Tire Help

It’s (past) time for new tires but I need some assistance from those who know. I lowered my 98 KZ1000P a bit, but almost too much. I have to have my shocks at the highest setting or the tire will rub the fender. I would like to alleviate this by putting on a lower profile tire in the rear. It currently runs MN90-18 (110/90x18) in the front and MR90-18 (120/90x18) in the rear. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

I don't know if this is any help but my kz700 had the same size as you in the rear i went with a 130/70/18 seems to be 1 to 1 1/2 shorter and 1/2 wider , its a metzler lasertec

Anything with a lower profile than your 120/90 which works out to be 108. The suggested Metzler 130/70 works out to 91. Metzler makes not bad tires usually good pricing too.

Just to make sure I understand this (I just googled “How to read tire size”)

The first part…120…is the tire width, 120mm, from sidewall to sidewall. I think I really need to keep this the same if possible; there isn’t a whole lot of room on either side of the tire.

The second part…90…is the side wall height. This is the part that I need to “lower” in order to get the desired end that I’m looking for. From what I’ve read, its percentage and multiplying 120x.9 gets you 108mm, which is what RomSpaceKnight pointed out (Thanks, it took me a while to figure out what you were talking about. Your post led me to do a bit more in depth resarch).

The third part…18…is the wheel and that will stay the same no matter what…unless I change the wheel of course

So, going with 120/80x18, I would get the same width, 120mm and a sidewall height of 96, or a 120/70x18, giving me a sidewall height of 84mm.

I would like to go with the 120/70x18 because it would give me the most clearance. Does anyone know if this would detrimental to the ride? I understand that it may roughen the ride, but if I get the clearance I’m looking for, I can soften the shocks a bit. Thanks again in advance.

Chris

My 87 police 'parts bike' came from the police with a 130 on the rear and it clears fine. You don't need more than a couple of mm on the sides.

Post edited by: Duck, at: 2006/04/13 17:53

i don't belive you feel a ride difference but you will pick up a little in acceleration and a little off your top speed, and a few more rpms at cruise

A couple of weeks back I posted a tire guide that received no comment. It seems fairly comprehensive and helped me figure out what most of this stuff means.

- Nate >>

NONB.....guess I missed this first time around. Good info in that piece. Thanks for posting....