Your Preferred KZ650 Tire Choice!

...I'm going to re-skin my '77 KZ650-C1 and was wondering what tires KZR members prefer on their 650's.

...So, lets hear it.

...What Brand are you rolling on?

...How good are they? In the wet? In the dry?

...Better for touring, or the S's?

...Would you buy them again?

...How much were they?

...Where did you purchase them?

...Your answers will be greatly appreciated and probably help select my next set of tires.

...Thanks!

How do you ride the bike?

Here's what I've been using on my KZ650-C1 for the past 9,000 miles, and I really like them a lot! I got my first set from ronayers.com at a very good price for premium quality tires; check them for pricing. Rear tire still had good tread at 7,500 miles, but I don't let them get bald before replacing. At that time front tire showed a small, unusual defect - Pirelli replaced for free (after more than 4 years; 7,500 miles - great commitment to quality!). They stick very well dry; I haven't been caught in much rain, but they worked well in the wet I was caught in. I don't tour; they work very well in the twisties. I definitely would buy them again and again as needed. ALWAYS replace tubes when replacing tires no matter what type you buy. Ed

Pirelli Sport Demon Rear tire 120/90 V 18; Rear tube Metzeler ME-F18 M/C
Pirelli Sport Demon Front tire 100/90 V 19; Front tube Metzeler ME-E19 M/C

PLUMMEN wrote: How do you ride the bike?

...Well, my name is KraZyRIDER. That tell you anything? :whistle:

650ed wrote: Here's what I've been using on my KZ650-C1 for the past 9,000 miles, and I really like them a lot! I got my first set from ronayers.com at a very good price for premium quality tires; check them for pricing. Rear tire still had good tread at 7,500 miles, but I don't let them get bald before replacing. At that time front tire showed a small, unusual defect - Pirelli replaced for free (after more than 4 years; 7,500 miles - great commitment to quality!). They stick very well dry; I haven't been caught in much rain, but they worked well in the wet I was caught in. I don't tour; they work very well in the twisties. I definitely would buy them again and again as needed. ALWAYS replace tubes when replacing tires no matter what type you buy. Ed

Pirelli Sport Demon Rear tire 120/90 V 18; Rear tube Metzeler ME-F18 M/C
Pirelli Sport Demon Front tire 100/90 V 19; Front tube Metzeler ME-E19 M/C

Attachment PirelliSportDemon.jpg not found

...Very helpful, Ed. As usual. Thanks for the input.

On my LTD 1000 & LTD 900 I run Pirelli Sport Demons on the rear & On the front I run Metzler Lazers, good all around tires in wet or dry conditions, the cheapest place I found was Bike Bandit with free shipping
Pete

KraZyRIDER wrote:

PLUMMEN wrote: How do you ride the bike?

...Well, my name is KraZyRIDER. That tell you anything? :whistle:

Depends on your idea of krazy! :laugh:
Ive ridden a lot of big bore turbo bikes when i was younger/healthier, so my idea of crazy is probably slightly differant.
Is the bike a daily rider/do you take a lot of long trips/do all your corners have stop signs like they do in nebraska?
Theres lots of good tire companies out there with good tires for the money, ive heard rumors that somebody is actually making some sort of a radial style tire to fit the old skinny rims even.

PLUMMEN wrote:

KraZyRIDER wrote:

PLUMMEN wrote: How do you ride the bike?

...Well, my name is KraZyRIDER. That tell you anything? :whistle:

Depends on your idea of krazy! :laugh:
Ive ridden a lot of big bore turbo bikes when i was younger/healthier, so my idea of crazy is probably slightly differant.
Is the bike a daily rider/do you take a lot of long trips/do all your corners have stop signs like they do in nebraska?
Theres lots of good tire companies out there with good tires for the money, ive heard rumors that somebody is actually making some sort of a radial style tire to fit the old skinny rims even.

...You haven't answered any of my questions, just asked more questions. I'm just curious as to what others are putting on their old classics these days..

...I do use the bike as a daily rider when it's not raining. Although, this spring has SUCKED and it's been doing a hell of a lot of just that! I also enjoy talking the old girl out and blowing the dust off her whenever I can. So, I need something of a sport tire, but something that will hopefully last a couple of years as well.

...your turn.

...Soooooooo, eighty-some people browsed this topic and only 3 have opinions.

...Do you ride, or just read?

...if you ride, you have tires and must have an opinion.

...Don't be shy, lets hear it!

...What kind of tires have you purchased and were they any good.

I've had 3 sets of Bridgestone tires on my kz650.
First was F11 & S11 Spitfires, 2nd & 3rd sets were BT45s.
Got close to 28000 kms on the Spitfires.
Close to 21000 kms on the first set of BT45s.
I found the BT45s better than the Spitfires.
Each time I bought H rated tires to save a little compared to V rated tires, and hopefully get more distance out of them..
Figured I don't ride fast enough for the V rated tires.
I don't push her in the corners, and most of my riding is on boring straight roads.
Last set of BT45s the rear developed quite the flat area in the center of the tire.
Overall I like the BT45. Worked well enough in all conditions for me, and have never had any issues.
Well maybe not. Last set of BT45s, the front tire did scallop, although this seems to be normal for most front tires I've read. Just has to do with the tread design while leaned over. The tread blocks edges flexing while leaned over causing the scalloping/wear, and possibly being a little underinflated. I now try to keep the front tire at least at 28 psi or ideally slight higher around 30 psi.

Thinking of trying a different brand next time.

I'm running Avon road riders on my kz900, only have a few hundred miles on them. So far they have great traction wet or dry( will pull the front wheel in rain). I like the styling, but cannot speak to the longevity of them just yet. There does seem to be a slight shimmy, but I am pretty confident that is a rotor issue that I need to address.

Tomolu5 wrote: I'm running Avon road riders on my kz900, only have a few hundred miles on them. So far they have great traction wet or dry( will pull the front wheel in rain). I like the styling, but cannot speak to the longevity of them just yet. There does seem to be a slight shimmy, but I am pretty confident that is a rotor issue that I need to address.

...In all my years I've never had Avon tires on any of my bikes. But, I just put a set on my Sportster, so I'm hoping they will last better than the Metzlers I took off. As you say, they do feel good as far as grip go. Longevity will be the true test. :whistle: