There are only really two options for the rear right now.. the stock Metzler or a car tire. We are all hoping that as the number of Rockets grow that someone else will make an alternative tire.
You really can wear the Metzler out fast if your not careful or you ride with a passenger often, and in my opinion... that stock rear tire is more of a hard touring compond. If it was really soft and sticky you could be putting on a tire every 2000 miles or so.
It's weird though... I've ridden in downpours and that Metzler does a very good job of keeping traction in the rain, at least at highway speeds. I'm sure panic stops might be scary, but what tire would really do all that good in the rain?
Hmmmm... Metzler tire mileage.... That migh be a good poll subject....
If you could buy a tire from someone else... what brand of tire would you like to see?? I've always liked Avons...