This bike came with the ME-33/ME-55A combination as OEM fitment, and so there's no question it's a conservative choice.  Still, tyre technology has advanced, and unless you really don't want to move with the times, look to a more modern selection than these.

Now that Bridgestone's excellent BT45's are available in the right size for this bike, they're an obvious choice for the cost-conscious.  While they won't provide the benefits of radials, they'll perform well in all types of riding.  The only real drawback is that the front has a tendency towards uneven wear and cupping, but they're still an excellent choice.

The proven ME-Z1/ME-Z2 combination could have been made for this bike.  Excellent wet and dry traction, good life, and confidence-inspiring handling from the linear profile make this by far the best selection for this machine.  In fact, Metzeler acknowledges this as specifying it as their recommendation for the U.S. market.

For sport-riding, and for those who sport-tour with the emphasis on sport, there's a better choice: Avon's excellent AV27/Azaro combination.  While the Metzelers are fine tyres, the Avons have the edge in performance.  With the AV27 front, this set would be comfortable and stable on the highway as well, and should wear fairly well too.  While there is an Azaro available for the front, the older chassis of the Katana will be more comfortable on the less radical AV27.

I'd be tempted by the Avon AV27/Azaro, but for a general selection the Metzelers are just such good tyres.

Avon

Bridgestone

Continental

Dunlop

IRC

Metzeler

Michelin

Pirelli

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