcard - If I were to get some smaller rims I wouldn't worry about the speedo (they're discouraged on road courses), and sprockets are something I'd be buying for the higher speeds anyway. Still though, seems spendy to go this direction even just for the rims.

 

sf 17" wider wheels does a whole lot better at speed...smoother turns at speed, but worse at slower speeds...hence, it's sloppy on the dirt trails at slow speeds...feels like it does better going faster....stability is superior at speed...wider tires feels more stable even at 85+ mph...

s skinny wheels...once you hit 65+ mph...you feel a lot more wiggle at speed...sometimes feels like a snake "slipping" through all the cracks and grooves on the freeway...you have to slow down dramatically before turns...but, at slow speeds, it's easier to maneuver...

for the amount of power the klx250 has...i feel like the s wheels are more suitable for this bike...better "enduro" vs. an "sm"...it's rare you'll need to go 80+ mph...s wheels are just enough for freeways, scooting around town and light dirt trails....if you like paved mountain twisties, the sf wheels are almost required....you don't need a whole lot of power or speed on the mountain twisties with very little straights...wider sf wheels helps keeping speed and making smooth turns....

for long distance highway riding...15/40 with sf wheels is the ideal match in my opinion...cruising about 80 mph and about 7,800 rpm steady...