Sorry for the long wait for a reply. I forgot that I had posted here & never saw your question. I wanted to send an e-mail but you don't list one.
I did not get the Avid Touring tires. They were in the top 3 choices. I finally decided on Brigestone Turanza LSTs because they were rated to be quieter than the Yokos. I do some driving & I don't want to hear the hum of tires all day long.
The Brigestones are FABULOUS. They are VERY smooth, quiet, and grip better than fingernails in your back - or at least WAY better than I expected for a hard compound tire. Had to brake hard yesterday for a car that ran through a red light - heard em squeal, but no lock up (no ABS on my 'tour), and man, did I STOP in short order. I was stunned at how well the tires perform.
I did note that they may not be very good in snow so I am hoping for continued mild winters here in south Florida (snicker, snicker).
I replaced some Michlin MX4s that came on the car when I bought it. They were some of the crappiest name brand tires I've ever owned. They weren't badly worn, they just sucked - so out they went. I am very, um, thrifty by nature, so if I throw out a set of tires - WE ARE TALKIN' CRAPPY.