It does handle way different. I'm pleased to say the least. I put about a 100 miles today to get some miles on the Metzeler and new rim and got caught in a solid downpour. Pull into this church parking lot to don some raingear. Left the bike idling while I suited up, everyone starts coming out of church running to their cars. They're all gawking at me, I started laughing. I'm sure they were as surprised as I was. Great Fathers day. LOL Hamph