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What Tires do you Run
- rhityx02
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By the time this riding season ends here in the northeast it will be time for a new set of tires for the 77 KZ650-B1. Currently I am running Dunlop D404’s on the front and rear. They wear great, seem to handle well, and do pretty good when I get caught in the rain. I was just curious what you all run for tires and your opinions. I know the saying if it isn’t broke don’t fix it but when it comes to tires and new technology that is going into them these days, I look at it as there has got to be something better.
Thanks,
Ty
1977 KZ650 B1
Ty
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- Tyler
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If I knew what I was doing all the time life wouldn't be any fun.
'80 KZ650 E 700cc, dyna ignition and coils, frame up restoration, daily driver
'81 KZ1300 A3 full restoration, custom big bore pistons, 1400cc 6 cylinder super bike
"77 KZ650 B1 - Barn Find, work in progeress
"74 Yamaha DT 400 Enduro
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- GPzMOD750
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- 650ed
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Tyler wrote: Pirelli Sport Demon is a fantastic tire on the 650. Price is resonable too. Had mine for 6 years os so, great tire life, amazing grip, and a really smooth ride.
+1 Same here! I've been running Pirelli Sport Demons for 6 years on my KZ650, and I very highly recommend them! Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- KZP15
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- rhityx02
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Thanks,
Ty
1977 KZ650 B1
Ty
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- 650ed
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However, Pirelli and Metzeler are sister companies; Metzeler was acquired by Pirelli in 1986. When I first bought Pirelli tires I found that Pirelli did not offer tubes in the sizes I needed. (New tubes should ALWAYS be installed when replacing tires.) I contacted Pirelli and asked their advice. They told me I should use Metzeler tubes, and these were available in the sizes I needed. I took their advice and the tubes are very high quality. Whichever tires you decide on be sure to buy new HIGH QUALITY tubes made with natural rubber. If damaged, they will not split as do tubes made of man-made rubber. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- rhityx02
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I did not know they were sister companies...good information. Maybe that's why I read good things on both brands YES I always replace tubes with my tires. With the luck I have I would for sure get a flat soon after the new tires are installed.
Thanks,
Ty
1977 KZ650 B1
Ty
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- KZQ
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- Walking Behind the Corn May Not Be All That!
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Bill
www.KZ1300.com
Riders:
1968 BSA 441 Shooting Star, 1970 BSA 650 Lightning, 1974 W3, 1976 KZ900, 1979 KZ750 Twin, 1979 KZ750 Twin Trike, 1981 KZ1300, 1982 KZ1100 Spectre, 2000 Valkyrie, 2009 Yamaha Roadliner S. 1983 GL 1100
Projects:
1985 ZN1300
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- OnkelB
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My 650 has an ME33 front and ME99 rear, as far as I know they're both discontinued now and to be honest they're probably a bit older than they should be, but since I don't really ride the 650 that much anymore and they still seem to be in good condition and have plenty of thread left I'll leave them on for now. Good grip, they never slipped on me neither dry nor wet (except when I locked up the front wheel :pinch: ). The closest contemporary would be the Perfect ME77, worth checking out.
My 1100 has a matched set of Roadtec Z6 - these are great tires in my opinion, very stable and excellent grip both dry and wet. These are dual compound tires, with a harder compound in the middle where after all you spend most of your time and a softer compound on the sides for cornering. I run a 110 front and 160 rear (not on stock rims though, I have a 3" front and a 5.5" rear). Bike is rock solid in a straight line both solo and two up and tips into and out of the corners easily.
As for mileage, I don't keep track so not much help there but I feel very confident on these rubbers which to me is far the most important thing.
Only downside is that they are a bit pricey, but I won't hesitate to buy another set when the time comes.
77 KZ 650 B1, 82 GPz 1100 B2.
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- Nessism
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The Avon Roadrider has an excellent reputation for handling and durability, although some people have had cracking issues on them as well. Not sure but this may be due to storage in really cold weather (not that they should crack under those conditions mind you).
Pirelli Sport Demons have a great reputation for grip, although they don't last as long as the Avon's.
I'm running Roadriders on one bike and can confirm they are good, but I bought Conti Go's for my KZ750E. No riding experience yet (but soon) but they fit and balanced well.
American Motorcycle Tire has good prices and free shipping.
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- nickleo373
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1981 KZ550C LTD
"If you ain't first, you're last"
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