Metzlers will last 2 to 4 times longer than the IRC's besides feeling a 100 times better.  Dun's will last at least twice as long.  And the prices quoted are terrible.  I hope those are the installed prices.

download the owners manual if you don't have one.

Oil level by the manual is done with the bike held vertical.  On the side stand it may look empty.  I hope that was the problem.

The prices quoted were just the tires... How much do you usually pay?
and do you mean prices for the IRCs? or Metzlers?

Ah well I do have a manual, I just found what you said about holding it vertically... I guess we will see over the next couple months of riding whether it really burns oil or whether it was rider difficulty
I plan on buying a Clymers manual shortly for it...

I am new to riding, this is my first 'real' bike. . . so I really do not know why you would want a stiff or soft tire?

And... well I have learned over the years.. that cheaper is not always best, so I am not looking for the cheapest, rather, the best quality tire.

It shouldn't use oil under normal use. I run miles between add or changes I do find if I run either of mine hard on at freeway speeds they will use about a pint a day.  Tires are a matter of choice, you've been given some good suggestions here. If you haven't taken a riders safety course consider it as it will be helpful to new or re-entering riders Max

Well that is good to know about the oil and running it hard thank you.

What are the pros/cons of running a bigger/smaller size tire.

I want to use the bike for little rides around town as well as rides that would be around 2-3 hours or 200-300 miles. I want to get used to riding and long distance riding, and sitting.

I do plan on taking the riders safety course! And have heard great things about it


Well.. That is good to know about the IRCs. The price he quoted me was the price off of parts unlimited. No discounts, or added stuff..
So I will check those IRCs off my list

I will have to have the tires mounted and balanced by a shop and I have already added that cost on top of the tires..

My new rear Dunlop was right at $200, installed.  I don't remember the breakdown of tire/installation/tube, etc.  

Think of hitting speed bumps and small potholes.  Do you want a tire that hits them firmly or softly?  The stiffer the sidewall material, the harder the hit will be.  Think of curvy roads too.  Tire stiffness makes a difference on how the bike will handle and feel to you as the rider.  I don't think there is right or wrong, just personal preference.  So its just something to take into consideration when buying a tire.  

Of course, your personal body weight, load on the bike, shocks, etc. all come into play too.  Take everything into account when choosing.  Read up on all the different tires and find one that suits your style.

Tires will always cost more at a dealer, unless they're having a special promotion. They have overhead -- especially now when bike sails are in the toilet.

Find out if you have a motorcycle parts/accessories/apparel showroom near you. Their prices are usually a bit lower than dealers.

The best prices are off the net, but then you have to get them mounted or do it yourself (which is a fine skill to have).

Hmmm This is a lot more than I expected when looking into tires...
and motorcycles...

I think that I would rather have a medium ride, not too stiff, but not too soft.

Well I only found the Metzlers for like 10/20 dollars cheaper online but that did not include shipping. . .

Well of course my hubby knew to tip the bike level to check the oil! He said that it was bone dry when he checked it and put oil in it.    

I have read about the tires being slippery for the first 100 or so miles, and ya that is what Hunny Bunnies are for

Why do you call them Thumpers?

Naw, we bought the motorcycle from some guy in Deleware, it was a great deal and we had been looking for some time..
But on the bright side we got it for 1k.

Ah. We are in Pennsylvania right now, and well the last 3 shops I have visited I do not think I would really trust doing mechanic work,
so in March we plan to return to our hometown Honda dealership. They have done work for us before.
My hubby bunny got me a 1979 185cc Honda Twinstar and he cleaned it up, best he could and then we took it in for the final touches and they did a really good job with it!

So.. after riding that for a bit, I moved up to his 03 Nighthawk 250. My goal is to ride cross county and see lots of cool stuff before we have kids. This is the next step towards that  It is so much fun to ride together. Now I can go on trips with him He has a 1986 Honda Nighthawk CB700SC. It is way fun, but I like riding on my own bike!

What are some of your stories?