Tire Sizing For A KZ550

  • Maxacceleration
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Tire Sizing For A KZ550

23 Feb 2017 09:02 - 23 Feb 2017 09:02
#754972
Ok, I know the stock sizes are 3.25x19 & 3.75x18 on my KZ550. There are a few 3.25 fronts available, but I see no 3.75 rears out there. There are a couple of 4.00x18's available.
On metric sizing there are 100/90x19 (f) & 110/90x18 (r) combos out there.

Should I worry about these minor size differences? Will the 100/90 & 110/90 tires be taller than the stock 3.25 & 3.75 tires?
I see some Conti Classic Attack radials in 110/90x19 & 110/90x18 which look like some sweet aggressive modern tires for the old KZ550. I don't want to bog or slow handling too much with oversize tires...
Thanks for any insight.

'83 KZ550 'Mini Superbike'
Last edit: 23 Feb 2017 09:02 by Maxacceleration.

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  • Wildman1024
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Re: Tire Sizing For A KZ550

23 Feb 2017 09:19
#754976
On my 81 I'm running Kenda challengers front and rear. 100/90-19 front and 120/90-18 rear. The front is a tad tall as it comes real close height wise to the fender but works without touching. No issues with the rear. I have a couple thousand miles on the combo and see no issue with it.
78 Kawasaki KZ650B
1973 Yamaha RD350
1983 Honda CB1100F
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  • Nessism
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Re: Tire Sizing For A KZ550

23 Feb 2017 09:31 - 23 Feb 2017 09:31
#754981
I'm not specifically familiar with the 550 but typically a 100/90-19 front is fine if your desired tire type doesn't offer a 3.25.

For the rear a 110 or 4.00 should be fine. I believe the rear wheel is 2.15" wide which supports up to a 120. The only real concern is clearance for the larger tire.
Last edit: 23 Feb 2017 09:31 by Nessism.

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  • Maxacceleration
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Re: Tire Sizing For A KZ550

23 Feb 2017 18:20 - 23 Feb 2017 18:21
#755052
Thanks gentlemen. I was afraid the 100/90 front might be tall compared to a stock 3.25.
I do have a set of the Classic Attack radials ordered as of this evening, tall or not.

'83 KZ550 'Mini Superbike'
Last edit: 23 Feb 2017 18:21 by Maxacceleration.

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  • loudhvx
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Re: Tire Sizing For A KZ550

24 Feb 2017 19:00
#755137
100 90 19 for the front.
For the back I've gone back and forth between 120 90 18, and 130 80 19.

I get better hookup in straight line with the 130 80, but the 120 90 turns better. I'd probably recommend the 120 for general street riding. (Or even a 110 90).

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  • Tbug15
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Re: Tire Sizing For A KZ550

17 Dec 2018 22:02
#795345
Sorry about digging up an old thread, but I have a kz550ltd with the 16" rear wheel. Any advice on varying from stock tire size? I'm not opposed to getting a new rear wheel, but I'm not sure what I can fit in the swingarm. If anyone knows rear pivot spacing, or if any other models/years are direct swap, I can't find the specs anywhere.
82 KZ550 LTD, 97 XR600R

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