Best Tires, '79 KZ1000 Shaftie

The bike was in storage a long time,so original tires are semi fossilized, any suggestions for new good handling tires? I run average 80mph on interstate but WA is also full of twisties where the fun is. I'm figuring the shaft drive will be harder on tires overall, so a good tire that doesnt' melt off the rim like ice cream is also a consideration.
How's hi speed on these bikes, I've heard some of the Z series are prone to head shake, what about this model? What are the cures for this if it is an issue here?
thanks upfront,
Ken

I,m running Avon Venoms on my shaftie.100/90 on the front and 150/80 on the rear.

Handles great

Avon is the best tire I have ever used. "Venom" or "Roadrider" I use both and love them. I have been hooked on Avon since 1979

www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/

How are Avons in the rain, I live in the PNW where it rains all the time?

I have used mine in some pretty bad stuff. I used to ride my bike to work 40 mi each way. Sometimes in rain all the way and 42*f. Never had any problems. Both the Venom and Roadrider are a good tire. I Myself like the Roadrider a bit better for regular street riding. The Venom is a slightly more hi performance tire. But my most favorite is the AM20/21 for all around use. Unfortunately it comes in a very limited selection of sizes because it is slowly being phased out by the Roadrider. All three of these tires use the same compound and can be paired with each other.

I'm running Dunlop's still on mine, seem pretty predictable on my shafty. I've only owned one set of Avon's and I have only totaled one bike out of the ones I've owned. The Avon's broke loose way too early then found what they lost and I got high-sided. Never did feel a good grip from them especially in the rain. Maybe I got a crap set, like Otakar I have friends that swear by them, I just don't think I can ever go back to them again, gun-shy I guess.

I run Bridgestone battleaxe on my kz11 and my yam xs11, and battlewings on my v-strom 1000. Can't fault the fires for grip or wear and the profile makes them ideal for heavier bikes in my humble opinion.

Fergie