Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

  • msanch08
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Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 06:05 - 25 Aug 2020 06:12
#833634
After too long, my KZ200 tires finally failed inspection 3 weeks ago.

They were Cheng Shin, bought in about 2004 or so. I only ride a few hundred miles a year on this bike, and, store it in garage the rest of the time. So, they only showed micro cracks this year. I know they harden with time, but, the KZ is usually a 35mph bike and no cornering.

So, I have searched high and low for these sizes:

F: 2.75-18
R: 3.25-17

I finally found the rear, in stock, at Cedar Rapids Tire, in something called a Duro H319 tire. Unfortunately, they did not have the front.

Eventually, I found the front in an MMG tire on Amazon. Links to both tires are embedded in the image of the tread.

The front tread looks more like a rear tread but I will take it. My old Cheng Shin front had sort of straight line groves plus horizontal breaks, more like an old timey front tire.

I guess I am glad I am 60 now, because, when I next need tires I suspect there will be none. But, I might not need em.

Anyway, the tires are shown here.

1978 Kawasaki KZ200

Last edit: 25 Aug 2020 06:12 by msanch08.

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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 06:07
#833635
Sorry,

here is a link to the image. I thought I had the process down, but, maybe not.

photos.app.goo.gl/MSdU9nhmkgfkxCxPA
1978 Kawasaki KZ200

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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 06:08
#833636
1978 Kawasaki KZ200

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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 06:10
#833637
Also,

correction, the front tire is 2.75-18. Wow. I have to do better on the getting the first post correct.
1978 Kawasaki KZ200

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  • TexasKZ
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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 06:16 - 25 Aug 2020 06:24
#833638
This looks looks like a much better option. Well known company with a good reputation.

www.avontyres.com/en-us/tyres/streetrunn...0200&engine_spec=200
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
Last edit: 25 Aug 2020 06:24 by TexasKZ.

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  • ckahleer
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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 08:52
#833647
Are you looking for a vintage look tire?
There are tire size charts on-line that will convert your tire sizes to metric format.
94 KE100
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c
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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 09:51
#833652
ckahleer,

thanks for the information on possible conversion to metric. I will do.
1978 Kawasaki KZ200

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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 09:54
#833653
Texas KZ,

Thank you for this link. I will take a look. Avon is a good tire.

Question: The original tire rims were used with only tube type tires.

Can those same rims be used with tubeless tires like these?
1978 Kawasaki KZ200

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  • loudhvx
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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 09:58
#833654
Yes, but you must still use a tube.

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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 10:03
#833655
OK.

Got it.

Invaluable info thanks.
1978 Kawasaki KZ200

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  • Mikaw
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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 10:22
#833658
To expand on Loudhvx, the rim dictates whether a tube is needed not the tire.
1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
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Jimi Hendrix.

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Re: Tires for Kawasaki KZ200 Odyssey

25 Aug 2020 13:49
#833672
Understood. Thanks.
1978 Kawasaki KZ200

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