Re: best tyres
 

i'm still kinda stuck for a choice:smt100:scratch:

Re: best tyres
 

I've just had a pair of Continental Road Attacks fitted, for about ?150 ride in ride out, which I thought was pretty good. Only done about 100 miles, so they're barely run in and about half of those were in the wet, I've yet to have a play really, but they seem nice. It's my first new pair (although the bike had reasonably new D220s on it when I got it) but they feel good to me, I have renewed confidence and feel in the front end.

Hard for me to make a recommendation since I have little to compare with, but they have good things written about them, and I think they represent good value for money at the price I paid.

Re: best tyres
 

If you are only doing 2k a year then longevity probably isn't you biggest concern, so maybe you are looking for grip/quick warm up/profile?

Each tyre has their own shape and a lot of people prefer using just 1 profile/make so its a bit of finding one you like, other don't really care (Bigape just likes em round!)

Are you doing track days/fast road/bimble or a bit of scratchin? I found the Diablo's the best all rounders for me on my SV, you could do all sorts with them and they are cheaper than they were as Pirelli have brought out newer tyres. I also liked the Metzeler M1 Sportecs but they weren't as good in wet although Metz now brought out M3. On the other hand I can't stand Conti's (RoadAttack and SportAttack) but some people love them on here as they have a smooth and progressive profile but not so nice if you ride them on the rims

Re: best tyres
 

This is a good thing.
As Balky001 says, when a lot of people pick tyres they want at least 6,000 miles or so from a rear tyre, this limits their choice.

If you do 2,000 miles of pleasure riding, and normal paced road stuff you can buy any of the sports touring tyres and they'll last you a few years:

Michelin Pilot Road 2
Continental Road Attack
Pirelli Diablo Strada / Metzler Roadtec Z6 (Essentially the same tyre)
Bridgestone 021
Avon Storm ST
Dunlop roadsmart

All have had good reports from people, it's very unlikely there's a tyre there that you won't be happy with. It's best off not to mix and match front and rears. it's not "unsafe" as such but the front and rear won't have have the same characteristics. If you were going to mix and match there's a reasonable logic that says that another Dunlop (the roadsmart) might work best.

If you do a few track days and a typical ride involves scraping the pegs on the floor through the corners you might want something more sporty. They won't last as long but only doing 2,000 miles a year that won't bother you too much. You are now in the realms of:

Pirelli Diablo
Avon Viper Sport
Bridgestone BT014
Michelin Pilot Sport / Pilot Power
Continental Sport Attack

If you're fitting these "sport" tyres the suggestion is you're riding more aggressively than most, or you're fitting them because you don't have to worry about mileage. Either way I'd be less inclined to mix & match them with the existing Dunlop 220 front.

Be honest about what you want. I very much doubt you'd be unhappy with any of the above tyres. When it all comes down to it, which pattern do you like and what do they cost?

Jambo

Re: best tyres
 

cheers jambo, i think im edgin towards the metzeler z6's ive seen alot of people on here talk about them and every1 seems to think very highly of them.:smt023

Re: best tyres
 

I've had a pair of Z6's on mine and was very happy with them.

I've just run in a pair of BT020's and am also very happy with those tyres- very confidence inspiring. The fitter said that the BT021's are similar but better compound and last about 15% longer. Just a bit more pricey (about ?10-20 more/pair)

Re: best tyres
 

I had PR2's on my Z750 and they were awesome, great wet grip I think knee down might be possible on damp roads. The previous set lasted about 8k maybe more, some of that was slow touring stuff some fast(ish) basically not hammering every traffic light. Personally I couldn't use more grip than the PR2 have on public roads.

Re: best tyres
 

Ok, I'll say it - holy thread resurrection!

Ok, need to think about new boots for my SV650s (L0). Also coming up to its 8k service. So far, have been using the stock tyres (Dunlop Sportmax - 220, I believe). They've been ok (and I've used them on the track too), but they're not the best tyre out there (although you have to give them credit for lasting nearly 8k!) so I'm taking this opportunity to try out one of the recommended ones.

Basically, I need a sport touring tyre that's slightly more sport than touring. I don't use it to commute so it's weekends and pleasure only. Some track (hoping to do 4 - 5 this year), otherwise mostly moderately fast weekend riding in the country (though I'd of course have to travel to get there if, say, it was up on Scotland or Wales).

Needs also to be good in the wet for confidence (as I'm more nervous then, I need all the help I can get).

I'd be happy if I could get 4k and change out of them.

So I spoke to JHS Racing (http://www.jhsracing.co.uk/suzuki_SV.htm) who recommended (in descending order of stickiness / ascending order of durability):
- Dunlop Sportsmart
- Avon VP2
- Dunlop Qualifier 2

Kingston Tyre Services (whom I'm not convinced know what's best for the SV - they had to ask me to phonetically spell 'SV') recommend the Dunlop Roadsmart over the Avon VP2 or the Dunlop Qualifier 2.

They also recommend the Pirelli Diablo Corsa, but have warned me that this is more of a track tyre and will therefore not last very long.

Help please! Can those in the know please give me the benefit of their experience?!

Ta

Jo

Re: best tyres
 

Those tyres are sports rubber, yet how you are describing as your riding seems much more suited to a sports touring tyre. A sports/touring tyre will give more miles and better wet grip than a sports tyre and almost as much grip - you may only notice the difference at the track. Take your pick from the usual suspects:-
Avon Storm
Continental Road Attacks
Dunlop Roadsmart
Michelin Pilot Road 2 (new Road 3 now out but have no feedback on that)
Pirelli Angels


All have their advocates on here, all offer more grip than most of us can use, all are good in the wet. My personal preference is for Avon Storms, but am planning on giving Michelin PR2 a go at next tyre change.

Take a read of the tyres section for reviews and comments about each of the above (and some other options)

Re: best tyres
 

I need a new rear tyre for the bike too - totally confused.

Currently have maxxis on the front and rear and never had any issues with them...

can you/should you mix and match tyres?