Ok Art,
here it is in a nutshell.
When I first put my Riken Rapter 225X55 on my bike,
I aired it up to the suggested 32 PSI.
It rode like a haytruck and handled like a sherman tank.
In other words, it SUCKED.
After suggestions from others at the motel,
after our first or second trip down the tail of the dragon,
I let some air out.
First down to 30 PSI, and it was better.
Next down to 28 PSI and it handled GREAT.
I had found the "sweet spot" for my weight and riding style.
I watched other darksiders who were in front of me on our rides,
and noticed the sidewall flexing a little bit,
but the contact patch still far exceeded the contact patch on a metz.
I've since rounded the edges off quite nicely, and the bottom line is,
I "FEEL" much safer on the Raptor than on the metz.
I've never once had the rear end slide on me on this gravel road I ride daily,
where it would on the metz.
I've never once had the rear end slide on me on wet payment,
where it would on the metz.
I guess it comes down to what a person likes, wants, needs.
I like my Raptor and if it cost me 5 HP or so for the added benefit of safety,
I'll deal with that.
The Rocket has HP in abundance and will still (even with the loss of HP)
smoke most any other bike out there.
You ride what you want, We'll do the same.
Take your Vmax out and show those arrogant car tire boys what you got.
Me? I'll continue to ride my ride and be happy smoking squids like you
in town or wherever the oppertunity presents itself.
If one gets lucky and beats me, I'll buy him a beer for the effort.
I sure won't blame it on my tire or lack of HP.