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Tire Help

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11 Apr 2006 14:59 #38699 by GI
Tire Help was created by GI
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

1979 KZ1000 Shaft Drive w/Vetter Luggage
1972 Yamaha JT60
1983 Yamaha DT100
1996 KZ1000P...gone, but not forgotten. ;(

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  • jbw7300
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  • you can't ride if your fried
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11 Apr 2006 15:34 #38715 by jbw7300
Replied by jbw7300 on topic Tire Help
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

84 kz 700 a1 sports

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11 Apr 2006 15:44 #38718 by RomSpaceKnight
Replied by RomSpaceKnight on topic Tire Help
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.

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13 Apr 2006 08:15 #39175 by GI
Replied by GI on topic Tire Help clarified
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

1979 KZ1000 Shaft Drive w/Vetter Luggage
1972 Yamaha JT60
1983 Yamaha DT100
1996 KZ1000P...gone, but not forgotten. ;(

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  • Duck
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  • e vica na i sau na ga
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13 Apr 2006 09:51 #39199 by Duck
Replied by Duck on topic Tire Help clarified
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

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  • jbw7300
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13 Apr 2006 14:35 #39268 by jbw7300
Replied by jbw7300 on topic Tire Help clarified
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

84 kz 700 a1 sports

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13 Apr 2006 20:07 #39356 by N0NB
Replied by N0NB on topic Tire Help
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 >>

Nate

Nates vintage bike axiom: Riding is the reward for time spent wrenching.
Murphys corollary: Wrenching is the result of time spent riding.

1979 KZ650 (Complete!)
1979 KZ650 SR (Sold!)
1979 KL250 (For sale)
1994 Bayou 400 (four wheel peel :D )

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14 Apr 2006 03:19 #39411 by indykaw77
Replied by indykaw77 on topic Tire Help
NONB.....guess I missed this first time around. Good info in that piece. Thanks for posting....:)

Kawasaki Motorcycles...because cars lean th wrong way!

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