Tires

[KevinB]

Its time for some new sneakers on the SV, looking for some insight on what tires to get. It has MEZ4s on it now, but I would like something more suited to trackdays and sport riding.
I would like to get a second set of wheels for trackdays, anyone know of a place to get them used or salvage yard. I have been checking Ebay and SV Rider sites.

Thanks KevinB

[GMAN226]

If you want something that will last a while and still stick enough to get a knee down get the Metzler Sportec M1's or the new Pirelli intermediate (same compound different tread pattern). I have them on my Mille and have done track days with them and they held up great...


G-man

[Zero]

I don't think you can go wrong with most of the new rubber out there. Dennis Kirk will beat anyone's prices on tires by $1 each and they have excellent service. As far as wheels I would also look for Katana or Bandit wheels or whatever other bike that shares those wheels. I'm sure the SV branded parts go for more used, but Suzuki uses the same parts on many models. Or you could just buy some new magnesium wheels. Let me know if you need help getting the tires mounted.

[Feirax]

Michelin just released their pilot-road.. dunno about this tire but I love their tires.. I like the Bridgestone BT010s on an SV for the street. Probably any sport tire is going to be better than the M4 which is more of a touring tire than sport. I've heard some negative comments about Dunlop D208s but never ridden on them myself. I don't have much riding history

but that's my .02. I bought my last set of tires from http://www.discountmotorcycletire.com/

-F

[Polonius]

I have a copy of the 2003 Michelin tire pamphlet that is in addition to the Fitment Guide book. I got it from net inquiry.

In the pamphlet, there is a bar chart that indicates which "Pilot" tire is most suitable for several conditions.

Under the "Track Day" condition, Road has a note where the bar should be and reads "NOT RECOMMENDED." The Race H2 is rated "Best" while the Sport and Sport HPX are rated "Good" to "Better."

Under "Sport Riding at the Limit," Race H2 is rated "Best." Road is least rated at "Good" to "Better." Sport and Sport HPX are higher rated at "Better" to "Best."

Under "Sport Touring," "Wet Weather" and "Bikes Over 1100cc," Road is rated "Best."

Race H2 is "NOT RECOMMENDED" under " Sport Touring" and "Wet Weather."

Therefore, I respectfully recommend that everyone request the latest "riding condition" information from each manufacturer that you may be considering purchasing and slapping upon your "track day" and "everyday" bike. This should be done in addition to any recommendations from any so called reputable and experienced mechanic IMHO I find that most of their knowledge is imperical and many can't read or write.

This investment in specification detail could save someone a painful and embarrising "track day" on the low side and even perhaps your miserable lives on the high side.

Best Wishes

[KevinB]

I was thinking about the Sportec M1s($180 a pair), what do think about the Rennsport model ($260 a pair).

[Zero]

I would stick with the Sportec's. The Rennsports have hardly any tread on the edges. I have read many articles that say you will never get race tires up to temp on the street and street tires stick better when cold.

[KevinB]

They have two models of Rennsports, Race and Street. I'm guessing that the street model is similar to the Pilot H2. I think there rated as sport/trackday tires. Also the price level is similar. the M1s cost slightly less that Pilot Sports.

[RandyO]

Azaro.....mmmmmm

[GMAN226]

Originally posted by KevinB
They have two models of Rennsports, Race and Street. I'm guessing that the street model is similar to the Pilot H2. I think there rated as sport/trackday tires. Also the price level is similar. the M1s cost slightly less that Pilot Sports.

Both are good tires.. I think the Sportecs will last longer.

G-man

[benVFR]

I had the Mez4s, BT010s, and then the M1s right before I got rid of my SV.

I got like 9k out of the Mez4s, they slip and slide a little, and aren't as good in the rain.

BT010s had more than enough grip for a track day, lasted about 7k and probably could have gotten at least a thousand more. They are better than the Mez4s in the rain IMO. I got rid of them at 7k cause I was down in NC and didn't know if they'd make it back.

The M1s felt very similar to the BT-010s. I only had them for 1500 miles or so before I traded my bike. They were fine in the rain and tons of grip in the dry too.

Both the BT-010s and the M1s felt like they had more grip than necessary for the SV due to it's lower power than the bikes these tires were designed for. They both felt absolutely rock solid and I can't remember them ever slipping unless I went through sand, hit a rock, etc.. I wanted to try the Azaros like Randy mentions if I had kept the SV. I would probably also have liked to try the BT-020s as well.

Ben

[Ken C]

I can't recommend the M1 Sportecs enough, particularly for a lightweight, low horsepower bike where they would last longer.

As a testimony to their grip, I just raced my MZ Scorpion with Sportecs on it and I had no grip issues whatsoever.

[KevinB]

I ordered the Sportec M1s,from DMT. $202 for the set including shipping.

Thanks to all for the help.

KevinB

[R7]

I can see a set of H2s on the dubya in the near future

[ChR1s]

Sportec?

They're
crap!

[jsven007]

I ordered the Sportec M1s, from DMT. $202 for the set including shipping.

Good, because I have the better BT010s, muahaha!!

Actually I have heard great things about both. The Sportecs do look super cool on a bike, though.

[KevinB]

Justin,

Maybe you can do the next trackday so you can show me how much better they are. LOL.

[jsven007]

Maybe you can do the next trackday so you can show me how much better they are. LOL.

OK, hehe. You sure you want to ride in the beginner class??

[KevinB]

I got my new M1s mounted today, what difference from the MEZ4s. Feels like a whole different bike. Now I can't wait till August so I can get back on the track. Going down to Pocono on the 16th and doing Tonys day on the 26th.