Tires and Tire Size for '76 KZ900

I just purchase a partially restored 1976 KZ 900. The bike is back to stock condition (or at least that is the way it looks to me).

It needs tires. I believe I want to change the rims down the road to something with a bit more width and potentially modify the breaks for the better... but probably not just yet.

Anywho, the conversion from O.E. to modern metric sizing appears to show 120/90-18 or 120/80-18 for the rear and 110/80 or 110/90-19 for the front.

Am I barking up the right tree? I was also thinking Michelin (had great success with them on my ZX10).

TIA
Phil

sounds close;)

Hi, Can't help you with the conversion because I don't know what size tires your starting with. However I came across this conversion chart in my own hunt for tires.
www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-tires/tire-data.htm

As for Michellin? I don't know. There are so many choices for tires and I think many of them are probably great. I just went to a local private shop and got advice on the correct tire for my riding style.

Use a 120/90-18 on the rear and 100/90-19 on the front. Don't know what your goals are for your tires but about the best combo of price, wear and handling (wet or dry) is the Dunlop 404.

Just loaded the bike off of the trailer this evening. I see that is has 130s on the rear and 110s on the front. Let me get a good look of the clearance in the sunlight tomorrow.

I am looking for something aggressive -- more towards road racing I think (bike is really just a run about).

Will update as I learn more.

Thanks
Phil

The 130 on the rear will come very close to the rear brake rod that stabilizes the brake drum. The 404s are not the ticket for road racing... well, the KZ900 isn't the ticket for road racing either bwhahahaha

wiredgeorge wrote:

The 130 on the rear will come very close to the rear brake rod that stabilizes the brake drum. The 404s are not the ticket for road racing... well, the KZ900 isn't the ticket for road racing either bwhahahaha

id say try the lower profile;)

I have the option. Any cons with going V-rated over choosing H?

If I can recall H rating is up to 130mph and V is 150mph. But either will do. H is normally cheaper and is good for a substained 130mph. If you're "road racing" then take a look at the Dunlop GT501's or the less expensive Kenda Challengers.

And remember a wider tire doesn't mean a bigger footprint on the road.

Later, Doug