Newbie Tyre Question

I'm looking to get a new set of tyres for my 2001 sv 650s, just wondering what would be the best set of tyres to get?

I mainly use the bike to commuting to and from college and work.

Also what PSI should my tyres be inflated to.
I've been told 36 PSI at the front and 42 PSI at the rear but I'm not sure how accurate that is.

Thanks,
-Jeff

[NedSVS]

The pressures should be 33psi front and 36psi rear for most tyres on the SV. Always best to check with the tyre manufacturer - in my experience they have always emailed me the correct pressures when I have asked. What tyre is very subjective, but as it's for commuting I'd probably go for Dunlop Roadsmart, Continental Road Attack or Avon Storm (a lot of people on the forum swear by Avon Storms).

[Sid Squid]

There's no such thing as the 'best' tyres, whatever suits your use and pocket is what you should buy. As you're using the bike mainly for commuting then a set of touring biased tyres will suit you, as Ned rightly says.

Confining ourselves solely to the most popular brands, add these to the suggestions Ned has made:

Pirelli Strada
Metzeler Z6

Pressures: A contentious subject. Suzuki recommend 33 psi front and 36 psi rear for the SV on the standard tyres it left the factory with whether Metzeler or Dunlop, almost every tyre manufacturer will blanket recommend 36 front, 42 rear for their tyres, but may have a different number if questioned on an individual bike.
The SV is a light bike, and thus you may well feel that something closer to 33/36, is better than 36/42, and a number of people would agree with you. From this you may gather that despite what some may suggest there is no 'right' pressure, between 33 and 36 at the front, and between 36 and 42 at the rear dependant on load, tyre brand, and use is 'right'.

All sorts of opinions will come your way.

I favour Maxxis at the moment as they're spot on for the SV and very good for the money IMO. Other's dislike them and percieve them as a 'cheap' tyre, but there are also loads of people that rate them. I've tried the sports and sport touring, both good IMO.

Pressures: 36F & 42R (I like a firm ride), but as stated, Suzuki recommend 33F, 36R - so something between that range should be fine.

Dunlop sport smarts are my recommendation. They are pricey though. There dual compound, hard in the middle, soft on the edge. I've found them really grippy at the standard sv pressures.

[Geodude]

Pilot road 2's good all rounder and good milage return.

Another vote for Maxxis from me. never have any bother with mine. love them.

Thanks for all the help guys, I've never bought tyres before and I've only recently just passed my A2 so I literally know nothing about bikes.

Right this may seem like a stupid question but what size is my tyre supposed to be? (width, ratio, rim size?)
I figured it will probably be cheaper to buy tyres online and just get them fitted.

I've just had a pair of Michelin Road Pilots fitted and compared to the Bridgestone 020's they are much, much better, but that might be down to the tread being pretty low on the Bridgestones?

I'm using Avon Storm 2 Ultra at the moment on 36front 42rear. Ride is a bit firm but running at these pressures keeps it on the harder rubber in the middle.
Absolute pig in the wet thought these tyres!