What size tire?

I am going to be buying a new tire for the rear only I believe, I would like something a little wider than a stock 160.
Thinking 180 or as much as 200. Any advice on this?
I am not too familiar with bikes so I don't know if this is extremely hazardous or not. I don't ride at tracks or anything but want it to handle good still.
Also is it a really bad idea to to put on a new rear and not a new front, any advice would be great. thanks

Suzuki specified the tyre sizes they did for a reason! I've also read that some SV racers think the rear 160 section is too wide.

Research and Development spend millions on testing, before launching a new product.

If an SV needed a 180 or 200 tyre it would have one.

Narrower tyres will certainly make it turn quicker.

Standard tyres will do everything you need it to do

If you go with a fatter tire for whatever rediculous reason, then get a wider rim.

pinching a wide tire on a narrow rim can have disastrous consequenses

http://www.svrider.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=34916

[northwind]

IIRC the 160/60 was pinched on the rim, never mind putting on a bigger one...

I will take your word for it. I understand the whole RD thing, its the image I wanted but I am not about to endanger myself for that. 160 Metz Z6 it is then! I posted before I had time to think about it. The guys at the shop saw no problem with a bigger tire.... *******s

[northwind]

There's a CBR rear that mounts up relatively easily- there's a kit available for it- and'll take a bigger wheel, maybe 180? Can't remember for sure. Or you could fit a GSXR rear, means all sorts of fabrication work to get the axle and spacers to work, but it'll take a big fat tyre no problem...

Still will handle less well, of course, but it'll be safe. And I have to agree it looks good, though on the other hand anyone who knows anything about bikes will probably slag it off...