Fair enough Benno, the Bridgestone tyre actually got some good reviews, and had softet compound on the sides so should provide good grip, at least as good and probably better than the current rear oem dunlop I currently have on the rear.  I will probably end up with the Pirelli on the back however , I do like that front one alot, as pointed out having confidence counts for alot. 

Well Rodders, your comments about the Avon's scalloping proved accurate in my case, my rear Avon has just clicked over 11k, which surprised me a little, prior to heading off on a trip in August it was holding up really well. But after doing 4000km of touring it is flat as fck in the middle, still plenty of depth in the tread though, so for me, they are not a great touring tyre, but I do like them in the corners. 

I ended up putting on the Bridgstone Benno and have about 500 Kay's on it, feels pretty sure footed up and down the ranges, run out of clearance before I run out of grip, even hanging off the side as much as possible with fwd pegs and controls. See how it goes long term and in the wet I guess, but liking it so far.

Well I just put V rated Bridgstone Battleax on the rear duel compound , they feel better covering than the Avon Cobra, the shape of the Bridgstone is better for cornering too, when I wear the front dunny I'll put another Bridgstone on the front, had them on tube frame Buell too & were great feel, the sides went like race slicks after riding harder in corners

Anyone tried the Metzeler Cruisetec's as I have seen some good reviews on them, still pretty new though

Avon Cobras on both mine:

I know this is a old thread but I put on a Bridgestone Battlecruise rear tyre on my Softail  and I would have to say best tyre I have ever used. I am still running a Night Dragon on the front but when that gets replaced it will be a Bridgestone Battlecruise I am that happy with these tyres.