I know...
I've been on the receiving end of these questions frequently enough, but they're only annoying when you Know the tires.
So, requirements, priority #1 is long life. I'm a firm believer that even "hard" cruiser/touring tires have more than enough grip to drag pegs.. mostly because I've done it. I don't need, or want to pay for, tires that can be used on the racetrack. Is it possible to get 20k+ out of a front and 15k+ out of a rear (before hitting the TWIs)?
#2 is rain/wet road performance... I live in Georgia, we have just a little precip here. I've ridden some (Pirelli something or other) that treated a little ground water like a patch of ice. I'd like to avoid that
#3 is turn-in feel. I don't particularly enjoy lots of effort for turn-in. I know that sacrifices straight line stability and May be at odds with my #1 up there.
I'd like to stick with tires that correctly fit the OEM rims too. Based on my initial research, the Avon Venoms seem to be a front-runner. I happen to be a HUGE Avon fan too... hey, I even got sponsorship for a shared race team from Avon in '97 or '98 (can't remember anymore) When the Azaro was released. Seems like most Connie tire threads are talking about tires that are better suited for sport bikes/track days than, well... I guess I see the Connie as a "tourer-sport" bike.
So, thoughts on what might best fit my wants?