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Tires for KZs?

  • KZQ
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15 Dec 2020 10:41 #840103 by KZQ
Tires for KZs? was created by KZQ
Is there really a reason for the rim locks on KZ rims? They sure make replacing tires difficult.

www.KZ1300.com
Riders:
1968 BSA 441 Shooting Star, 1970 BSA 650 Lightning, 1974 W3, 1976 KZ900, 1979 KZ750 Twin, 1979 KZ750 Twin Trike, 1981 KZ1300, 1982 KZ1100 Spectre, 2000 Valkyrie, 2009 Yamaha Roadliner S. 1983 GL 1100
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1985 ZN1300

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  • KZQ
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15 Dec 2020 11:50 #840104 by KZQ
Replied by KZQ on topic Tires for KZs?
This is my solution for dealing with rim locks.
www.kzrider.com/forum/21-tools/608100-ti...r-experiences#781017
Bill

www.KZ1300.com
Riders:
1968 BSA 441 Shooting Star, 1970 BSA 650 Lightning, 1974 W3, 1976 KZ900, 1979 KZ750 Twin, 1979 KZ750 Twin Trike, 1981 KZ1300, 1982 KZ1100 Spectre, 2000 Valkyrie, 2009 Yamaha Roadliner S. 1983 GL 1100
Projects:
1985 ZN1300

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  • bluej58
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15 Dec 2020 16:39 #840126 by bluej58
Replied by bluej58 on topic Tires for KZs?
Wheel locks are important on the old back rims, especially if you use a lube to install your tires.
I ripped two valve stems before I decided to put mine back on.
When a stem goes so does the air, real quick :woohoo:

78 KZ1000 A2A

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07 Feb 2021 11:43 #843124 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic Tires for KZs?
Regarding tire sizes, and a lot of guys desires to max out the size on their bikes.

A 1.85 x 19 front wheel, which was super popular on KZ's is best matched with a 100/90-19 tire. A 110 is a bit wide for that size wheel which causes the sidewall to pinch in and the contract patch to be more rounded than ideal.

On the rear a 2.15 x 18 was very popular and the max size tire for that width wheel is a 120/90-18. Some guys use a 130 but again, that causes the sidewall to pinch in.

In terms of "best tires" is concerned, this an opinion based subject.

Pirelli Sport Demon's are sticky, expensive, and wear fairly quickly.
Shinko 230 and 712's are perfectly serviceable tires and dirt cheap. They do tend to wear quickly though.
Avon Roadrider's are both sticky and have good longevity. The Sport Demon's might stick a little better, but they wear faster.

There are lots of other good tires on the market. On the other hand there are a few stinkers too (my opinion of course.) Dunlop 404's for example don't stick particularly well and they wear fast. Kenda Challengers are cheap and serviceable, but they turn evil in the wet. And Meltzer Lasertech's tend to crack, an unforgiveable failure on a tire that's so expensive.

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07 Feb 2021 12:01 - 07 Feb 2021 12:03 #843125 by Polish
Replied by Polish on topic Tires for KZs?
I have Shinko 712 on my other build and they stick like glue. I lean and accelerate hard in corners and haven't felt a tiny bit of slip. I can see where the tires made ground contact and I'm very close to the limit. A very confident inspiring tire. Over 1500k on them and not a sign of wear...

Tire wear depends a lot on your type of riding. Heard of Sport demon wearing fast, but also heard other guys saying they lasted longer than Avon RR, again type of riding. Also read the Avon RR crack when store your bike in cold environment. I don't know where you leave, but something to think about. Don't know if they fixed fit or if it was a bad batch.

Continental Conti Go! and Bridgestone BT-45 are good tires as well.

Good luck

JL

1979 Honda CB400T Cafe Racer (current ride)
1982 KZ750 LTD (current project)
Last edit: 07 Feb 2021 12:03 by Polish.

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07 Feb 2021 13:22 #843132 by krazee1
Replied by krazee1 on topic Tires for KZs?
I just noticed while attempting the true my newly laced D.I.D. rear rim from Z1E that there are no holes provided for rim locks. There is a quite prominent serration in the area of the rim where the tire bead will seat I'm assuming to take the place of the original style locks. Not planning on any low tire pressure, full throttle launches, so I don't think it will be any problem. I haven't decided what to do for tires, (1974 Z1A) definitely not a concours restoration, and if I do actually get it to run and ride it won't be very far or very fast.

Mike

Former M.E. at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing, Lincoln, NE
1966 W1 (the Z1 of 1966-50H.P. and 100mph!)
1974 Z1
1978 KZ1000 LTD
1976 KZ900B pile O parts
1980 KZ750E
1980 Honda XL250S (I know, wrong flavor!)

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