Regarding the looks of the 130, well, that's totally subjective. I thought that I'd hate the gap and have to drill and drop the fork guards and fenders, but it's grown on me and I think it gives the ole' girl a very racy, kinda' slammed look.
As for wear on the Michelin 140 goes, all I can tell ya' is that I rode the piss out of the thing and it was easily good for 10K miles (even though I removed it at about 8,300). Either ole bull's tire was defective, improperly mounted, improperly balanced, improperly inflated or he rides on roads made from 40 grit sandpaper.
I'm not pickin' on ya' bull, but something's wrong with that picture... maybe something you should speak to Michelin about as they tout that particular tire as an extended mileage product.
Peter, the bike responds and behaves better in all respects, including braking