rear tire what size?

I remember back in the day (when these bikes were brand new) we would put the widest rear tire on we could .Now I have a 1979 kz 1000 ltd with a 16 inch wheel what is the widest tire I could install without modification and what type would you recomend thanks in advance

How much clearance do you have?

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Usually a 140 is about the limit but its tight. Most run a 130 so clearance isn't an issue. Not sure if a 150 will fit or not. Personally, I like Metzler tires.

even if you are able to run a 150 on the 16" wheel it wouldn't be worth it because the rim is too narrow. It distorts the tire profile making the sidewalls floppy negating any benefit it would have. I have a 150x70x18 on my rear but i also went to a 3.5" wide rim.

we used to lace a harley rim to the rear hub for the width

Imo, first oversize is enough on a stock rim.



Good Fortune!

DoctoRot wrote: I have a 150x70x18 on my rear but i also went to a 3.5" wide rim.

On a stock swingarm? I didn't think one could fit anything bigger than a 140 with an 18" wheel.

newoldride wrote: I have a 1979 kz 1000 ltd with a 16 inch wheel what is the widest tire I could install without modification

One thing to keep in mind is that the real width of the tire varies from brand to brand and model to model even though they claim to be the same size. The rim you put the tire on also can change the effective width.

That being said, my '79 KZ650 had a Bridgestone Spitfire 120/90-18 on it that just ever so slightly rubbed the chain guard, and my '78 KZ1000 Z1R had a Dunlop K591 130/80-18 that rubbed a large slot in the chain guard, but now has a Bridgestone BT45 120/80-18 that doesn't seem to rub at all.

I'm happy with the Bridgestone BT45 on my bike, but many folks here recommend the Avon Roadrider.

CrazyDuck wrote:

DoctoRot wrote: I have a 150x70x18 on my rear but i also went to a 3.5" wide rim.

On a stock swingarm? I didn't think one could fit anything bigger than a 140 with an 18" wheel.

It is a very tight fit. about 6-7mm clearance on either side. no clearance on chain gaurd, had to notch it a bit to work. I just copied the setup from a far more knowledgeable person than myself. having the correct rim width for the tire really impacts the tire profile and makes it fit.

if you haven't seen Dutchz thread its worth checking out.
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/189636-dut...r-new-stuff?start=20

I have a 150x18 tire mounted on a 4.25/18 rim. It fit inside a stock swingarm without rubbing. It only had about 3/16 inch clearance though. Chain guard wasn't an issue. That was while it was on the center stand too. I haven't run it though. Just wasn't sure if that would be enough clearance once sitting with weight on tire and if tire flexed while riding. But it did fit in there. Just for thought.