'82 KZ1000J2 - Tire recommendations?

Howyadoin,

I realized the other day that the tires on my bike (which still isn't running, damnit) are old. Like real old. Like 1989 or so old.

So is there a consensus on the best tire for the 80's KZ for street riding, wet and dry? What sizes should I be looking for?

On my '77 KZ650C1, I recently replaced my Michelin Macadam tires with Pirelli Sport Demons. The Macadams had about 6,700 miles on them and they were the source of a high speed (90+ mph) wobble despite being properly mounted and balanced and having much tread left. After replacing the Michelins with the Pirellis the wobble is eliminated. I have taken the bike up to an indicated 120mph and it is completely stable. As a bonus, the Pirellis have better traction, particularly in braking, than the Macadams. I used a 100/90 V 19 on the front and 120/90 V 18 on the rear using new Metzeler tubes as recommended by Pirelli. These are the same tire sizes as the Macadams I replaced. I have only put about 600 miles on the new tires, so I cannot give a long term opinion, but so far I really like them. I have not yet driven in the rain so I reserve judgment there. These tires have a modern asymmetrical tread pattern similar in appearance to some radial tires. The link shows the tread pattern. I bought mine at Ron Ayers. Ed

Pirelli

I just put a set of Bridgestone Spitfires on my 82 kz550 LTD. I like them alot. They grip well whether its wet or dry. I also got mine from ron ayers.

What did you decide on?

Howyadoin,

I think I'm going to go with the Pirelli Sport Demons. The bike is just about finished mechanically, and I want to make sure there are no further problems that I have to spend money on before I drop the cash for the new tires. The ancient Dunlops that are on the bike at present are adequate for an around-the-block test ride.

I read great reviews all around on the Sport Demons, it seems like a good tire at a good price. It sounds like it's a pretty grippy tire, which is good; I want all the mechanical grip I can get.

Speaking of which, how do the J models handle compared to the earlier bikes?