Another thing to keep in mind is that the tires have changed over the years. The early tires were.... not so good (tongue in cheek) but the more modern tires are an improvement in both materials and construction/design. Well, heck, they're not top end tires, but I'm not likely to spend $200/tire for a commute bike. If I get into cafe racing through the hills, I'll go with a more established high performance tire. The Himax touring tires are H rated and the tread pattern is one I like, more like cafe tires. I remember my old KZ900 years ago didn't have these wrap-around-style treads and the edges would feather creating a dump hazzard when I ground off the dyno-guards on the freeway on-ramps.... oops, admitting something here... never mind, didn't say it didn't do it, but... um... very pretty sparks at night, not that I'd know anything about that.
Anyway, I'll let you know what I think of my Cheng's once I get them mounted, give me a couple weeks.
And I'll contribute to the keg if you make it up to 'gold country' in Calif, just give me a call.