What Tires do you Run

Hello KZR Friends,

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

Pirelli Sport Demon is a fantasic 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.

Shikno 712s. They usually can be had for about $150 a set mounted and balanced. There's an entire thread on them. Can't post link since I'm using my phone right now.

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

404s on a completely stripped down KZP. Love um.

Thanks great information, I have been reading lots of good things about Pirelli. Another name that keep coming up a lot is Metzeler. Does anybody know anything about them?

Thanks,
Ty

I have not used Metzeler tires, so I cannot say how well they work.

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

Ed,

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

I fitted a set of Avon Distancia (sp?) to my 750 Twin. I really like them because of the variable belt density, they really like to turn.
Bill

I've been running Metzelers exclusively for the past 20 years and have been very happy with them, can't find anything bad to say. Btw Metzeler is a dedicated motorcycle tire manufacturer - no car or ATV tires, strict focus on motorcycles which in my mind is a good thing.

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.

A friend has been running Metzler Lasertec's on his GS850 and they are basically junk. They cracked all over the tire inside the first year and wore VERY fast. He continued to ride them even though they had surface cracks. He only got a few thousand miles out of the rear and the owner is about 130 lbs soaking wet and he doesn't ride aggressively. Never again.

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.

I put some sport demons on my 550 to replace the old dry rotted Dunlop qualifiers. I've put about 5000 miles on the bike riding pretty aggressively and they still have a lot of tread left