Can I bring some balance to the force here 
Yes, the tire is a bit square. Yes, of course a new tire will feel better. Is that tire dangerous? No! Does it 'need' changing? No!
If you ride like a hooligan, change the tire. If you don't, and lets face it most of us don't 90% of the time, leave it longer....you aren't about to die with that tire. If you only ride a few k's a year and want to max the enjoyment/feel of each k, get a new rear.
I will say though, that despite their supposed mixed compounds and supposed longer lasting middle section, the Pirellis really don't last like the marketing men would have you believe. It's disappointing because the wet grip is very good.
One last point. There's a lot of reviews that say how quick steering this tire is that tire is. This is my opinion - tires like the Roadtec 01 make you wonder how you road before without them, for a while. They're super quick steering and predictable. But do they work on a GSA or 1290? I would say they aren't the best choice if you're loaded and touring. No. With a weighted rear, the front is too lively and skittish in my opinion. And when you stop at the lights you'll be reaching for the floor more quickly. The KTM OEM tires don't steer as fast, but you can stop at the lights and then get your feet down in a more relaxed way. They suit a loaded adv bike better and lasted longer than the PR5's and 01's, though they squared off just as badly.
My 10 c's.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes, the tire is a bit square. Yes, of course a new tire will feel better. Is that tire dangerous? No! Does it 'need' changing? No!
If you ride like a hooligan, change the tire. If you don't, and lets face it most of us don't 90% of the time, leave it longer....you aren't about to die with that tire. If you only ride a few k's a year and want to max the enjoyment/feel of each k, get a new rear.
I will say though, that despite their supposed mixed compounds and supposed longer lasting middle section, the Pirellis really don't last like the marketing men would have you believe. It's disappointing because the wet grip is very good.
One last point. There's a lot of reviews that say how quick steering this tire is that tire is. This is my opinion - tires like the Roadtec 01 make you wonder how you road before without them, for a while. They're super quick steering and predictable. But do they work on a GSA or 1290? I would say they aren't the best choice if you're loaded and touring. No. With a weighted rear, the front is too lively and skittish in my opinion. And when you stop at the lights you'll be reaching for the floor more quickly. The KTM OEM tires don't steer as fast, but you can stop at the lights and then get your feet down in a more relaxed way. They suit a loaded adv bike better and lasted longer than the PR5's and 01's, though they squared off just as badly.
My 10 c's.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
"fatist" Taxi 
driver when I come up with something socially acceptable to say to him (yes that's you Cabby) 
