- Posts: 45
- Thank you received: 0
Need new tires, don't know where to start
- fishybass
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
I have a 1980 KZ550-A1. This is my first bike. For the most part I know nothing about bikes and this question proves it.
The Clymer's manual states I need these tires:
front 3.25 H - 19 4 PR
rear 3.75 H - 18 4 PR
the first number is the section width, the letter is speed rating, the next number is rim diameter, the last number is casing strength.
But websites do not use this system. Frustrating!
Websites do not list my bike model. Frustrating!
I have no idea about what tire brands, patterns to choose. Frustrating!
Anyone have any suggestions on how I should start to shop for new tires?
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- StreetfighterKz
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 1510
- Thank you received: 117
Later, Doug
1978 z1000 Streetfighter
1976 z900 Stripfighter (work in progress)
1983 Gpz750 Resto-Mod
1989 Vmax
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- RonKZ650
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 3703
- Thank you received: 240
Other options are a 90/90-19 front that will get you the same width, but a lower profile, a 100/90-19 that will get you a wider tire with about the same height as original.
If it was me, I'd stay with the 3.25-19 up front and go 4.00-18 in the rear. These are 100% aspect tires instead of 90%. I don't think low profile looks right myself.
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- fishybass
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 45
- Thank you received: 0
What is the aspect ratio? I'm sure it has something to do with the exposed profile but numbers like 90% or 100% mean nothing to me.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- mjg15
- Offline
- User
Aspect ratio describes the height relative to the width . i.e. a 120/80 is 80% of 120mm high (rim to ground).
'80 Z750fx
'81 KZ550A
'81 GPz550's, Too many!
'82 KZ1000R
'82 GPz750
'90 ZR550
Project photo album: s163.photobucket.com/albums/t289/mg15_ph...GPz-ZR550%20project/
s163.photobucket.com/albums/t289/mg15_ph...current=DSC01286.jpg
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- RonKZ650
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 3703
- Thank you received: 240
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- bountyhunter
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 7246
- Thank you received: 337
Some do.Hi all,
I have a 1980 KZ550-A1. This is my first bike. For the most part I know nothing about bikes and this question proves it.
The Clymer's manual states I need these tires:
front 3.25 H - 19 4 PR
rear 3.75 H - 18 4 PR
the first number is the section width, the letter is speed rating, the next number is rim diameter, the last number is casing strength.
But websites do not use this system. Frustrating!
www.jcwhitney.com/Motorcycle-Street-Tires/600014323.jcw
Many of the types listed have dual size ratings for each.
1979 KZ-750 Twin
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- fishybass
- Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 45
- Thank you received: 0
The carbs are done. The lights are fixed. The battery is replaced. The oil is new. Everything looks like I will be ready to start for the first time in 3 years in the next day or two.
Then, new tires, and prayers that it will move under it's own power.
Thanks guys,
Ben
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- mjg15
- Offline
- User
You guys are awesome. I think I have enough info to go on.
The carbs are done. The lights are fixed. The battery is replaced. The oil is new. Everything looks like I will be ready to start for the first time in 3 years in the next day or two.
Then, new tires, and prayers that it will move under it's own power.
Thanks guys,
Ben
Have fun the 550's are great bikes , but there aren't too many on here . Most seem to prefer the bigger bikes . I have a GPz750 and don't like it half as much as my 550's .
'80 Z750fx
'81 KZ550A
'81 GPz550's, Too many!
'82 KZ1000R
'82 GPz750
'90 ZR550
Project photo album: s163.photobucket.com/albums/t289/mg15_ph...GPz-ZR550%20project/
s163.photobucket.com/albums/t289/mg15_ph...current=DSC01286.jpg
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.