Your Preferred KZ650 Tire Choice!

rstnick wrote: 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.

...I'd be tickled to death to get that many miles. This will be my 1st set on this Kawasaki, so I have no idea how I'll do. But, my damn Sportster eats a rear tire every year. Of course, the Sport is a lot heavier than the KZ. 10,000 miles is as much as I get out of a rear on that bike. The front get changed every 2 years. Could easily go 3, but considering it's a 21" wheel, I'd rather have new rubber on it sooner, than later.

Bridgestone Spitfires for the original 77 KZ650. Best Ive found for longevity with good handling'

Avon Roadriders for the 77 KZ650 slightly customed. Sticky tire with great handling but less longevity due to it's great handling.

+1 Avon Roadriders...fairly new, so longevity question remains to be answered...but great grip!

OK, I've only ridden my 650 on the track and up & down my street so not alot of time on the road with it yet. With all that in mind, I installed a new set of Continental ContiClassicAttack radial tires on the ol gal.

On the track, I was very impressed with the tires. Since it was the first time I'd taken the 650 on the track, I was kinda tentative for the first few corners bu after that, I was having a blast. Did have some carb issues but that's another story.

Proxy wrote: Bridgestone Spitfires for the original 77 KZ650. Best Ive found for longevity with good handling'

Avon Roadriders for the 77 KZ650 slightly customed. Sticky tire with great handling but less longevity due to it's great handling.

...Very helpful, thanks.

Grumpy Ole Artist wrote: +1 Avon Roadriders...fairly new, so longevity question remains to be answered...but great grip!

...Cool, thanks!

GPz11 wrote: OK, I've only ridden my 650 on the track and up & down my street so not alot of time on the road with it yet. With all that in mind, I installed a new set of Continental ContiClassicAttack radial tires on the ol gal.

On the track, I was very impressed with the tires. Since it was the first time I'd taken the 650 on the track, I was kinda tentative for the first few corners bu after that, I was having a blast. Did have some carb issues but that's another story.

...Good to know, thanks. I've got a '79 that could use those.

...Oh, your carb problem? GO BIGGER!

If you're a KRAZYRIDER, I wouldn't worry about Longevity VS. Sticky & Good Handling

pete greek1 wrote: If you're a KRAZYRIDER, I wouldn't worry about Longevity VS. Sticky & Good Handling

...Well, I have a couple rides I would prefer longevity for and a couple rides I prefer sticky for. So, that's why I asked the Q the way I did. But, I do get your meaning.

...By the way, great poem! :laugh: