Back in 1987 to enter the production 250 class in England, the bike was supposed to be an official import. When we took it out of the van we were surrounded by what seemed like half the paddock. Most were curious but some said we were cheating.
Believe me, cheating was prevalent among most production racers and later with the KR1s, if you didn't cheat with the top lads you wouldn't get into the top 10.
With my bike we had the engine sorted by Terry Shepherd which included having to run Yamaha TZ pistons, bronze inserts in heads to deter detonation. We ran 50% 4 star/ 50% avgas to maintain cooler running along with different 5th and 6th gears in the box.
Ex tt winner Mick Lofthouse told me that one and I went a second a lap quicker at Mallory Park next time out.
With the MC16 I would have been a guinee pig regards development. I was going to buy the TZR but when I saw the Honda going round on the turntable in the window of Colin Appleyard's I fell in love with its looks.
Tyre size didn't seem a problem all those years ago but I guesse as bikes got quicker then stickier rubber was required.
If I were you I would stick with standard wheels and run Bridgestone BT9's, I'm sure they would out perform the Metzellers, and to me they were great.
I was probably not quick enough to out ride the tyres, I had a good time though and have some great memories.