My experience on 1150 & 1200 GSs is that the performance is REALLY dependent on the front tire more than the back, unless you get in deep sand or nasty mud, then the back starts to matter. The big bikes really want to push the front end out from under them. I've run everything from more street biased adventure tires to the full TKC 80s. I regularly ride on hard packed gravel, dirt, and some sand. I find that having the TKC 80 front makes a world of difference in how the bike handles, so much so that I will gladly give up longevity for that performance. On the rear, I have been using the Shinko 805s because they have decent longevity and performance, but they aren't expensive. I don't like to pay more than $150 for a tire. Some of those other tires are $200 or more and I am not convinced they last that much longer or perform that much better. The Tractionators seem to be real popular, but the rear for my GS would be $228!! I think I paid $135 for the rear Shinko 805. The Tractionator would have to be a MUCH better tire and last a LOT longer for me to justify another $93 for it.