18" vs 19" Front Wheel

[mtbike]

What is the reasoning the cb had 18" and cl had 19' front wheels? Is there a preferred wheel size to go with? Looking at a 1972 cl and am shopping tires but wondered if I should look for an 18" wheel?

 

[teazer]

Larger diameter wheels are better on a rough surface as they do not fall into the holes as badly as a smaller wheel. That's why most off road bikes have 21" rims. 19's were common at the time and my guess is the CL had a 19 because it looked better.

Changing wheel sizes changes the handling slightly but you should be able to use either size

 

[Rocan]

18s better for spirited riding. smaller wheels in the front also means quicker handling. 18 front, 18 rear seems to be perfect for the cb350.