I don't think there's any way to have a discussion about tires that doesn't turn out completely confusing. We've all got our opinions on this matter and they tend to diverge completely!

I replaced my OEMs with a set of Dunlops. The Dunny's were ok. Sufficient I could say. Maybe better than sufficient. No big incidents in the rain. In fact not much wet sliding at all. My biggest complaint about these tires is at high speeds (75-110), I tend to feel a little "floaty" or something. Like I couldn't get a feel for the road, which was a new sensation after 10 years or so of riding. But this was my first set of brand new tires on the first bike I ever owned from the showroom. I could be imagining. I tend to pay way too much attention to small details and lose the bigger picture.

I did actually like the Bridgestone OEMs a little better. Some people spit on those tires, but I felt pretty good about them. This could also be because they were what I drove outta the showroom and spent 4 years or so falling in love with my ride. A "romance" type thing...

Anyway, I'm about to pull the trigger and I can't decide. The Dunnys were good to me, and I wonder if I should just go with what worked well in the past. I've gotten about 8,000 Miles from them and I cannot complain about the handling, though I know it could probably be better.

The Bridgestones I liked but maybe my head was clouded by love. This tire gets good all around reviews. I feel like they had a slight edge over the Dunlops.

I'm looking at a rear Metzler 888 as well. Great LOOKING tire and has good reviews. But I have read a few reviews, including a few on these forums that they are terrible in the rain. But most reviews are pretty positive all around.

Venoms wear too quickly. I'd like to get more than 5,000 Miles before a change. I'm no racer, but I go through the gears when I have the chance.

I won't do Shinkos. People love 'em but I've heard too many bad things about them. I'll pay an extra 50 for a better reviewed tire.

I know full well what this discussion leads to!!! But I'm trying to decide what the best all round tire will be. Don't do a lot of wet riding, but I do it and I like the bike to grip in the rain. Duns have been good, I THINK the Bridgestones were better, and I love the look of the Metzlers, though I'm still not sure about the wet traction ratings. Little help??

Thanks everybody!