my 1200c came with michelin scorchers. super stiff sidewall tires. I feel like if i use a softer sidewall tire like shinko 230 front and back my bike would smoother. Thoughts?

 

I put air shocks off a street glide on my 09 and it has made one heck of a difference! Not sure what the new bikes have for shocks, but my 09s were really rough on my particular bike. Might look into that!

 

My Sportster rides rough even with air shocks. I love it that way. If I wanted comfort I would buy a bagger. (No I wouldn't)

 

I have Scorchers on my SuperLow and they have been OK, although no more than that. I will replace them with Avon Storm tyres shortly. If you have 16" wheels both ends Avon Cobras are well worth considering - I've used Avons on my Harleys since the '70s and they are just great!

As for comfort, the plain truth is that Harleys across the range come with awful suspension and there are three things we can do to improve our comfort. You have already identified the tyres and a change of brand is certainly worthwhile, however that is only a start. Next comes shocks - the stock ones are only fit for the trash-bin IMHO! There are countless threads all over HDF about alternatives, so no shortage of suggestions. Finally the cherry on top is a decent seat, although our stock seat is not so bad.