Depends on what your going to be doing mostly Highway? City? Mud? Snow (doubtful in NC), Rain, Dirt etc. . .
When i bought the '10 ST someone put Firestone LE's, ride and traction seem good. Little noisy but otherwise not a bad tire. Never had snow or mud so i can't comment.
'04 Ex, it started with Long Trails, Avg tire all around, OK ride and traction. Good snow traction. Replaced at 60k or so with Michelin LTX A/T2's. Great ride, traction in rain or snow or mud, fairly quite on most roads. Better than the Long trails, little better the LE's.
Also have some Michelin LTX M/S on a heep, better than the A/T's on the highway, good rain tire. Quiter too.