I am 5' 11", and about 225 lbs. I can't remember the rear ever breaking loose, however, it'll stand up in a hurry if pushed. My tire preference is the Michelin Pilot Road for sport touring rubber. I was on a 3, but next set I will likely try the 4 GT. My wife and I tend to do mostly touring miles; and I commute to work about 25 miles a day (round trip). Our riding season is about 7 months, 8 on a good year. It's can be an easy bike to ride; but it's a real beast if you just crack it open; and it's a fairly big and heavy bike. I've been riding since the 70s, but I don't think it's that difficult a bike, provided you give it the respect it deserves.
Sugarbear