[kin52]

Wow, at least someone got it! I thought I must have come off much too serious for anyone to think I was being sarcastic.

Chuck

Originally Posted by BikerBeagle

LOL ...sarcasm much?

I don't own a 900 - anymore, even then not as a dark sider - so basing this strictly off numbers, tire size, and no actual experience ...the stock rear on a 900 Custom is 180/70-15, according to Kawasaki.com. There are lot of choices out there in a 15" wheel (no run-flats that I could find, though) ...195/65-15, 185/65-15, and even some 175/65-15 (search TireRack.com by those sizes to get a list). Personally, I'd probably stick with the 185/65-15 or the 175/65-15 to maintain clearance from the belt while keeping roughly the same height so as not to increase the speedo error or engine rpms. You are going to have the same problem with rim width as I do/did, though ...(I'm assuming) the rim width on the 900 is 4.5" ...most 15" tires are rated for minimum 5".

Do your homework, try for a symmetrical tread pattern (although the judges are still out on whether this is needed or not) ...just don't go with something so radically asymmetrical - like those tires that are treaded half for wet and half for dry surfaces - and you should be ok. Run-flat is always a good option for the extra reinforcement of the sidewall, but again, considering the load rating on a car tire is much greater, you can probably get away without it (lots of people run normal tires, not run-flats).

Is any of this good advice that will keep you from crashing and burning in a ball of flame in the process? ...probably not. You just gotta play your own violin in life.