tires (again?)

so, I am sure this subject has been covered thousands of times But apparently, I have no ability to search on here (meaning I cannot find what I am looking for)

Any decent tire recommendations? I am looking for performance not mileage.
130/80-18
100/90-18

If you can point me to an existing thread I will take that as a kind reprimand on my poor searching ability : )

'84 gpz550

thanks,
Lee

That is an interesting question. Most of the tire discussions for stock sizes have mileage and price as the priorities, with performance secondary. I reckon most of the members who have performance as the priority have converted to 17 inch rims which allow modern radial tires.
It has been a while since I bought any, but I seem to remember that Michelin and Bridgestone used to make some really sticky bias-ply tires. Hopefully, some body here has some recent experience to offer.

Pirelli Sport Demon's or Avon Roadrider's are both great tires if stick is important. The Avon's will last longer.

Thanks I will take a look at the Avon's and Perelli. Been happy with the Perelli I have had on my supermoto.

and I am not looking for racing slick sticky - but some of these touring tires give out easy.

I would love to convert to 17 - hopefully next winter. Priority now is get it road worthy.

Two suggestions:

1. Buy the correct size tires for your bike. The stock rear tire for the 1984 GpZ550 (ZX550-A1) is not 130/80-18. The correct size is 120/80-18 (see link below). You may believe the 130 size will give you more tread on the pavement, but this is not the case. The reason is the fact that the width of the rim is a bit too narrow for the 130 tire. Consequently, it squeezes the tire in and distorts the tread profile. My KZ650 uses a size 120 rear tire. For quite a few years I ran size 130 tires on it. They worked fine, but after switching back to a 120 tire I found it to work at least as well if not better than the 130.

2. As Nessism pointed out Pirelli Sport Demon tires work great. I’ve been using them for the past 8 years (I’m on my second set) and I really like them. In the past I’ve used three different type Michelins and four different type Dunlops. The Dunlops were all lousy and I’ve never buy another one. The early Michelins were outstanding, but unfortunately the later models, specifically the Michelin Macadam tires, were really, really terrible to the point of being dangerous. Not only did they provided p…-poor traction they also induced a very serious speed wobble after only a few thousand miles. Never again. Ed

www.powersportswarehouse.com/p/Kawasaki#...0-A1-1984/080184E-11

The GPz550 went to a 2.50" wide wheel, compared to the 650 which used a 2.15" wide wheel, and that width can support a 130 tire decently well. Not going against Ed here, just sharing a tidbit of info that may not be known...

The Avon Roadrider is the defacto standard tire over at The GS Resources. Tons of guys using them. The Roadrider is reputed to be about 90% as sticky as the Sport Demon, and last much longer. If you want the ultimate in stickiness though, get the Pirelli's.

BTW, American Motorcycle Tire is a great place to get tires because they have good prices and free shipping... www.americanmototire.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=33_61_75

All Ed and Ed have to say is good info.
I have the Avons
Another good place for tires is J and P Cycle.
Good prices and service. Sizes are usually in stock
They do huge numbers in tires and there stock turns over quick so they have fresh tires from the manufactures all the time
Dave

Nessism wrote: The GPz550 went to a 2.50" wide wheel, compared to the 650 which used a 2.15" wide wheel, and that width can support a 130 tire decently well. Not going against Ed here, just sharing a tidbit of info that may not be known...

Good info; thanks. I'm sure that 2.50" rim would help with a 130 tire. Ed