Tires to get

I checked to see if any other thread was relevant to my question, but didn't find anything in the search bar.
The KZ I just bought has some cracks in the tire walls and I'm going to replace them.
I'm unsure as to what type of tires I'm able to install on these rims, as this is my first motorcycle.

The front rim specifications: J 19 x MT 1.85 DOT
The rear rim specifications: J 18 x MT 2.15 DOT

The current tires read:
Front - 3.25 - 19 54H
Rear - 40-11-80 DA6F & MP 90H18

The tires are not as wide as I like.
If it's possible I like to get wider tires, as it gives me reassurance that I can make sharper turns wit.
(I'm still NOT comfortable with doing sharp turns on the bike, because I can't fathom how bikes are able to lean so much and turn )

Here are some pictures:

Don't be tempted to go with wider tires on standard rims.
The wider rubber tends to over tire the wheel and they will not fit correctly as the profile will be distorted.

My favorite tires for old kwaka's are the "Pirelli Sports Demons".

I agree with OZ. I would research and confirm if you have original fitment wheels & tires. You may be surprised as to how well stock size tires work. Not sure of the wheel sizes listed and tire widths. I suggest looking in the owners manual if you have one. The current tires may not be a true match. There are still plenty of choices out there even for American standard sizes(in inches). I am unable to view your pictures from my work computer. Is your bike the GPZ 550 listed in your signature line?

BTW, I watched the unedited version of "The Big Lebowski" last night. And, DUDE you were amazing in that flick!

0Z.Z1R Mk2 wrote: Don't be tempted to go with wider tires on standard rims.
The wider rubber tends to over tire the wheel and they will not fit correctly as the profile will be distorted.

My favorite tires for old kwaka's are the "Pirelli Sports Demons".

+1 !! Ed

Forrest wrote: I am unable to view your pictures from my work computer. Is your bike the GPZ 550 listed in your signature line?
BTW, I watched the unedited version of "The Big Lebowski" last night. And, DUDE you were amazing in that flick!

LOL. Why thank you.

I actually pm'd martin, the knowledgeable user on this forum, today asking which type of KZ 550 A3 I have, because when I searched for parts I found a few different models: GPZ, SPORT, LTD.
Which type do I have if I have a 1982 KZ550 A3?

I see I will stick with stock tires then. Kawasaki chose those tires for a reason then.
I will look in the owners manual and post what the stock tires are.

Don't be tempted to go with wider tires on standard rims.
The wider rubber tends to over tire the wheel and they will not fit correctly as the profile will be distorted.

My favorite tires for old kwaka's are the "Pirelli Sports Demons".

I will look into the "Demons".
Are they long-lasting? I'm not aware of how long tires last for on motorcycles.

p.s. I just ride casually in the city to and from work & school.

I got a bit over 7,000 miles on my rear tire before I replaced it (I don't let them go bald). That may not sound like much compared to a car tire, but it's actually very good mileage for my bike. Ed

650ed wrote: I got a bit over 7,000 miles on my rear tire before I replaced it (I don't let them go bald). That may not sound like much compared to a car tire, but it's actually very good mileage for my bike. Ed

7,000 miles sounds good to me. Did you take care of them by treating it with some product or something?

Is 7,000 also likely for the front tire or does that last longer/shorter?

No treatment necessary. The front tire will last longer. Pirelli replaced mine for free at 7,000 miles because it had an unusual defect that may have eventually affected performance, but I'm positive it would have lasted 10,000 miles. Ed

Perfect.
I'm going to pick up some of those Demons.
Any websites you can refer for good deals?

Btw the standard tires for a 1982 Kawasaki KZ 550-A3 is:

Front: 3.25H-19 4PR DUNLOP F8 MARK II Tubeless
Rear: 3.75H-18 4PR DUNLOP K127 Tubeless
(source: Kawasaki Motorcycle Owner's Manual)

So, I looked for conversion's to the size's above, 3.25H-19 & 3.75H-18, and I found these sizes from a few other websites.

3.25H-19 converts to 100/90 -19
3.75H-18 converts to 110/90 -18

Source: Need help sizing tire inches to metric
and
Tire Size Conversion Chart

On my KZ650-C1 I use 100/90 V -19 on the front, and 120/90 V-18 on the rear and they work great. Ed

650ed wrote: On my KZ650-C1 I use 100/90 V -19 on the front, and 120/90 V-18 on the rear and they work great. Ed

Is the KZ650-C1 different from the KZ550-A3?

I feel more comfortable getting the front-100/90-19 and rear-110/90-18, but if you guys says the 120 is fine for the rear, then why not.