Tire size...

So I have a stock rear wheel on my 82 KZ 1000, needs new rubber. Mt question is what is the largest tire it can safetly handle...110 just aint cuttin it...

What model '82 KZ1000 ?

J model

From what I can find the '82 KZ-1000 J has the same size stock rear wheel (2.15x18) as my KZ650-C1. I run a 120/90-18 Pirelli Sport Demon on the rear and it works well (Pirelli Sport Demon 100/90 19 on front). In the past I ran 130/90 18 Michelin tires on the rear and that is the largest that will fit on the stock rim without rubbing hard stuff. BUT - I have found that the 120 works every bit as well as the 130. This is because the 130 must be really squeezed onto the rim and this deforms the cross section of the tire somewhat. This deformation results in reducing the contact patch of the tire to about the same as the 120. The 130 looks cool on the bike, but to me it's not worth the struggle to mount it on the rim since there's no functional advantage. Also, I had to replace my stock chainguard with a custom job because the 130 rubbed. The 110 is recommended in some of the tire fitment guides, but it's too narrow for me. Ed

my 78 had a 130 on it when I got it no problems at all if I had not swapped swingarms I would still be running it

Cool, im going to go with the 120, I dont want rubbing.
Swingarm build planned. So ill go big then

650ed wrote: ... I have found that the 120 works every bit as well as the 130. This is because the 130 must be really squeezed onto the rim and this deforms the cross section of the tire somewhat....

Yes, the 130 reminds of a fat belly pooching out over a too tight waist band. :lol:

Good Fortune!

Of course there is a 130 on there...idk

You can also get the 4.00-18 which is the correct tire and no a 110/90-18 is "not" the same. A 110/90 is junk, a 4.00-18 is damn near perfect, but choices are limited. A 120/90-18 works and is larger which is what most guys prefer.

ramtough_63 wrote: my 78 had a 130 on it when I got it no problems at all if I had not swapped swingarms I would still be running it

What swingarm did you put on?

RonKZ650 wrote: You can also get the 4.00-18 which is the correct tire and no a 110/90-18 is "not" the same. A 110/90 is junk, a 4.00-18 is damn near perfect, but choices are limited. A 120/90-18 works and is larger which is what most guys prefer.

Any suggestions on tyres? Model/make that meet your spec?

it had a stock dixc brake swingarm with a 130 when I bought it i currently have an 03 ZX6 swingarm with a 190 tire I just finished thanks to the help of the uys on here