Fitting tubes is the only way on a conventionally spoked wheel, it's different when the spokes go to the outer edge of rim.
I ran maxxis supermax sports front and rear on my Baghira, found them a good all round tyre so put a pair on the XT, done a couple of hundred miles and they seem fine, far better than the possibly 12 year old Pirelli's fitted when I got it bike (2005 with 6k on the clock)
Why do you need a centre stand? A paddock stand is a fair bit cheaper than a new exhaust, especially if you are happy with the pipeworx cans.
The AIS blanking kit is not expensive on eBay, personally I don't mind the popping on the overrun, but appreciate the horses don't!!

Al.