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Hey all, I am sure everyone is sick of tire questions, so I am sorry in advance.Has anyone run Vee Rubber brand of tire. also I know some folks have run 130's on kz650 was that 130 90 18? the stock tire in the rear is a 120 90 18,has anyone run a 120 80 18. would that be a lower profile tire? would there be any handling advantage, or disatvantage for that matter.Thx,Brian

I ran 130/90 V 18 Michelins on the back for years. Downside 1: The stock (plastic) chainguard did not work with them (they rubbed) but otherwise they fit on the bike ok. Downside 2: A genuine pain to mount because of squeezing that big tire on that narrow rim. Downside 3: The profile of the tire was somewhat distorted because of the narrow rim leaving no more usable tread than a 120/90 V 18. Upside: That wide tire looked cool from the rear. I now use Pirelli Sport Demons: 120/90 V 18 on the rear; 100/90 V 19 on the front. They work great on the KZ650. Until you posting I never heard of "Vee Rubber" tires, but I see they're made in Thailand. I recommend "sticking" with top brand names for tires - your life depends on them. Ed

Thx 650ed,have you ever heard of anyone running a 120 80 18 in the rear, and a 110 80 19 up front. the rim size up front would seem to meet the minimum standard for a 110. The 80 has a lower profile,I dont think that should be an issue.I would stick with a 120 90, but some of the tires I was looking at only come in a 120 80 size. Thx for the help, I have read a lot of your respones to others and you seem to really know these bikes inside and out. Brian

You can run a 120/80 or 120/90 on the rear, doesn't make a huge difference. same on the front, a 110/80 or 110/90 fits, not a huge difference. What Ed said is spot on as always, too wide tire really serves no purpose, you have a 1.85" front wheel and a 2.15" rear. Stock size 3.25-19 and 4.00-18 work and fit perfect on a KZ if you can find them, and look best. I have nothing against a 120 tire on the rear though, that works good although you're already out of spec for the 2.15" wheel. Just for info in case you're not up on tire sizing, the 3.25 and 4.00 are original size tires and 100 percent aspect ratio, where a 120/80 ect is 80 percent meaning the height is 80 percent as much as the width, where 100 percent the height is same as the width. Tall tires look better to me, remember the old Ford F250 ect back in the 70s-90s with the stock tall thin tires? That was so nice, now they have 20" wheels with low profile tires, but higher profile tires always look better.

lol. If Ron or 650ed say something is ok, then you can basically take it to the bank. Although Ron is very much committed to everything being original, we all love him for it (well, most of the time). When the rubber meets the road (literally) don't chance it. Tires will make your bike handle either really good or really terrible. I've heard good things about Avon roadriders and personally I've had good luck with Bridgestone Spitfire BWL's. I'm not sure if they make them anymore but they look good on these bikes. Ask around and see what others use and you'll get good advice.

Thx Ron and Becker,I was always under the impression that a 120 was the stock size rear until I looked at a conversion chart and saw that a 120 is 4.25 to 4.50. I know that the size on my rear is a 4.0 ,Not a big difference, I guess. my 4.0 does look pretty close to the swingarm/ frame. But it seems like most kz650 riders are running 120s.So I should be OK. I am surprised anyone was able to fit a 130 back there, and only have a chain guard problem.Thx again.Brian

lol. If Ron or 650ed say something is ok, then you can basically take it to the bank. Although Ron is very much committed to everything being original, we all love him for it (well, most of the time). When the rubber meets the road (literally) don't chance it. Tires will make your bike handle either really good or really terrible. I've heard good things about Avon roadriders and personally I've had good luck with Bridgestone Spitfire BWL's. I'm not sure if they make them anymore but they look good on these bikes. Ask around and see what others use and you'll get good advice.