Will a 180 section rear tyre fit a Zed?.........

[Ginger Bear]

.......... Not if it's a Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier it won't.

I've discussed if 180 rear tyres & 6 inch rims will fit a Zed with several members over the years.

Some say you can, some say you can't.

I've always said you can, but recently I discovered probably, why some people say you can't.

Fitted to my current Z900 project is a 6" ZX7R rim & a 180/55-17 Michelin Pilot. Chain clearance was minimal, but sufficient.

I had another set of rims polished & powdercoated, again a 6" ZX7R item, this time fitted with a Dunlop Sportmax Qualifier. I was baffled that it wouldn't clear the chain........ Until I measured them.

Both tyres are inflated & fitted to identical 6" rims.

Michelin 186mm



Dunlop 194mm

[slappa13]

I've got Dunlop qualifiers on both of my zeds, and as Steve said they are a lot bigger than 180, I just let the chain wear the edge

[Pigford]

Annoying or wot!

[Pigford]

I've got Dunlop qualifiers on both of my zeds, and as Steve said they are a lot bigger than 180, I just let the chain wear the edge

I took a stanley blade to the l/hand side of the Michelin on me Harris.... that was a 190 .... but got a 180 on it now

[needaz1100r]

When I was working at track-daying the word on the street was that 180 and 190 tyres were one and the same thing, with different writing on the sidewall.

That came from reputable industry sources.

[Pigford]

When I was working at track-daying the word on the street was that 180 and 190 tyres were one and the same thing, with different writing on the sidewall.

That came from reputable industry sources.

The 190 was a different make to the 180 I changed it for.... dunno what it was now, but it was about 10mm wider overall?

[Bps]

Hi Steve,

I have 17 inch Kawasaki ZX9RC wheels fitted and Originally with Dunlop sports mart - I did not realise that the rear at 180/55 was actually wider than 180 until the shop àdvised me that in adjusting the chain they found on laser aligning, the wheel was slightly off set to clear the chain(frame already has a slight indent to allow better chain clearance) - they said it was OK as not too far out. That pissed me off and I measured the tyre diameter and found it to be well over 180 cannot remember by how much now - then was told that many types may be over 180 - as luck would have it, I had a set of PR4 Michelins bought as deal at bike show for the Triumph - I measured them and rear was 180 ! They are now fitted and tyre aligns perfectly and clears chain not by much but enough!

The tyres look ok and perform fine - a more sporty tyre would suit nicer but I now need to measure the width and I guess take into consideration the width when on wheel and pumped up, as may change from loose.