Bimota Forum

sport53 · Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 3

Hi All,

I am currently recommisioning my KB1 and need to fit new tyres. Current rear tyre size doesn't seem correct to me at 150 x 70 x 18. The front is 100 x 90 x 18.

Can anyone confirm the correct tyre sizes?

Frame no #408

Cheers

2bims · Joined: 03 Apr 2010 Posts: 7308

The wheel sizes on the spare parts Manual for the KB1 say the front wheel is 2.5inch by 18inch......and the rear is 3.5inch by 18inch...I'm looking for the sales brochure now as that has tyre sizes on it normally....do you not have an owners manual? Do you have the Spare Parts exploded diagrams manual?

2bims · Joined: 03 Apr 2010 Posts: 7308

A test review of the time gives the following on a factory supplied KB1 they tested....Michelin S41 350H 18PZ2 (front) and Michelin M48 130/80 H18 on the rear on Campagnolo magnesium alloy Wheels

sport53 · Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 3

I don’t have any manuals or spare parts lists for the bike.

None of the KB1 spec sheets online list a recommended tyre size, at least none that I have come across.

The article is interesting and a useful indication.

Thanks

John KB1 · Joined: 14 Oct 2017 Posts: 19 Location: France

Original rear tyre is 130/80. The biggest width you can get on your bike is 150.

160 is impossible because the tyre will touch the chain transmission.

John

sport53 · Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 3

Hi John,

Good information. A very typical size fitment for Italian bikes of that era but good to have it confirmed.

100 x 90 x 18 front
130 x 80 x 18 rear

I have found in the past that going wider on the rear with these old bikes actually makes the bike handle worse which is why I was slightly surprised to find a 150 rear on my bike.

Thanks

2bims · Joined: 03 Apr 2010 Posts: 7308

Abramoluna1 · Joined: 14 Sep 2021 Posts: 1

Really nice for the grip and off roads!
I wouldn't hate that!

MrBimota · Joined: 07 Jul 2025 Posts: 9 Location: USA

I have a letter from the German Bimota importers Reinhold Kraft GmbH in Leutkirch.

As you know in Germany, even the tyres have to be approved for TUV inspection.

This list is for KB1 and SB3

Metzeler 100/80/V18 ME33
Metzeler 110/70/VB18 ME33 Front (Vorne)
Metzeler 110/89/V18 ME33

Metzeler 140/70/VB18 ME33
Metzeler 150/70/VB18 ME33 Rear (Hinten)
Metzeler 150/70/VB18 ME33

Michelin 110/80/ZR18 A59 Front
Michelin 150/70/ZR18 M59 Rear
Michelin 110/80/ZR18 TX11 Front
Michelin 150/70/ZR18 TX23 Rear

Dunlop 110/80/ZR18 Sportmax Front
Dunlop 150/70/ZR18 Sportmax Rear

Hope this helps.