Real quick:
Use premium tires and you will be fine. The longest lasting premium tire that I know of is a Michelin PR2 (Note: not a PR3).
There is no consensus. But for your next post, ask what the consensus is about plugging motorcycle tires.
Michelin PR3's are better in the rain than PR2's but I found the -2's adequate.
Tire size is more of a personal choice.
Yes, some have used a 180/55-17 on C-14's with reported good results. For tire size info. do a search but just whistling down the highway you really can't go wrong with the stock tire size 190/50-17.
Brian
Im sure this has been discussed over the last 5 years but whats the general consensus?
I only care about longevity and wet weather. I sit on the freeway for 80 miles/day and don't ride for fun.
What tires y'all use? What's the deal with going to 55? Has anyone tried a 180?
Thanks!