1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs

Front tire on my ltd440 is leaking so bad I can't even get it to come above like 8 psi. This will be my first time purchasing tires for it and I wanted to ask for recommendations here before I do anything. (pic of bike just because its been awhile on here , gotta update the fellas)

Are you capable of mounting and balancing yourself?  If so, you can order online.  I like American Moto Tire.  Their prices are fair, and they have free shipping.  If you are stuck having the work done local, you should go there and get your options.  Use the stock sizes.

I talked to my local shop and I'm going to get the tire myself, he doesnt keep many on hand, and since I most definitely shouldn't ride it anywhere on the flat, I'm just going to take my front wheel into the shop. I'll check mototire, thanks.

is this a valid tire?

That looks like the Dennis Kirk site; that's generally where I get my tires.

That's a decent price. However, I don't know enough about Duro to determine whether they're cheap (low price, low quality) or inexpensive (low price, high quality).

It's a cliche but the tires are the only things holding you on to the road. IMO it's better to get higher-quality products if at all possible - Metzeler, Dunlop, Bridgestone, etc.

Avon Road Rider and Pirelli Demon are good choices, though I am not sure if they sell the proper sizes for the 440LTD.

The diagrams at partzilla are showing tubes, so your problem could be the tube.

These bikes take tubed tyres. I just looked at a big UK tyre retailer and it seems they've stopped selling TT tyres in the required size for the rear (130/90-160), so I think eventually we might all end up using tubeless, with a tube. This may lead to some damaged rims if we use spoons, as TL tyres are harder. So an investment in one of those machines, or else taking it to the shop, may be the best solution.

Michi wrote:

These bikes take tubed tyres. I just looked at a big UK tyre retailer and it seems they've stopped selling TT tyres in the required size for the rear (130/90-160), so I think eventually we might all end up using tubeless, with a tube. This may lead to some damaged rims if we use spoons, as TL tyres are harder. So an investment in one of those machines, or else taking it to the shop, may be the best solution.

Tubeless tires are perfectly fine to use on tube type wheels.  Just put a tube inside.  Done.  Many tires even have these instructions imprinted into the sidewall.  

As far as being difficult to install, I strongly recommend using real deal tire lubricant.  It won't corrode the metal on the wheel, nor cause the tire to slip on the rim.

You could use rim protectors. I have 2 pair and 2 long motion pro tire irons and several shorter irons and use Ru-Glyde (sp?).  I bought a gallon of the tire stuff when a quart would have been plenty.  the place didn't have qts. But I haven't changed a tire in a while.

I'm running Michelin Commander II tires. 130/90/16 rear    100/90/19 front.

I'm running them tubeless. If you get a puncture with a tube and these tires, there is no way your are getting the tire off and back on with tire levers. They are EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to mount by hand. You will need a tire machine and tire lube(do not use soap. soap and aluminum do not mix).

With the first set of tires, Motorcycle Mall, took 30 minutes to mount one tire using Wurth's Tire mounting paste.
www.wurthusa.com/Chemical-Product/Tire-R...1-Lb-Pail/p/08901221

With the second set Cycle Gear took a few hours and he put the tire in his car during a hot summer day to soften it up first.
You will also need a tubeless valve stem that is adapted to a tubed rim. The Cycle Gear store that mounted my tires had the correct valve stem.

Best bet... Locate a tubed tire. Tubeless may be too tight to mount on your wheels( at least with Michelin Commanders).
 

I'm running them tubeless. If you get a puncture with a tube and these tires, there is no way your are getting the tire off and back on with tire levers. They are EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to mount by hand. You will need a tire machine and tire lube(do not use soap. soap and aluminum do not mix).
 

I've done it - it's a PITA but not impossible. I've got ways - might make a video on it the next time I need to change a tyre.
You break the bead, create a little gap, put your finger inside and feel for where the tube is. Then you position your lever so it's on the inside of the tyre not touching the tube. With a very stiff tyre, you will need to insert more levers and lever them just 30 degrees or so before you try and fully lever out the lever in the middle.