79 KZ650-C3 Rear tire size? 130/80-18?

Currently, my KZ650 has a Dunlop GT501 130/80-18 in the rear and a Dunlop D404 100/90-10 up front. Is this an okay configuration for good handling? My concern, is if the rear tire is too large. Thanks,

Probably yes, sales blurb of the day being that kawi chose narrow rims for precise steering. Rear wheel is a 2.15 rim, later 1000j, R and GPz1100 B2 had the 2.50 rim. Later ZX '3 spoke' and 1100R had a 3.00 rear rim.

Lots of kz are wearing 'new shoes' on modern rims, but on putting a fatter tyre
a narrow rim isn't the way to go imo. I tend to follow the tyre manufacturers recommendations on this.

Nothing wrong with sacrificing some handling for looks, we are all here for he iconic kz looks, not mega power or modern sportbike handling.

I used later zx rims on mine to get a 130 rear. Looks great and all works nice and no complaints, just not sure if it steers any better than the standard rims.

You are better off using a 120/90 -18 on the rear.

I've owned my '77 KZ650-C1 since it was new (April, 1977). I used 130 tires on the rear for many years, and eventually realized that squeezing that wide tire on the narrow stock rim distorted the profile of the tire such that the tread contact patch on the road is no greater than that of a 120 tire (plus the 130 tires are difficult to mount). I switched to 120/90-18 tires on the rear and found they work at least as well if not better than the 130. I use Pirelli Sport Demons and they work great on the KZ650. The 100/90-19 tire is the correct metric size front tire for the KZ650. Ed

650ed wrote: You are better off using a 120/90 -18 on the rear.

I've owned my '77 KZ650-C1 since it was new (April, 1977). I used 130 tires on the rear for many years, and eventually realized that squeezing that wide tire on the narrow stock rim distorted the profile of the tire such that the tread contact patch on the road is no greater than that of a 120 tire (plus the 130 tires are difficult to mount). I switched to 120/90-18 tires on the rear and found they work at least as well if not better than the 130. I use Pirelli Sport Demons and they work great on the KZ650. The 100/90-19 tire is the correct metric size front tire for the KZ650. Ed

When the GT501 130/80-18 I have wears out, I'll be sure to put a 120/90-18 in the rear, Thanks for the advice!

less is more...sometimes.