TOPIC:

i am installing a 16" ltd rear rim on my 1976 kz900 (which usually takes an 18" rim). my question is..what is the new tire size? how big can i go? i will be losing 2" on the rim change. thanks for the help.

Probably a 130/90/16, and even though the rim is two inches smaller in siameter the tire overall height will be real close to the same, ~3/8" shorter overall. Most tire manufacturers have a website that lists the spec for the tires they make, you can go there and get the dimensions of your original and your new tire and compare them.

There's been a lot of discussion about what tires to fit - maximum sizes etc. It's no doubt a good idea to refer to manufacturers' web sites for sizing information, but it's also worth paying attention to the reference rim size that's been used. The same size tire can normally fit a range of rim widths, but the size of the rim will change the actual width of the tire. For example - maybe a 130/90 will fit no problem on a narrow rim but end up being too wide on a wider rim. Narrow rims tend to pinch the tires so that they end up quite narrow - wider rims change the profile of the tire and make them wider.

For good handling it's best to follow the manufacturers' fitment guide. Too wide tires on narrow rims result in vague handling. This wasn't meant as a lecture and a strict order to tow the corporate line - it's based on trial and error experience:pinch:

jenshhj - One of my 76 KZ900 carb testing bikes has a 79 LTD (KZ1000B) 16" wheel. I also have the rear brake. The thicker brake stabilizer rod (not sure what the darn thing is called) is the limiting factor as far as tire rub goes. I have a 130/90-16 mounted and I would estimate about 3/16" between tire and that rod clearance. It doesn't rub.

ive used 130/16s on on drop center 16"harley rims on the back of bikes and never had problems with stock swingarms and brakes rubbing i thinking those harley wheels are close to 6" wide!

Standard size for the LTD rim is a 130/90 16. But I believe the shock length is a bit different on the LTD vs the KZ1000.

I'v been running 16"s on my Z's for years and will NEVER go back to the 18"s. 130/90/16 will work fine, the 16 is a little shorter but not very much. I think you could also go with 140/90/16 but you might have to massage the brake holder bar. The 140/90/16 is definately a taller tire than the 130/90/16 and about 10mm wider. I just put a new 130/90/16 on my Z1. The shocks I believe are 13.5" give or take a smig. They I think are the same size on both the KZ or LTD. you will have plenty of room. If you want to drop the rear a little put on some Kawasaki 500 (H1) shocks about 1" shorter but use the 900/1000 springs on the shocks. You will like the 16" expecialy if have a flat as the 16 sidewall will stay up untill you drop speed to under 30mph. When the 18" goes flat your in for a ride. TFH

Update to my previous note. Forget the 140/90/16!! I went and checked my tire clearance and I don't think a 140/90/16 will fit. Only had 3/8" clearance to swingarm and my axel is moved back further than most people will do. Mine is a Z1 but I think the 76 LTD is about the same. I couldn't get to my 76 LTD to check it. I'm sending pic of brake rod massage and tire clearance. I put on a Maxxis Classic M6011 discription MT90-16BW Tucker Rocky pn# 68-1694 (power sports pro lists it for $68.53). I put it on yesterday and only have about 125 miles on it. Haven't tried it at speed over 100+ yet, but so far I LOVE IT. Handles great. Looks good. TFH
ps. also sent pic to show rear lowered, if interested let me know there are a couple of tricks that will be of help

Sorry KZR won't take my pics will need help here. TFH

i appreciate the info. i too think the 16" rim will look good on my 1976 kz 900. got a good deal on them..front and rear rims (mags) for $10.00! again, thanks for the help!

i know! my back tire went flat with the 18' spoke rim..i was going about 60 mph. scared the crap out of me!

i had a flat on a 16"drop center harley rim one time it rolled right up into the center of the rim, rear wheel flats suck no matter what size rim you have at 60mph!id rather loss a front tire anyday!