Tires

Does most Kawasaki Dealerships still change and balance tires for a 1982 KZ 1100 a2?
What tires would you recommend? Thanks 

I don't want to come across as a jerk, but there are a LOT of different tire threads here, all filled with different opinions on what's "best".  

Of course, cost, availability, durability, ect, all factor into the purchase decision.

My opinion:

Best value: Shinko 712 & 230.  They are cheap, good quality, readily available, but short lived.

Best overall tires, that are commonly available currently:  Avon Roadrider MK II & Bridgestone BT46

Best tire if you have extra money: Michelin Road Classic

There are lots of other good tires, such as Continental ContiGo, Pirelli Demon, 

A few I don't recommend: Dunlap D401 (poor durability), Metzeler Lazer (cracking)

I'll stop here.  No shortage of opinions...including mine.

Im giving the Michelin Road Classic a try. Avon tires are hard to get and I believe to are discontinuing production (I really liked them). The last few sets of Shinko 712 have had been out of round and yes the balance was checked again and the rim was trued to .020-.030 both directions. Could not get the hop out of it.

I put a set of Shinko 230's on my Z1 this year and have been happy with them so far.  We'll see what kind of mileage they get.

Cra-z1 wrote:

Im giving the Michelin Road Classic a try. Avon tires are hard to get and I believe to are discontinuing production (I really liked them). The last few sets of Shinko 712 have had been out of round and yes the balance was checked again and the rim was trued to .020-.030 both directions. Could not get the hop out of it.

I put a set of those Michelin's on my 750 recently (haven't ridden yet), and had some issues with balance.  I didn't see a mark for alignment with the valve stem, so I just threw them on.  Come balance time, I wasn't happy with how much weight was needed, so I deflated and spun the tire on the wheel, and tried again.  This time, they balanced beautifully.  Got lucky.  Just one small piece of lead was needed.  Clearly, the wheel is off some, so it's not all about the tire, but the tire did come into play in the end.  

How are you able to balance the tires yourself?
do you have your own balance machine?
And thanks for the comeback guys

VintageKz@63 wrote:

How are you able to balance the tires yourself?
do you have your own balance machine?
And thanks for the comeback guys

Easy to do at home.  Check Youtube for videos.  I use the bikes axle, and support using two jack stands.  Your wheel bearings must be in good shape to use this method, though.

I put the  road classics on my girls 550 a few years back and they held up good. She really doesnt ride much . I put the metzelers on my turbo about the    the same time and they are dry rotting cracking junk need to be replaced