Tyre size -- How does it affect ride?

I have a 2003 Sv650S. Its my first bike, I bought it used, and am slowly getting better at riding. I need some advice on replacing my tires.

While getting a state inspection here in Maryland, they told me I needed new tires. My friend (who doesn't own a bike) recommends I get fatter rear tires because he think "they look better" and I have seen fat tires on some nice sports bikes. Doing some research, I read in an earlier post that the size Suzuki recommends (120/60 ZR17 MC front -- 160/60 ZR17 MC rear) are best...obviously because they designed the bike in the first place. That makes a lot of sense to me.


So my question is: what difference does a wider rear tire make?

and: any advice on what I should do - follow Suzuki specs on front and rear or something different?


Thank you everyone.

[fizzwheel]

Wider rear tyre slows the steering down apparently, I don't know as I've never tried it on my SV. Theres a school of though from peoples whose opinion I trust that say dont go wider than the manufacturer recommends on a standard SV wheel as the rims not design to take a wider tyre and you end up with a pinched tyre which isnt good.

If it were me and my bike then I'd stick with the standard sized tyres.

Interesting. Just for the sake of knowledge....why do a lot of "pimped out" bikes have wider rear tires (mostly seen on other sports bikes, not the SVs)?

[northwind]

Yep, if you do want to fit a wider rear tyre- and it does look ace- then it makes sense to fit a wider wheel to suit, even a 160/60 is pinched on a 4.5 rim, never mind a 180.

Indeed stay standard... mainly because you need a 180 section wheel and a modified/new swing arm to take thet!

Plus, not broken dont fix it...

Oh and on a side note. Get michelin Pilot road 2! They are great imo.

I have a 180 tyre on my curvy's rim!!

Yes it alters the handling, so if you are a 'scratching' hero then it might compromise that.

In summery, is it recommended ... no ... is it do-able ... YES

HTH

[northwind]

Originally Posted by ThEGr33k

Indeed stay standard... mainly because you need a 180 section wheel and a modified/new swing arm to take thet!

Just the wheel, the SV swingarm's huge. I've definately seen race bikes with 190 in fact.

If you do it right, it's not a negative change in the handling, it's just a change. Frinstance, when I fit mine I guarantee the bike will still turn faster than a standard SV, due to the wheel choice and geometry. I'm 90% sure it'll turn faster than I ever want it to in fact, it certainly can just now

Originally Posted by northwind

Just the wheel, the SV swingarm's huge. I've definately seen race bikes with 190 in fact.

If you do it right, it's not a negative change in the handling, it's just a change. Frinstance, when I fit mine I guarantee the bike will still turn faster than a standard SV, due to the wheel choice and geometry. I'm 90% sure it'll turn faster than I ever want it to in fact, it certainly can just now

Damn... Just going off of what i hear from others.

[northwind]

JHS sells a swingarm to take a GSXR rear wheel, so it was a fair assumption... But the Bandit 1200 wheel is an easy fit so that's a better option. (if all goes according to plan I'll be making a wee spacer kit for this in future btw, for the curvy SV at least)

Well....since wider tires are more expensive....and it costs loot to change the wheel and swing arm.... AND it turns just as well, but different....


Why do people do it? Just for looks?



(so far....I am planning on sticking to the standard size)