Avon Storms

[reesedp]

Hey All,
I know someone posted on the Avons a while back, but I had to put my two cents in. I had them installed Saturday after I got my reminder as to why we have TPS (screw in the rear... tire that is). I've only ridden them about 60 miles so far, but got some cornering in. I have to say that as of now, I've never had a tire inspire so much confidence. They know where I want to be, and are happy to put and keep me there. More as time goes by.

[JamminJere]

Dar,

They are an excellent tire... But next set, try the Michelin PR2's... I've never ridden with a tire that works this well... in wet or dry. I still don't know if they will wear better or longer than the Storms, but Wow, IMO, there is as big a difference between the Michelins and the Avons, as there were between the Bridgestones and the Avons for feel and confidence. I have about 2000 mi on this set of Michelins and they are wearing evenly both front and rear... ya gotta try them next time!!!

Hope you're doing well, I'll be passin thru June 7th and June 15th going to ST.N's National in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

JJ

[chi-gpz1100]

JJ, i'm at ~2K on my pr2's as well. Same even wear all around. Still experimenting with lean angles. For my skill it's a fine tire. Now if it lasts 12K, i'll be even happier.

[JamminJere]

Chi,

With the weight and horsepower of this bike, unless you accelerate like granny going to church, I don't think any tire will last 12K on this bike. Hot roads, riding two up or even 1up with alot of gear takes its toll on rubber. Just accelerating moderately will wear the rear tire. I never "spin" the back tire intentionally.. although I have felt it break loose exiting turns under power at times, especially in 2nd or 3rd gear. But for the most part I try to ride "normally" .

I'll be happy just to find a tire that gets me past the magical 5500mi mark. Thats all i've gotten on the stockers, and the storms. And really, if the PR2's don't last any longer, I'll still buy the Michelins again because of their feel.

Jerry

[gtr14greg]

Jammin, Did you get that bike of yours checked? Is your tire wear better?


G2

[JamminJere]

Greg,

So far, I don't see the left-handed wear I had on the Rear Storm. I think the rear tire may have been defective. I am monitoring this more closely with the Michelins, but to answer your question, yes, I had it checked and they found nothing wrong with the front fork alignment. I know our Pennsylvania roads have some healthy crown on alot of them.. but that was just ridiculous. So far the PR2's are wearing evenly.

Jerry

[ICBM]

Hi Guys: Good info on the 2 tire choices i have narrowed it down to. I must be that Granny heading to church because i have 17000 kms on my original stones and i have just reached the wear bars on the front,the rear is close as well!!
I think i'll go with the Avons due to a significant price advantage over the PR2's here in Canada. Thanks again for doing the ROAD WORK for me.
Great to be on the road again after that long---- winter
ICBM

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by ICBM

because i have 17000 kms on my original stones and i have just reached the wear bars on the front,the rear is close as well!!
ICBM

WOW! 17k...That's gotta be a record.

[ICBM]

Well Hitman when you're doing your needlepoint and sipping tea on the smooth C-14 you don't get much chance to burn off the rubber!!
Also when you're not working you tend to be a little frugal when it comes to expensive toy parts such as tyres.
ICBM

[JIS]

Hi guys;
This just came out in Bike Magazine; you'll all find it interesting I think.

[Boomer]

It's a useful test as far as it goes John but it leaves out 2 important characteristics.
1; Tyre life
2; Tyre degradation
They are also only assessing the tyres suitability for one bike, the VFR800.

The front OEM BT-021 on my 1400 changed it's character drastically between 1500 and 2000 miles. The bike became harder to turn in and started suffering from white lines and tar-snakes (overbanding) and other road hazards. The front lasted 7000 before hitting the wear-bars but the last 1000 miles were a pain in the a**e as the tyres were just too wierd to inspire any confidence at all.

In the BIKE test they are really only comparing grip and feel/feedback.

The PR2 seems to be a popular choice for the 1400. Several people in the US are now on their second set and that's a recommendation in itself. Hardly anybody seems willing to replace the 021's with another set. Some are using Storms and some have Z6's. One has the Diabolo Strada's and one had the RoadAttack's but they lasted only 3000 miles so I think he has gone to the PR2 now.

The Dunlop is another possible but my experiences with them in the past have all been poor so I'll let someone else try the RoadSmart and see if they like them or not.

[JIS]

Originally Posted by Boomer

It's a useful test as far as it goes John but it leaves out 2 important characteristics.
1; Tyre life
2; Tyre degradation
They are also only assessing the tyres suitability for one bike, the VFR800.

Actually it was the Triumph Sprint ST.

Yes, you're right about the other parameters; however, it's of some interest nevertheless. FWIW I would personally choose Michelin PR2s as I have used these before on my (large and heavy) BMW !

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by JIS

Actually it was the Triumph Sprint ST.

The man is spot on and I shall herewith administer myself a good flogging!
Please replace the "VFR800" above with the phrase "Triumph VFR800".

No offense to ST owners but they are like a large VFR to ride, much like the GTR1400 is a "supersize" VFR800.

Can I go home now please? I'm tyred.

[kezbo22]

put avons on and the bike feels much better i like em me andsome