1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs

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07 May 2024 12:39 - 07 May 2024 12:40 #898643 by nickmckay
1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs was created by nickmckay
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)
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Last edit: 07 May 2024 12:40 by nickmckay.

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07 May 2024 13:27 #898646 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs
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.
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07 May 2024 13:39 #898649 by nickmckay
Replied by nickmckay on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs
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.

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07 May 2024 13:58 #898652 by nickmckay
Replied by nickmckay on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs
is this a valid tire?
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07 May 2024 14:38 #898655 by Nerdy
Replied by Nerdy on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs
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.

1979 KZ400 Gifted to a couple of nephews
1967 Yamaha YCS1 Bonanza
1980 KZ440B
1981 Yamaha XT250H
1981 KZ440 LTD project bike
1981 GPz550
2013 Yamaha FZ6R
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07 May 2024 14:44 #898656 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs
Avon Road Rider and Pirelli Demon are good choices, though I am not sure if they sell the proper sizes for the 440LTD.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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08 May 2024 06:00 #898710 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs
The diagrams at partzilla are showing tubes, so your problem could be the tube.

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10 May 2024 07:47 #898832 by Michi
Replied by Michi on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs
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.

KZ440A LTD (1980)

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10 May 2024 08:37 #898833 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs

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.
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10 May 2024 13:12 - 10 May 2024 13:14 #898848 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs
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.
Last edit: 10 May 2024 13:14 by martin_csr.

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10 May 2024 21:48 - 10 May 2024 21:50 #898874 by F64
Replied by F64 on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs
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).
 

81-KZ440-D2.
Louis Dudzik's GM HEI ignitor conversion installed 2015 s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/Ignition/GPZgmHEImod.html
Motogadget m-unit blue installed 2017.
LIC, NY
Last edit: 10 May 2024 21:50 by F64.

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13 May 2024 06:32 - 13 May 2024 06:33 #898948 by Michi
Replied by Michi on topic 1982 KZ440 LTD Tire Recs


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.

KZ440A LTD (1980)
Last edit: 13 May 2024 06:33 by Michi.

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