I was really impressed with the Pirellis straight away. From the off the bike felt really composed and stable with the Pirellis on and even though I had no idea what tyres they were I had the confidence even on lap one to start hustling the bike round and get up to speed.
Like the tyres already discussed, the rear Pirelli would spin when pushed, but it definitely took more ponies to get the rear stepping out – there was noticeably more grip than the Metzeler, Bridgestone or Continental rear. And like the aforementioned tyres, the slippage was usually reasonably linear, perhaps, at least to some extent, thanks to the smooth power delivery of the R1M when you get up towards the gentlemen’s end of the rev range.
On the side of the tyre, at full lean angle, the Pirellis felt capable of carrying proper corner-speed and steep lean-angle and there was always more than enough grip to dig knees and toes into the tarmac (and even elbows, if you’re that way inclined). And, unlike when on the Bridgestones, it didn’t feel like it took an awful lot of effort to get the R1M on its ear, it felt as light and agile as it should do.