Tire sizes KZ650

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Have a question regarding a KZ650. Would anyone know the possibilities regarding tires and what sizes that can be used? Aiming to find a tire with some patterns, but not too much as a motocross. Would it be possible to have a tire at the front as big as the rear one?

 

[Scruffy]

Possible yes, advisable no. If you have the stock 3.25H-19 and 4.00H-18 rear tires, they are easy to find in vintage tread patterns. Are you guys allowed to run cheap tires like Shinko or Duro, or do you have to run at least a mid-grade tire like Kenda? All three have some rather eye pleasing tread options...

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Possible yes, advisable no. If you have the stock 3.25H-19 and 4.00H-18 rear tires, they are easy to find in vintage tread patterns. Are you guys allowed to run cheap tires like Shinko or Duro, or do you have to run at least a mid-grade tire like Kenda? All three have some rather eye pleasing tread options...

Ok. Whats the best bet to have? A 19 rear with 18 front? Possible to go higher?
I guess it's possible with shinko or Duro, it all depends on the pattern and that there is a pattern. Not possible to go with a supermotard slick tire.. Possibilities to shop?

 

[Nebr_Rex]

Stock rim sizes for a KZ650 are 1.85 x 19, both spoke and aluminum mag front.
Rear is will be 3 x 16 or 2.15 x 18 , again both can be spoke or mag.
110/90/19 is the max for the front and 140/16 or 130/18 rear.
100/19,130/16,120/18 are the best.
Oversized tires reduce handling and control just like ape hangers and extended forks.

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Stock rim sizes for a KZ650 are 1.85 x 19, both spoke and aluminum mag front.
Rear is will be 3 x 16 or 2.15 x 18 , again both can be spoke or mag.
110/90/19 is the max for the front and 140/16 or 130/18 rear.
100/19,130/16,120/18 are the best.
Oversized tires reduce handling and control just like ape hangers and extended forks.

Perfect! Thanks a lot for the info!

 

[Scruffy]

Never have a larger diameter rear rim. As far as handling, laid back riding, where a 19F and 16R is almost ideal (perfect is 21F and 16R) or canyon carving, where you really want a 19F and 18R?

If you have a 1.85-19 wheel, you want a 90/90-19 tire. 16 inch rear rim you want a 130/90-16. 18 you want a 110 or 120. The narrower the tire, the quicker it responds to steering inputs, be it turning the fork at lower speeds or leaning at higher speeds.

The absolute worst combo in the world is 130/90-16 on both ends of the bike. Looks okay, doesn't handle worth a damn.