Tire Question (Really)

[Rootin55]

The Dunlops on the RT are about done. The replacements on my R were Pilot Roads, which I liked. The dealer is trying to talk me into a set of Avons (Azaro's I think). They sell both, any comments about the Avon's?

TIA

[boxermania]

Rootin....aren't those the ladies that go door to door selling ladies beauty products?

Good experience with the Pilot Roads.....haven't used the Avon's

[wncbmw]

Avons on my R performed well.

[MIXR]

Love them. Now on my third set. Good grip in all conditions, and good wear. Also grip well from cold, an important factor where I live due to the preponderance of roundabouts and cold weather!

First set ran about 16,000 km. Second set a bit less at 14,000 km due to a lot of slab riding. It's my tyre of choice for an 'around Aus' ride in May 2006.

They do have a resonant 'humm' for about 2,000 - 3,000 km until the sharp edge of the wide rear tread pattern wears in. Makes you think a bearing is gone if you are not aware of it. More common on the R than RS or RT (maybe a weight thing).

Well worth a try if you are getting them at the right price.

[Martyn]

Another vote for Azaro's; I like the handling & the mileage is good.

[Guest]

Rootin,

Go for the Avon ST's. I am pretty sure they will last longer than the Azaro's. I had mine on for 1200 miles and have been impressed with them. I fully expect to get at least 9,000 miles out of them. I can take corners with confidence; the overall handling performance has been very close to my OEM Metzeler Sportec M1's.

[MIXR]

Guest - The tyres are Avon Azaro ST 45/46 - Same Tyre. There is another Avon that is softer (and more sport oriented). That's the Avon Azaro SP Sport AV 49/50. Just clarifying. We are talking about the ST 45/46. I don't know of anyone around here who has run the Sport.

[NZPOM]

As MIXR says, you do get a low "hum" for the first couple of thou, but disappears after that.

I switched to Azaros after several pairs of Dunflops. Found the Sportmax just weren't as confident as I needed (possibly getting braver in the corners the more I ride).

Put the Azaros on and BLIMEY! do these things grip. Corners are oh so much more enjoyable - wet or dry.

I'm also hoping for better life out of these than the Dunlops - although given the difference in price, I could afford to cover around 2000km fewer K's on the Avons and still get same value for money.

If the price is right - give them a go.

NZPOM

[waltrider]

Another vote for the Azaro ST's. I have 7300 miles on mine, and still have some mile left in them. They are also a great tire in the wet. The ST is also apparently the tire of choice for FJR1300 riders.

Another the consider is the new Conti Road Attack. I might try those for my next set, but leaving the Avons is a tough decision.

[Pat]

Avon...... during the 60,000 miles aboard my System Case equipped Roadster, Avon revisited my wheels three different times. I liked 'em THAT much.

They track with NO drama EVEN on California freeways with rain grooves, they don't wander when rolling over the steel grate surfaces of a bridge, and they hold a line nicely when leaning through a high speed sweeper.

Drive conservatively on them, and you WILL get up to 3,000 miles longer tire life. Accelerate outa the hole hard, hold 'em in excess of 85 mph for any length of time, and brake at the last moment...... they will give you just as long a tire life as any other Sport Touring tire you've had. That is to say, they seem to work their magic best if you ride conservatively on them.

I found them to make my bike feel like it had a slower turn-in than with other tires. But that's cool, I'm not an aggressive canyon carver......

And as already suggested, they hum/resonate for the first thousand miles..... don't worry about it, it'll go away.