just to point out to you, ok you have your opinion but seeing as how pilot powers aren't made in 18" front rim sizes, be kinda difficult to find them for ST's...
Oh I didn't mean they were useful for the ST, just an example of my own general experience with the overall brand of Dunlop itself on my bikes, to be up front and illustrate where my perspective is coming from. The pilot power went on the little SV and would be too wimpy a casing for the ST1300 even if it was sized right. The Bandit is liking the Pirelli Diablo STradas very much (good tire), but that's another one that doesn't have an ST front size.
I was just pointing out my disappointment with the D220 on the SV along with the horrible Ninja tires. Ninja stock rubber is a tire that most 250 owners with experience agree need deep sixing before they are even worn out. That's a terrible indictment of a tire which a company should have long ago rectified with an update for their own reputation’s sake. The new Ninja250 takes 17 inch wheels now so the point is moot and now only affects owners of older models starting this year.
When the Pilot Powers are done, I was thinking of trying the STradas on the SV for good stick with better mileage than the PP. I also had an eye on the Pilot Road2. However the lap timed Dunlop tests have certainly caught my attention.
When I had my ST1300, I was happy running with the Metz Z-6 despite the low mileage in the tire (3500-5000 is my average for a sport tour tire regardless of bike) due to it's better handling over the Stock BS-020s that I wore out on the bike. I'm thinking any ST that sees some brisk twisty riding would be a superior test of the new Dunlop due to the bikes weight. Crappy handling in a tire should show up very easily on the ST. So, I'm hoping someone who isn't unfortunate enough to live in the straight and wide road STates, is giving them a go before I have to decide on new tires for the baby SV.
A lot of guys live where the roads are such that they need to think of mileage in a tire over subtleties in handling. Plenty others ride at a pace where mileage only is still the prime consideration for them. Nothing whatever wrong with that in any way. It's just that an assessment based on trip mileage first and foremost, doesn't help me in my riding area or daily riding. I’m in a riding situation where stick and handling come first for me over mileage (while mileage is still a consideration after that).
I am looking for another ST rider with similar evaluation needs who had the new Dunlop tire. It will probably take some time to find one since the tire is so new. The PP has a ways to go, I just hoped to find out and ride on someone's coat tails before I had to pony up some bucks and riding time for tires I could very easily be badly disappointed in.
That a VFR rider likes them is a good initial sign.
Now if only an ST rider who tortures them with the ST bulk on occasion would show up.
