Darkside on a 1500 nomad - Do you like this choice

[blackdogbrian]

Hi folks,

It's time for some new rubber on the bike, and I'm looking to go dark (side).
After skulking around on the site here, I see two main reccomended/popular choices for a 1500 are
195-60-16 and
195-65-16

So here are some questions for those experianced with the CT's
1 - are there other sizes I should be considering?
2 - Snow tire? I know a fellow on a wing who used a snow tire. it seems logical, it's a bit softer of a rubber compound (and actually a few bucks less money). Any reason you would reccomend avoiding it - or are there benefits to something like (Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Symmetrical )?
3- if I use a CT on the rear, what do I replace the front tire with? I've heard of folks using a rear MC tire on the front (running in reverse). Is that an option for darksiders - is anyone here doing it..... or are you all generally using a MC front tire in the front?
4- If I do this I likely will have to mount it myself (none of the local shops have the balls to). So, while I have both tires off, what other things would you recommend I do (are they fairly basic jobs?) new brake pads, grease this and that, etc....

Thanks!
Brian