My sport touring bikes all use radial tires.  I really can't make much of a comment about the handling difference - as the 17" wheels on the sport bikes use radials and the Savage 18" wheels have only used bias ply (apple/oranges comparison).

The modern tires they make for sport touring bikes have incredible traction with a hard compound down the center and softer compounds on the sides.......they can corner at lean angles that are beyond my comfort level on public roads.

I can remember the first radial tires I ever used.......it was on my 1964 VW bus.  I got a set of Semperit radials - and I was amazed how much easier they rolled than the bias ply tires.....I really felt the difference and it was most noticeable as you came to a stop (I had to apply more brake to slow the bus down).

just wonderin' : can tubes be used in radials?
Cheers!  

Yeah I’ll be running tubes. They used to make radial inner tubes for cars , I wondering if they make them for bikes. It can’t make a big difference anyways. I want it to handle well of course but it has to have “the look” too.
Never compromise on your vision , keep it changing until it’s exactly what you want. Remember everyone will be scrutinizing your vision , you hard work. Criticisms & questions abound. Your goal should be nothing less than a WOW factor !