Basic question - re Tyres

[Tonto]

Folks - some advice please ?
Uploaded some photos the other day, and hopefully this / next week will be fitting wire wheels to my A4. I am leaving the current tyres on the alloys and fitting new tyres to the new rims.

I run Bridgestone BT 45 on my other "classic" bike and they're good; but have a couple of questions:
Are there any recognised "must fits" for Z's / (what would you fit) and could I get away with a 120/80 X 18 on standard 18 rims.

Thanks Tim

[london calling]

Bridgestone BT45 are a popular choice for Zedz.
They are available in the standard sizes,3.25x19 and 4.00x18.
The metric alternative is 100/90x19 and 120/90x18.

[z1000puddin]

Tonto,
I run a Bridgestone "spitfire" on the rear, size is 130 x 90 x 18.
This is the widest that you can get on the rear,it is a tight fit but it gives good grip on the corners.
In normally have to get them in from the states & average cost is around £120 including shipping.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330575459649? ... 084wt_1139

Stu

[Tonto]

Stu, Jack
Thanks - Bridgestones are now on order.

Tim

[scott]

Stu, are you saying that the Bridgestone "spitfire" on the rear, size is 130 x 90 x 18 will drop straight on to a z1000a2 back wheel but will be a bit tight......where would it be a bit tight......you don't happen to have any pics of the tyre fitted do you?

[z1000puddin]

Scot,
My chain guard clearance is about 4mm,I have a metmachex swing arm
See pics






My rear wheel is off of an A2,it is a bit of a mission to change the rear wheel, due to the calliper,but it can be done.

Stu

[Zardos]

It is my understanding that the recommended rim width for a 130/90 tyre is between 2.50" and 3.50". If your wire rim is only 2.15" wide then you may be limited to a 120/90. If you put an over-size tyre on a narrow rim you will alter the contour of the tyre beyond the manufacturers recommendations.

My rear wheel has a 2.5" rim - so I used a 130/80 instead of a 130/90 on my Z1000R because the diameter is very close to a 120/90 tyre.

This may be of use to you http://www.dropbears.com/u/utilities/tyrerim.htm. Some tyre manufacturers also have this info on their web sites.

[scott]

Thanks for that stu.....i'm running a metmachex swingarm as well.....so should be enough clearance.......can't remember what size a standard rim is?

[Steve Cooke]

Thanks for that stu.....i'm running a metmachex swingarm as well.....so should be enough clearance.......can't remember what size a standard rim is?

215

[scott]

Why aren't you in work Steve?

[nanno]

120/80-18 will work as well, just a slightly smaller diameter, but don't bother.

130/80-18 and bigger will only make sense, if you put it on a wider rim, as the handling will be less sharp,but you can get around the corner with a bit less lean.

I always buy 4.00x18 as they are cheaper than the 120/90-18s (same goes for the front).

Cheers,
Greg