Tyres for 1999 SV650 for first time rider
 

Hi,


This will be my first big bike and it probably needs retyring. It has some Maxxis tyres on atm but they are old and even though they've never seen the light of day I reckon probably a bit past it.

What would people recommend, I don't want to break the bank but don't want a set of hedgefinders. My riding style will probably be big A roads and B roads but not very often in the rain (still want grip if I'm caught out), may also have a pillion on the back.


Would Bridgestone Battlax BT46's be any good?

Re: Tyres for 1999 SV650 for first time rider
 

This is a very subjective question since we are all opinionated. I don't think there are any "bad" tyres on the market. So, your question:

I'm sure they will be fine.

I buy Avons. My initial reason was that they are made in the UK although owned by Cooper Tires, a US company. I then discovered that the Avon Storm 3D X-M seem to live up to their claim of long life - I get about 12k from the rear but, weirdly, less from the front. My Yam has Michelin something or others and they seem fine, too, but I'll fit Avons when it's time following my initial reason above. I should point out that I seldom ride in the rain which may bias my viewpoint.

I got very uneven front tyre wear with Bridgestone BT19 (I think) but I'm sure that was me running them at too low a pressure, so operator error.

Re: Tyres for 1999 SV650 for first time rider
 

I've used the Pirelli Diablo Stradas and then the successors to them which are the Pirelli Angel ST. It's still possible to pick up a pair for around £150. They seem to suit the SV very well, with nice handling characteristics, and excellent grip wet or dry.

Re: Tyres for 1999 SV650 for first time rider
 

Ok thanks for the info. Will do some research.

Re: Tyres for 1999 SV650 for first time rider
 

Michelin for me, the latest version is the Road 6 but I'm on the Road 5 and they can now be had for noticeably less than the latest version. As bang for buck the 5 will probably be a perfect choice, the 6 hasn't been out that long so 5's won't be particularly old stock as such.
I find them excellent in all conditions, the most significant aspect for me is that they are pretty much neutral, you just don't really think about them, they are there and do the job so well. The front lightens the slow speed steering compared to other tyres (Pilot Road 4 etc).
I do minimal miles on the SV, but on my NC700 I've done over 10k miles touring on the rear and it's still looking good, probably get near 15k from it, front similar and I'm sure I'll change them as a pair.

If you don't do all that much mileage, just consider that a set of tyres will probably last 2 or 3 years for you, so resist the temptation to save a few quid and live with something not ideal for all that time.

Re: Tyres for 1999 SV650 for first time rider
 

Told you! 3 posters and 3 opinions. :)

Re: Tyres for 1999 SV650 for first time rider
 

Tyre choice is always an 'opinionated' matter.

IMHO there's some usual info in this very recent vid (only 7 mins - not an exhaustive test but it covers some decent general theory. He's Canadian so some decent parallels for UK climate. Also, 2 of the 3 tyres covered have already been mentioned in this thread so some consensus may already be forming :))

Re: Tyres for 1999 SV650 for first time rider
 

Ahh FortNine, top vids.

Re: Tyres for 1999 SV650 for first time rider
 

I can give you a what's not good, IMO - Michelin Pilot Road 4's. My bike came shod with a very unworn set of these. I took it up to a bike Rally in Derbyshire in July but I found the tyres lacking. they are fine in a straight line and on well surfaced roads. But as soon as there are slight imperfections I could feel them stepping out from time to time and certainly did not inspire confidence to push hard. I'll be glad to try something else when these are done.

Re: Tyres for 1999 SV650 for first time rider
 

Michelin Pilot 5s. Have a pair on mine and very stable. Lots of rubber available even at knee down levels. Wear well, resistant to squaring off, grip really well, neutral feel. Just (in my unlucky experience) prone to picking up punctures.


Saw courier who carries blood to hospitals in all weathers and they had PR5s.