tire selection, heavier low HP bike, not overly aggressive riding

[Falko]

The bike I just picked up has original tires from '08 on it with a hair over 4k in miles.
The bike is heavier, around 500, not overly blessed with power, 95hp but 1200cc v-twin torque.
I do not ride super aggressive, but sporty. The standard tires are 120/180, but I've read of dropping to a 170 in the rear for quicker handling.
Thinking of going with Dunlop D616, they are a dual sport/rain type tire, but with all the sand and gravel patches anymore, I was thinking this might be a good way to go. Other than that thinking of,
Conti Motion
Diablo
Q2

Thoughts, suggestions on tires, and if going to a 170 is a bad idea. The bike should NOT out power a 170, only concern with two up weight. Not looking to save money on the 170, they are typically within a few dollars of the 180, just thought if it helped the handling a bit.

[stoinkythepig]

I was not that impressed with the 616s (they wore funny and did not last very long) and have been very happy with Pilot Road 2s. They are quite good in the rain too.

[Kawi Ken]

Michlein PR4 due out in January .

[Falko]

I was not that impressed with the 616s (they wore funny and did not last very long) and have been very happy with Pilot Road 2s. They are quite good in the rain too.

When you say not long, did you get 5k out of them? Did you notice any better traction on sketchy surfaces? I'd like to get a dual compound as I'll be commuting the bike on the highway a bit. But like to run the back roads on the weekend.

[nhbubba]

I have been running the PR2's and PR3's on my 'strom. I ride fairly hard on the streets now and then. I have been very impressed with them. They handle everything; rain, dry, even some minor dirt/gravel. I've done track days with them too. Oh, and Deals Gap.

They're expensive, but I keep buying them. So far I really have no decent reason not too.

[stoinkythepig]

When you say not long, did you get 5k out of them? Did you notice any better traction on sketchy surfaces? I'd like to get a dual compound as I'll be commuting the bike on the highway a bit. But like to run the back roads on the weekend.

I got about 4000 miles out of them. They were more planted than "regular" tires on dirt. I did not notice any difference on sand-covered pavement. Rain performance was no better than PR2s.