So, having now put a few miles on the new tyres I can report they are certainly an improvement over the Avons, not that they were ever bad.
In the dry they just inspire a little more confidence but in the wet they're a big improvement with more of a feeling that they're providing much better grip on corners.
It may be down to to tread depth but I certainly feel happier.
On an unconnected note, I'm starting to think about a new exhaust.
I plan on keeping this at least 3 more years and it's still on the original system but it's on it's last legs from the cat back.
I don't want much more noise and am not looking for more performance (it would be a bonus tho') but I'm thinking of a stainless steel upgrade.
Ideally I'd like to keep the original tail trim to keep it looking standard so might have a look at a longlife from Tony Banks in Leeds as I've heard good things and hopefully they could do something.
Any other recommendations around the Sheffield area would be welcome.