Tyres are are one of those things that can and are extremely personal..............there was a famous racer cant remember his name but he waa forced to use Michelins on his race bike because the team he rode for was contacted to them...............he preference had always been for Dunlops...............his time with that team was a real struggle he just could not get on with the Michelins.................ruined season and nearly a ruined career.
When I first raced in 1996 I used Dunlops because that is what my mate used and he said they were the best and he loved them...........fine off I went racing and always used Dunlop 207s. At the Manx GP in 1997 I was still using them and while I was getting on alright the bike never felt truely stable. It was always very twitchy and lively over bumps..........The TT course has lots of bumps and lots of flat out full stick corners so you can imagine.........still I enjoyed my race and went home happy.
Next season 1998 I carried on using Dunlops...........come the Manx not much had changed the bike was twitchy and not really much fun especially as I had a better idea of where I was going and started to find a bit more speed.
I spoke to a guy beside me in the paddock campsite and he gave me a set of Pirellies to try they were on wheels and well worn but he reckoned I'd like them and said give them a good few miles to warm up and then give it a lash.
Off I went on that first lap with Pirellies. Off the line at the Manx it is flatout throught a crossroads and down Bray HIll at the crossroads theres about six different cambers and a bump that the bike will wheelie over if you hit the sweet spot..............as soon as I was through that crossroads I knew I loved those Pirellies. I cant remember now but my first lap on them was a full minute or more faster than I'd ever done before. And it was all down to the tyres. They steered perfectly yet skimmed over the bumps instead of being deflected like the Dunlops did.........................
Never used any other tyre since......................
I have some kind of Bridgestones on my 1100 and they are totally crap I hate them and as soon as I have a part worn set of Pirellies to put on it I will.
Horses for courses you need to find the tyre that suits you and when you do try something different cos it might be better.
Beg steal or borrow part worns try everything you can and make a choice based on your own experience.
RANT OVER
Pirelli!