Over the past 35 years or so of Harley riding, I've tried a number of "more affordable" tires, some better, some worse. The bottom line has always been that none of the cheaper tires lasted as long as the major brand tires. Usually there was a pretty clear ratio between cost and service; the tire that costs half as much lasts half as long. That's fine if you're selling the bike next week, but for the long haul, get the good tires.
Not to mention that it's your LIFE that has to be factored into the equation!