rear tire size recommendations-KZ1000 ST (1979)

WG...yeah, you're right. I might as well have asked which is better, Ford or Chevy.

But, after reading all the replys and doing a little research on-line I guess I'd better put a Dunlop on the rear so it matches the front.

When they wear out maybe I'll try something different.

As for the master cylinder thing, my resovoir is mounded right on the brake cylinder. Other than that it looks like they mount the same. Just find a spot for the resovoir I guess.

Happy trails...
Bob

Bob, In 79 they seem to have used a one piece master cylinder w/resevoir. In 80, they used a separate resevoir connected to the master cylinder with a hose and bolted the master cylinder to the battery box via a bracket. Dang... the differences between the 79 and 80 have bit me a couple times! I will just put on a one piece master cylinder as I have several.

WG: There you go...simple solutions for simple problems.

I have the Clymer book for this bike and it shows the master cylinder with the resovoir attached to the top end.

And since the bike has been owned by the same family since it was brand new I'd have to guess that that is the way it was installed in March of 1979.

By the way...they got tired of it sitting around in the back yard and GAVE it to me. Gave, as in free...

It took me a week to get it running and I drove it home. They didn't think it would ever run again when they parked it in 2002.

Happy trails...
Bob

I'd stay stock size on the shafty IMHO.

I just put a pair of 404's on my 550 and they are great but for the 1000ST I plan on 501's as the 404's seem to be matched to the performance of the 550 but when I have the 1000 in a corner a bit too hot I want it to stick better due to the mass of the bike.

I have a spare front rim and tire I might be getting rid of some time this late winter after I hopefully get to tear-down the 1000.

KZ_Rage: Well, thats what the problem is. What IS the correct rear tire size? The sticker on the bike calls for 4.50x17 tires but they don't make tires in inches anymore. So I'm having trouble converting inches to metric.

Most of the guys on here recommend 130/90x17. Is that EXACTLY the same as a 4.50x17? Is it taller? Wider? Smaller? Shorter? I'm so confused...

Bob

OKIE DOKIE, I'll try to help a tad.

Sizewise 140/70-17 140= width, 70=profile, 17= rim size

As for alphanumeric to american to metric size conversions theyre available from almost every tire manufacturer online.

As for changing tire sizes, it can be done, but keep in mind (mostly for newer bikes) that it will change the handling of the machine.

The Oem's don't just pick tire sizes out of the air, but instead the ergonomics of the machine is designed around the tire sizes along with the other factors.

Also keep in mind if it'll fit, not just checking the rear of the swingarm but the front part as well.

KawasakiBob: I'm try to stay as close to stock size as possible.

It calls for a 4.50x17 rear tire.
Most everyone recommends a 140/90x17.
4.50 inches = 114 milimeters.
a 130/90 = 130mm.

Thats what makes it so confusing you see?

Bob:S

Post edited by: Bob_79KZ, at: 2006/09/29 22:54

Post edited by: Bob_79KZ, at: 2006/09/29 22:56

According to Dunlops chart..

120/90 = 4.50/4.75 on a rear street tire

I just had my 1980 KZ1000E out today for the first time in 50 months. Started right up, thank you, contrary to the "wont run after sitting" I've read here. Back to the subject, my tire is still original 1980 Dunlop, but by looking at it, I'd think a modern tire that would match closest would be along the lines of a 140/90-17 if there is such a size. Pretty beefy tire on the ST.

RonKZ650: Yep, I agree. From all I've read and seen the 140/90-17 might be a bit beefy.

I'm thinking a 130/90-17 might just fit in there real nice. I have not seen a '130' but I have seen the '140' at a cycle shop and it looked kind of wide.

I'm not going to buy one for a few more months so I will continue to research it till my head is filled with so much nonsense that I will end up with the wrong tire for sure. I tend to over think a problem.

Thanks for the input.

Stay safe,
Bob