Tyre choice - SV650 (120/60 & 160/60)

**davebullet** · 21st March 2009, 07:46

Well, it's time to replace the stock tyres. Hopefully the above poll will be a quick reference for others considering the same.

I mainly commute on the SV650. Probably 80% commuting and 20% fun, so need a tyre that wears well in the centre, hence posting dual compound options. I never ride with a pillion, have no packrack fitted and weigh 78Kgs (incase running weight is a factor).

I'm not a huge lean angle guy in the dry. I need to improve my confidence in the wet however. I'd be happy with a tyre that gave up a bit of extra grip in the dry for more in the wet.

If you have another tyre not in the poll you'd recommend, then please post.

**Pussy** · 21st March 2009, 08:28

Bridgestone 016s seem to be getting good press, Dave.
We ran Metzeler Roadtech Z6 on Gassit Girl's K1 SV650, and Sportec M1 on her K5.
We now both have K6 gixxer 750s, and are running M3s.... they are seeming to last okay

**Hidalgo** · 21st March 2009, 11:13

BEST WET GRIP*

1st Michelin® Pilot® Road 2
2nd Pirelli Diablo Strada
3rd Metzeler Roadtec Z6
4th Continental Road Attack
5th Dunlop D220 ST
6th Bridgestone BT-021
7th Bridgestone BT-020

LONGEST TREAD LIFE*

1st Michelin® Pilot® Road 2
2nd Bridgestone BT-020
(tie) Dunlop D220 ST
4th Pirelli Diablo Strada
5th Bridgestone BT-021
(tie) Metzeler Roadtec Z6
(tie) Continental Road Attack

*Compared to the six leading competitors’ tires in the same market segment. Tests conducted by CERM (Centre d’Essais Routiers Mècaniques) in 2006, using tire sizes 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17.

Source

More Info

**slofox** · 21st March 2009, 11:42

You would be hard pressed to better the PR2's...IMO

**cs363** · 21st March 2009, 11:45

Originally Posted by slofox

You would be hard pressed to better the PR2's...IMO

X 2, especially given the OP's quotes on what he wanted from a tyre.

**davebullet** · 21st March 2009, 12:02

Thanks for the feedback guys. I hadn't seen that review before, but seems the PR2 set a benchmark for sport touring tyres.

I'll take a photo of the current stock tyres.... badly squared off and getting hard with age (they are.... gulp - 5 years old!)

, so you can see why I haven't been pushing the bike, like I would like to.

**FROSTY:Me** · 21st March 2009, 12:10

The only negative with the PR2's is that when they are about 2/3 worn things get a bit um Mushy I guess is the best word

**Pussy** · 21st March 2009, 20:33

Originally Posted by davebullet

Thanks for the feedback guys. I hadn't seen that review before, but seems the PR2 set a benchmark for sport touring tyres.

I'll take a photo of the current stock tyres.... badly squared off and getting hard with age (they are.... gulp - 5 years old!)

, so you can see why I haven't been pushing the bike, like I would like to.

Almost ANYTHING will feel better than the Dunlop D220s you have on the bike at the moment, Dave!

**pritch** · 21st March 2009, 22:13

Originally Posted by Hidalgo

Tests conducted by CERM (Centre d’Essais Routiers Mècaniques) in 2006, using tire sizes 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17.

So that's out of date then...

There's a lot more up to date information than that on KB.

**Hidalgo** · 22nd March 2009, 19:19

Originally Posted by pritch

So that's out of date then...

There's a lot more up to date information than that on KB.

Hmmm, i will b happy to see the updated info, and see how much difference does Tyres have from 2006 to 2009.
IMHO, Pilot road 2 r still way better then rest.
had in past battlex016, 021, M3 Sportec and Diablo Strada .
few of them are good track tyres, but not really suitable for commuting.

**Little Miss Trouble** · 22nd March 2009, 19:57

I'm running PR2s on my SV, have only had them on for about 1000km but they're awesome! Haven't given me a moment of concern & I was definately testing them on the Coast 2 Coast yesterday

**Mishy** · 22nd March 2009, 21:39

Originally Posted by Hidalgo

Hmmm, i will b happy to see the updated info, and see how much difference does Tyres have from 2006 to 2009.

Big differences from one year to the next, and often without them being advertised ! And you are correct, some of the tyres on that list are less than suitable for a commuter bike, and some of the info is also plainly at odds with numerous other tests from around the world.

**CookMySock** · 23rd March 2009, 08:58

I upgraded to the PR2 after Battleaxes, and they are awesome.

It will take a few months for you to stop worrying about them in the wet. All the sqriggle-wriggle in the wet has gone, thank god. In fact, in the wet I have not detected any artifacts from them at all - its like the tyres have been replaced by some magic.

I feel so so much better on my bike because of the PR2's. You will love them.

Steve

**svr** · 23rd March 2009, 12:04

Sizes: Should use a 70 aspect ratio on the front - will help out those dodgy forks. Also possibly a 150.60 on the rear...

**davebullet** · 24th March 2009, 05:56

Originally Posted by svr

Sizes: Should use a 70 aspect ratio on the front - will help out those dodgy forks. Also possibly a 150.60 on the rear...

Ooops... I had already ordered the 120/60 and 160/60 PR2s before your post. I suppose a higher profile will achieve 2 things: (???)
1. Quicker corner tip in
2. More wall flex = smooth out the bumpy forks a little more

.... at the expense of contact patch on the road = more grip for braking and cornering.

I just did the newbie thing of ordering the same profile as what is supplied with the bike.