Which front tyre for my SV650S?

[rich_g85]

As per the title really. Bike only gets very light use in dry conditions.

Thanks in advance.

Rich

 

[Kreeeee]

What's the rear tyre? It's important that the profiles of both are compatible with each other.

 

[rich_g85]

Ah, I hadn't thought about that! I'm fairly new to riding, this being my first ever bike.

I think both tyres are Dunlop, can't recall any more detail than that though.

 

[Fireskull]

I would check that first and let us know, then we can inform you properly.

It could be a 120/60 or 120/70 profile depending on year SV, either way I would go with a 120/70 for better cornering.

 

[BUDFORCE]

I just use standard 120/60, 160/60 on my 03 SV650, I have no problems cornering.

Dunlop's are ok, but the new Michelin Road 5's work very well on an SV for road use, and will last longer.

 

[Scythe]

For a new starter, don't mix tyres.

I recommend the Metzeler Roadtec 01, or Michelin Pilot Road 5 (3 or 4 are also good, but old stock). It'll feel like another new bike then and will be a big confidence booster, enjoy it.

 

[Kreeeee]

For a new starter, don't mix tyres.

I recommend the Metzeler Roadtec 01, or Michelin Pilot Road 5 (3 or 4 are also good, but old stock). It'll feel like another new bike then and will be a big confidence booster, enjoy it.

Note that the above are touring tyres, so you will need to tailor your grip expectations accordingly. I currently run the Roadtec 01's and they're decent for road use.

 

[Scythe]

Note that the above are touring tyres, so you will need to tailor your grip expectations accordingly. I currently run the Roadtec 01's and they're decent for road use.

It's his first bike, any new tyres will be great.

 

[Kreeeee]

It's his first bike, any new tyres will be great.

It's still worth mentioning. I got the stickiest rubber (for cold tyre and rain performance) I could on my first bike to minimise any risks.

 

[BUDFORCE]

Those road 5's are as good as any tyre I've had including soft sports tyres.

Unless he's a street Rossi, might as well get the mileage and wet grip of a good sports tourer.

 

[Dogbreath]

It's still worth mentioning. I got the stickiest rubber (for cold tyre and rain performance) I could on my first bike to minimise any risks.

Modern tyres like the PR5 will have more grip than a new rider could ever possibly use, and will have more grip in less than optimal conditions. Really sticky don't tend to work well until warmed up and tend not to be so good in the wet.

 

[Kreeeee]

Double post.

 

[Kreeeee]

Modern tyres like the PR5 will have more grip than a new rider could ever possibly use, and will have more grip in less than optimal conditions. Really sticky don't tend to work well until warmed up and tend not to be so good in the wet.

They definitely don't grip as well as the M7RRs in the wet. There's a reason I specifically said:

I got the stickiest rubber (for cold tyre and rain performance) I could

 

[Scythe]

They definitely don't grip as well as the M7RRs in the wet. There's a reason I specifically said:

Diverging from the OP a bit, but my experience is different.

I have the M7RR on my sports bike (a big fan may I add) and PR3 on my tourer for wet conditions (yet to try the PR5) - I have toured on both in all conditions and whilst the M7RR is a phenomenal tyre, my experience is that the PR3 is superior in the wet at the expense of outright dry grip. I expect the PR5 to be even better.

However, I do agree the M7RR are a great tyre, they're different horses for different courses but the M7RR is a good all-round tyre for experienced riders who want a tyre which is great for fast dry riding, and hold a reasonable grip level in the wet. It is not the stickiest in the wet, nor does it intend to be, sports touring and touring tyres are designed to be as good in the wet as they are in the dry.

I wouldn't expect a new rider to be pushing tyres that much, so a modern sports touring tyre which is predictable across all conditions and heat up quickly is more suitable.

 

[BUDFORCE]

Couldn't expect a new rider to be pushing tyres that much, so a modern sports touring tyre which is predictable across all conditions and heat up quickly is more suitable.

Yea and the mileage. I mean I been riding 16 years, I ride fast-ish, but I'm no Street Rossi. These road 5's are perfectly fine, I get my foot scraping the road whilst on the pegs, got no chicken strips.

Unless your on a race track, personally I think if your pushing it further than that on the street, your pushing your luck anyway.

 

[IC3]

120/70 any day, so much more grip mid corner.

 

[MowyTone]

I found battlax tyres were TERRIBLE on my SV and felt dangerous in the wet...what ever you do dont use them. I swapped them for pilot road 4's and it became a much more stable bike. I've used them ever since