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

[Pwalo]

FWIW I've just had Conti Road Attacks (standard sizes) put on my SV, and must say that I really like them.

Nice and predictable in the dry and wet. Funnily enough they seem to be a much smaller tyre overall than the Dunlop 220s that came on the bike.

Obviously I can't comment on wear at the moment, but posters on the US and GB SV sites seem pretty happy with them.

[davebullet]

FWIW I've just had Conti Road Attacks (standard sizes) put on my SV, and must say that I really like them.

Nice and predictable in the dry and wet. Funnily enough they seem to be a much smaller tyre overall than the Dunlop 220s that came on the bike.

Obviously I can't comment on wear at the moment, but posters on the US and GB SV sites seem pretty happy with them.

I've also read good things about Continental tyres. Many people seem to run a sport attack front with road attack rear (for front grip / and rear wear).

I can't recall whether the Continentals are a multi compound tyre. Basically I need a good wearing commuter, so felt the PR2 would be weighted toward commuting than outright performance.

[Mishy]

I've also read good things about Continental tyres. Many people seem to run a sport attack front with road attack rear (for front grip / and rear wear).

I can't recall whether the Continentals are a multi compound tyre. Basically I need a good wearing commuter, so felt the PR2 would be weighted toward commuting than outright performance.

The Road Attack is a better all weather tyre, especially in the wet, where it shows better grip and more predictable behaviour. Sport Attack will give better tip in, and less stand up under brakes, as well as more outright grip in the warmer conditions, but is not as durable as the Road Attack.
Mixing the two is just fine, we do it all the time so we can get the durability of the Road Attack on the rear, but get sharper steering with the Sport Attack front tyre.

The Road Attack is single compound, but is MUCH thicker in the centre to get better life. Sport Attack is now made in continuos compound, so you get a constant change in compound over the width of the tyre - kinda like having 1000 different compounds, and without that step where the compound changes that can misbehave at times.

if you are not a thrasher, then road Attack would be more suitable, or even think of trying the new Conti Motion They cost a heap less, and have a carcase that REALLY suits our pothole infested N Z roads , while still having excellent durability and grip

[gammaguy]

The Road Attack is a better all weather tyre, especially in the wet, where it shows better grip and more predictable behaviour. Sport Attack will give better tip in, and less stand up under brakes, as well as more outright grip in the warmer conditions, but is not as durable as the Road Attack.
Mixing the two is just fine, we do it all the time so we can get the durability of the Road Attack on the rear, but get sharper steering with the Sport Attack front tyre.

The Road Attack is single compound, but is MUCH thicker in the centre to get better life. Sport Attack is now made in continuos compound, so you get a constant change in compound over the width of the tyre - kinda like having 1000 different compounds, and without that step where the compound changes that can misbehave at times.

if you are not a thrasher, then road Attack would be more suitable, or even think of trying the new Conti Motion They cost a heap less, and have a carcase that REALLY suits our pothole infested N Z roads , while still having excellent durability and grip

At my work(NZs Biggest rental business by far)we are currently running a side by side comparo of Conti Motion set and a Metzeler MEZ4 set,on identical VFR 800 VTECS.it is as scientific as we can make it(no nerds with clipboards though)i may make a thread about it when the results are in.

[davebullet]

At my work(NZs Biggest rental business by far)we are currently running a side by side comparo of Conti Motion set and a Metzeler MEZ4 set,on identical VFR 800 VTECS.it is as scientific as we can make it(no nerds with clipboards though)i may make a thread about it when the results are in.

Looking forward to it. I'm sure many others would too.

[Mishy]

At my work(NZs Biggest rental business by far)we are currently running a side by side comparo of Conti Motion set and a Metzeler MEZ4 set,on identical VFR 800 VTECS.it is as scientific as we can make it(no nerds with clipboards though)i may make a thread about it when the results are in.

Hi Stere, I did hear from Fowky that you were doing that. I'm real interested to hear how you get on

[Shaun]

The Road Attack is a better all weather tyre, especially in the wet, where it shows better grip and more predictable behaviour. Sport Attack will give better tip in, and less stand up under brakes, as well as more outright grip in the warmer conditions, but is not as durable as the Road Attack.
Mixing the two is just fine, we do it all the time so we can get the durability of the Road Attack on the rear, but get sharper steering with the Sport Attack front tyre.

The Road Attack is single compound, but is MUCH thicker in the centre to get better life. Sport Attack is now made in continuos compound, so you get a constant change in compound over the width of the tyre - kinda like having 1000 different compounds, and without that step where the compound changes that can misbehave at times.

if you are not a thrasher, then road Attack would be more suitable, or even think of trying the new Conti Motion They cost a heap less, and have a carcase that REALLY suits our pothole infested N Z roads , while still having excellent durability and grip

Exellent discription and good details

[budda]

Exellent discription and good details

Yep, dead right Shaun. Do think that the Bridgestone BT016 would be the go though, these things really are a step up, stick like poohs , and last REALLY well. If you want that elusive "feel" as a priority, suggest BT090 Pro's, mileage is still pretty good, but the "damp road" feel is fantastic and the turn-in feel is great. Made for middleweight bikes, so carcass and tread compounds are made for the job.

As you've eluded to, pressure is key with all tyres - spend the dough on your own guage, and ALWAYS use the same guage. Note that the guage doesnt need to be the most expensive on the planet, but it will always show the same reading at the same actual pressure, so readings will be directly comparable. Course the best guage in the world is SFA use if you dont USE the bugger !!!!!!!!!