To answer the questions I've been asked. The Bridgestones were fresh much less than a year old. The Metzler's chopped badly, wore too quickly and too expensive. The BEM at first felt great. I did not believe the slight increase in height would have such a positive effect. The bike didn't scrape the pegs as easily or often and just seemed to steer easier/lighter. But it was slippery, which I attributed to being a new tire. Well it never went away. Not panic braking, but just quick stops usually produces skid. Gas it coming out of a curve, back tire slips. Never did that before. Wet traction was never good. From about 50- 80% worn wet traction is none existent. Even a slow turn from a stop and I feel the back slide. Since the Bridgestone is $100 less than the other two I could tolerate the short life span but the poor traction is unacceptable. I consider my riding as normal but still harder than some who don't ride in winter, rain or everyday or seldom exceed 90-100mph. I love Cruisers with low end torque and I twist the throttle generously and often. Sure that can be attributed to the rapid tire wear but it could, no should be better. About the weight issue of lighter riders, not a problem I don't know my actual weight but it's in excess of 275 lbs. I've never had brake lock up issues with any other bike/tire. It depends on the situation but I use 70% front 30% rear without ABS. 50-50 with ABS.