As some have said tyre choices are very subjective and one only has to have a bad experience on a particular tyre to put you off that make completely. I've been riding since Jap bike first arrived in the UK and their tyres were regarded (quite rightly as it happened) as fitted to protect the rims and should be replaced ASAP. Thankfully those days have long gone, but I've never liked Bridgestone tyres on my bikes. Had BT020s on an RF900, BT56s on a Triumph and BT92s (Ithink?) on a Honda NC30 and didn't much like any of them. That was until I bought the 'strom fitted with Battlewings and was so impressed even when worn to the point of being illegal, that I bought them again. I've run them right off the sidewalls and had the back end power sliding out of roundabouts in the dry- bit silly really!. I've never had any moments in the wet either which is one area which really shows up good and bad tyres. The rear lasted about 5,000 miles and the front about 8,000. This was remarkable as nearly all the bikes I've had in the last 15 years seem to go through rears in under 2,000 and fronts in under 3,000. I've done several trips into southern France and Spain and worn out a set of tyres inside a week- very expensive holidays! The 'strom from this point of view has been a revelation. So at the end of the day you either stick with what you know, like and feel confident with or take the plunge and try something new and see what happens.......
