86 1000R Rear Tire Replacement

I have had this bike about a year, its my only large displacement motorcycle. I must say I thoroughly enjoy riding this bike. Now I am in need of replacing the PO's rear tire. Its a bias 140-80-17. I am almost exclusively finding while shopping online for this size is a bias tire. I am wondering if anyone has experience in mounting a radial and has any advice on the handling changes. Were the OEM tires bias as well? Would a radial replacement affect handling in a positive way? Lastly, please anyone reccommend a radial and or bias tire? Most of the riding I do is in the mountains of western NC. Little bit of straight highway.

 

I put the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 tires on my R about a year ago and have had no compalints with them. Let me know if you want the tire sizes. Also, nobody here will believe that you own an R unless post pictures!

 

http://vfrworld.com/forums/introductions/34168-new-86-vf1000r-owner-here.html <---Linky

 

I've got Pirelli Demons (Bias ply) on my 1000R. Very happy. Not even sure if they make them any more... it's been that long getting mine done.
Everything I've rode that had BT45, I've liked. Not the biggest Bridgestone fan... but those bias tires just WORK.
Even had a friend that raced a VTR250 with them.