No More Avons for Me

[F6Dave]

I've run dozens of Avons on my Valks and liked them, so I tried some on the F6B. I've heard plenty of complaints about their quality issues but never personally experienced anything more than a slight wobble in turns. Until today. Now I have an issue to add to the list: a bulging front 'tyre'.

About a mile after leaving the house I heard a strange sound up front, then immediately felt thumping through the handlebars. Luckily it happened at low speeds and I wasn't miles from home. I'll be switching back to Bridgestones.

[..]

 

I stopped using Avons when I got 4 fitted in a row that bounced me down the road like a kangaroo.

[vanavyman]

Hard to beat a Bridgestone on the front of a GL1800.

[Farside]

  I'm a Bridgestone guy 

[F6Dave]

The same thing happened to the original Dunlop rear on my '98 Tourer less than a year after I bought it new. It likely was caused by delamination of belts in the casing. The problem was so widespread that the tires were nicknamed 'Dunflops' and Motorcycle Consumer News covered it. As I remember MCN logged over 50 complaints and reached out to Dunlop, but the company stonewalled. If it had been an automotive tire there probably would have been a recall. To be fair, I've heard that Avon is more responsive to warranty issues.

[cookiedough]

my last avon cobra front tire after 4 or so years got out of round somehow and at 25-35 mph started shaking violently the handlebars.  ditched it even though had a few more years useful life out of it.  Went to Shinko and same mileage and so far no out of balance shaking front handlebars. 

[h13man]

I'm finishing off a Cobra AV72 front but never had any issues with the set but I'm on my 2nd. rear/set of Bridgestone Exedra 701/702. The front Avon has balance beads and the damn thing is taking its time wearing out @ 20,000+ mi.

As for brand dislike, Dunflop is my least favorite. To this day the two OEM sets I've had over the years, they were chit. If a supplier can't supply good tires regardless the situation, your brand as a whole takes a hit in my realm of thought.

[Jess from VA]

No Avons for me.  Way too many issues over the years, and it's not easy making complaints and getting satisfaction. 

[Bret SD]

my last avon cobra front tire after 4 or so years got out of round somehow and at 25-35 mph started shaking violently the handlebars.  ditched it even though had a few more years useful life out of it.  Went to Shinko and same mileage and so far no out of balance shaking front handlebars. 

A Shinko rear tire, reversed on the front of my standard has been sweet from day one.. zero problems, didn't even have to balance it. My bike feels very stable running dbl darkside.