New tire choice

[briclark1]

I have a 02 SV650 and need a back tire. I currently have a Metzeler MEZ4 and need to buy something new. I am not Mr. Supersport and have only ridden for 5 months. I was looking at the Bridgestone BT-020 from what I read from another SV650 site. I am looking for a sport-tourer tire as I am new and don't intend to be leaning over any time soon and would like decent tread life. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[timwilky]

The mez are ****e. but you need to change both rear and front as there is no way you would want an 020 on the back with a stock mez up front.

I use a pair of 020 and it was amazing just how much better the SV handled after I changed. Cornering was a lot more positive/faster.

Remember to take it easy for the first 50 or so miles as they will still have the release compound on them. Find a nice big roundabout and scrub away the puff lines or even better a nice ride down the twisties and get both of them

[briclark1]

Thanks for the advice. I planned on buying one but now I will get both. All the posts I read recommended the BT-020 but they were from a few years ago. Some even mentioned 010 in front and 020 in rear. I think I'll stick to the 020.

[Carsick]

I know you've already mentioned the BT020, but have a look at the conti road attacks. I think everyone on here who's tried them is chuffed and for the price they can't be argued with.

[Cloggsy]

I was going to go for BT 014's, but I think (having read the reviews in the Tyres section) I'll be going for Pirelli Diablo's :twisted: :thumbsup:

[gomura]

I replaced the stock Metzler Z4s with the newer Z6. Much stickier on the curves yet longer tread life. I spend half the time commuting and the other half on the twisties so it's been the perfect tire for me.

I think the "supersport" types will look down on the Metz, but it's all a matter of perspective. I personally don't like to have to replace my tires every 4K miles.

-g

[northwind]

Been lots of posts on the Z6s, but to summarise: I went from Sportecs (Diablo equivalent) to Roadtecs and I reckon the Roadtecs are better day to day for riding about. Plus I've already done enough miles to kill a Sportec or Diablo rear and I doubt I'm even halfway through the Roadtec.

[rictus01]

Been lots of posts on the Z6s, but to summarise: I went from Sportecs (Diablo equivalent) to Roadtecs and I reckon the Roadtecs are better day to day for riding about. Plus I've already done enough miles to kill a Sportec or Diablo rear and I doubt I'm even halfway through the Roadtec.

I'd have to second that, having now covered 12,000 miles on a set of Z6's ( and none to gently either).

Cheers Mark.