i had seen a sv650 with a 180 rear tire on back. has anyone seen how that was done. ???
I have never seen that before either ??? I wouldn't put a 180 on an SV. It has got to make it handle like crap. It was designed for the 160 and going to a bigger tire would take away from the SVs quick and fast cornering.
My .02
On the same subject, a little different. I had 5 1/2" rim with a 180 and bought a bike that had 5" rim with a 180. The guy that had it is a national rocket and set it up that way. Yet the tires had 1/4" of unusable tire on each side as it bends the tire into the rim tighter. Would this make it turn in quicker or does anybody understand why this could be better?
A few months ago, the Dunlop guy was out of 160 DOTs. He suggested that I try a 170 on my SV. I was hesitant at first, but since I was in a bind I said "what the heck" and gave it a try. I didn't notice any slowing in the steering, but the bike felt more comfortable when on the outer edges of the tire. It still used 100% of the available surface area, didn't rub anything, and gave about the same life as the 160. I liked it so much that now that 160s are available, I still use a 170. I haven't tried the 180, but don't have any desire to, as I think I've found a sweet spot.
Your results may vary, as I am a big guy for an SV (6'2" 230Lbs.)
I have PM Wheels on my SV and the rear is a 5-1/2 inch wheel. I use a 180 rear tire and love it. It allows me to get on the gas much earlier than the standard 160 and the tires last MUCH longer. Turn in was not hampered either and the bike hndles better. This is for a racebike.
8) EDGAR...BLING BLING!!!!
I switched to the 170 for more availibilty. I did run an endurance with a 165 rear slick and actually like the way the DOT worked over the slick. granted it was a five hour and I never sprinted the bike with a slick so the results are a lil different. :)