My new to me 2004 America is needing new tyres. What options are available for fitting to wire wheels. Can I fit a tubeless tyre and run with a tube in?

yes

I am really enjoying my Michelins . Racked up many miles on metzlers but when I went with the Michelins it was like a new bike .

Bridgestone Exedra Max. Brilliant tires wet or dry and good mileage. Highly recommend.

I just bought Avon AM26 roadrider for the front and Avon AV72 Cobra for the rear. Just had them a short time so I'm not sure yet about wear or wet weather performance.

Best avoid Metzler 888's.....I threw mine away after trying to track down the cause of a mystery pulsing vibration...it was the tyres.

Avon Venom and you’ll never regret it. AM41 and AM42 if I remember correctly but I’ve gotten old so you’ll need to check. I put tubes in them with zero problems...they stick to the road like glue rain or shine.

Michelin Commander 2s are hard to beat. Only Avons are in the same league with them. IMHO

Avons for me...