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Brief Choosing tires for your bike could be an exhausting task. Lest face it, when it comes down to picking that perfect set of tires, most manufactures provide great tires for the street in a variety of compounds and styles to please most everybody. After I used up the last of my stock tires, I too was forced to search for a valid solution that was both pleasing to the senses, as well as to the wallet. Now, after a few sets and many miles I've found a tire that truly suits my needs for price, performance and oh yes looks, that also won't break the bank. Overview After switching to Dunlop for a few sets, I grew tired of dealing with the front tire cupping and coning problems. I'm not sure if it's only a problem with my RR's 16 inch front wheel or not but I did notice that the Dunlops seem to have a much higher crown than most other tires. What I did know is I had no intention of spending another penny on a set of tires that wear in this way. I've always been a fan of Avon's unique tread pattern and without knowing much about the company, I decided to take a look and eventually give them a try. Details After digging into Avon's past, I've found that they've been making tires since 1897. Avon has focused on producing tires for the street, no race compounds here except for their Ultra Sports models that are made for the street as well as legal for the AMA Supersport Championships. I have to be honest here, I was first drawn to these tires for their unique looking tread pattern. I first fitted my bike with the Avon Azaro AV39/AV36's. I once thought at my level of riding, I would never be able to truly differentiate between the performance of any street tires. Boy was I wrong. After my first few spirited riding days I was awakened by how much feedback the new tires produced. At the first stop, I realized that these tires have provided so much more confidence, my tires were scuffed all the way out to the edges, virtually eliminating the ol' chicken strips. After being so impressed with the older model tires, I wasn't too surprised to find that the new line would be better in so many ways. These new Azaro ST's do not disappoint and right from the get go, these tires felt like they were made for my bike. I took these tires on an eleven mile grind through our local version of "Deals Gap" which we affectionately call "The Little Dragon". Even with a few unnerving road conditions, these tires stuck to the pavement like glue and I never lost traction the entire day. These tires seem to crave the corners giving me even more confidence than their predecessors. After we were done scuffing the tires in on the twisties a few higher speed runs were on order. Again, the tires did not disappoint as they do live up to Avon's claims of increased high speed stability. Although I don't plan on pushing their claims of superior wet weather traction, visibly the deepened tread depth assures me that these tires would perform quite well in the wet stuff. Over all I would say that these new Avon Azaro ST's are definitely worth the wait. Although Avons may be a little harder to find than the Bridgestones, Dunlops or Michelins, you owe it to yourself to shop around a give them a serious consideration. With sizes to fit most bikes including the 16" wheel of my 98 RR, there is no reason why you shouldn't give them a try.
 Reader feedback Hi, Not sure if you remember me or not, but I asked for your opinion back in July about the Avon Azaro AV45/46 tires. You were right on about these tires, I couldn't have asked for a better tire. The grip it offers is incredible and I truly can't believe it is a sport touring tire. I put about 4,000 miles on my ZX-6R this past summer and the tires look like I just had them mounted no wear whatsoever. I was hoping to get more miles on them but it is just getting to cold here in Pennsylvania. I have since recommended them several times and I hope more people try these tires out. I think if they weren't labeled sport touring more people would be willing to give them a try. For now it still remains a secret just how awesome these tires are. Thanks again for your review and the recommendation, Justin State College, PA |
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