Need your help on three items

[Spitfire151]

First off, can anyone tell me what this is? It is located on the left side of the bike (just behind the gear shift):

Second, I currently have a 'Racer' tire on the front and a Shinko Podium Radial 140/60 R18 on the rear:

Lastly, I am looking to replace my tires with these Duro tires:

Front: http://www.bikebandit.com/duro-hf317-classic-vintage-motorcycle-tire

Rear: http://www.bikebandit.com/duro-hf314-classic-vintage-motorcycle-tire

What are your thoughts on them?

Thank you for any and all help!

 

[TwinPlug]

The first item looks like an idler/fulcrum point for a remote gear lever/linkage.

I can't help with the other 2 points :'(

 

[HerrDeacon]

According to the parts fiche its some sort of do-dad (technical term) for the side stand.

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1981-kawasaki-kz440-standard-kz440b-stand-80-b1/o/m150554sch84634

 

[VonYinzer]

The duro tires are all show and no go. they look neat, but are based on 60 year old tread technology. Barely better than the FIrestones. Get modern tires. That means modern tread and compounds. You'll be much happier. Unless you just want the bike to look neat and don't care about performance. In that case, they're fine.

 

[Spitfire151]

Thanks for the input guys, I don't plan on taking the thing passed 55mph, it tops out around 75 according to the stock speedo. I'm more interested in safety and really want to upgrade the front tire but would like to keep a little of the era's look if possible.

These IRC GS11 tires were recommended: http://www.bikebandit.com/irc-gs-11-motorcycle-tire#pr-header-amp3596