Avon Storm 3D-XM

[Mick_J]

Fitted some Avon's to my 1400 a couple of days ago and took it out for a ride out yesterday, just my thoughts after a very limited ride out.

I fitted 120/70 zr 17 and 190/55 zr 17 tyres from the standard set up before and found the handling to be very "odd" at first, very "pointy", seemed to fall into corners.  After a few miles I was getting used to it and although it's different, it's not bad.  I will have to give it a proper run out in the next few days and report back but I wanted to try out the over sized rear just to see what it was like.  It has reduced the revs in gear (slightly) so should make cruising more relaxed.  I have used Contimotions for the last 6 or 7 years and found them to be very secure, the last set lasted over 9k on the front and 6k on the rear, the avon's are supposed to be better (XM = Extra mileage) with 7mm of rear tread, they have had some very good reviews, owners seem to like them a lot.  Time will tell but so far I am happy, they were a doddle to fit, seemed to fall onto the rim and balanced up nicely.

[Hooli]

I've got them on mine, 3,700miles done so far & I'd say under half worn.

The sidewalls do seem soft, my tyre fitter agreed. I was previously running Metzlers with a 55 rear. Compared to that it turns in better on the Avons & feels a lot more planted. I like the softer sidewalls as it helps the rear of the bike to squat when driving out of bends, it was neutral on Metzlers but on these Avons a handful of grunt tightens the line nicely.

[Mick_J]

Well I managed to get in over 100 miles yesterday and I'm very happy with these tyres.  Once I had got used to the quicker turn in the bike started to feel really good, inspiring more confidence in corners, holding a line is really easy and the bike is stable through turns.  I checked the speedo the a satnav last month and it was a consistent 9-10% low, checked again yesterday and it's now 4-5% low, so much more accurate.  It was not all good though as I got caught in a rain dump and the tyres were fine, so I can report they work in the wet.  Luckily I was able to outrun the rain and it soon dried up again, so my ride home was in the dry.  Only time will tell but I'm happy with my new Avon's so far.