Tires

[Kirknik]

Apparently I cannot get new Avon Cobra Chrome tires in the original size. Other than the original Dunlops I've never had anything but the avons. Original size not common either. What are you all dooing for tires? What size if not original?
Is Avon gone?

[longrider]

I sure miss the Cobra's.  They weren't available last year either.  So a year ago I bought metzlers.  Early on  I realized I didn't really care for the  handling.  Bike was lazy in the corners.  But the part that really HURT was they lasted 7000 miles front and rear.  I ran them until the wear bars were even gone!  $700 Canadian and that's it?  So I installed a set of Bridgestone battlaxe.   Rear is a bit noisy.  Front must have a softer sidewall than the Avon.  Rides nice and handles similar to the Avon front. At 3k miles all is good but the jury is out on how long they last. Hope this helps

[h13man]

Bridgestone Exedras 701/702 and Avon AV72 Cobras. Both performed admirably but the Exedra Max is most available. I used a set of the Max on a 1600 Vulcan Nomad but only in the summer and no wet/cold experience using them.

[Pluggy]

Bridgestone Exedras 701/702 and Avon AV72 Cobras. Both performed admirably but the Exedra Max is most available. I used a set of the Max on a 1600 Vulcan Nomad but only in the summer and no wet/cold experience using them.

Been using Bridgestone since 2011.  G701 front and Exedra Max rear are presently available.  Always trouble-free and yes, they perform admirably.  That's my experience.  You will get plenty of opinions.

[NewValker]

When I couldn't get the Avon for the front of my I/S last year, I went with the Bridgestone Exedera. I like it a lot, liked the price too!
Truth be told, I think it's comparable to the Avon Chrome.
Corners good, stops good, rides quiet,  and I logged almost 1k miles in pouring rain going to and from IZ 25 last year with no problems.
Got around 7 k on it now and it's wearing even and I'm sure will last this season.

Craig

[WintrSol]

If you search "motorcycle tire reviews" you will find a number of sites answering this question, like this one: https://www.bikenrider.com/reviews/best-motorcycle-tire-brands-of-2026-we-mounted-and-tested-10-sets-across-sport-touring-and-adventure-riding-to-find-the-top-picks
Of course, all are opinion, so YMMV (literally).

[hubcapsc]

I just got a set of these, though I might have to come out of retirement
to pay for them (cough choke) ... The front one especially.

1500 Valkyrie - Metzeler CruiseTec Tires
-----------------
Front: 150/80R-17
Rear: 180/70R-16

Longrider was talking about noise... I'm on my 2nd set of Michelin Road 6
tires on my 1800 Valkyrie. They sing so loudly in the turns Smokin' Joe
was asking me what that noise was when we stopped.

[Dirty Dave]

I fitted a front Avon Cobra Chrome last week with a Metzeler CruiseTec rear.

Guess I was lucky with the Avon but I find it dives into corners unlike the
previous Avon (worn?) Makes me nervous.

[Farside]

When I bought my first Valk = Renegade in 2014 she had new Bridgestones 701/702 and I felt really comfortable with those. In 15 I bought my InterState and she = Blackie had new Metz put on by P-O. Aware of the IS being somewhat different in the ride I wasn't sold yet on the Metz but bought another set after approximately 10k miles. I couldn't get the wife to ride 2-up so when Big B was in the pan-handle I had him convert Blackie to a solo = SuperValk and thus the name change to Black Mamba   Big B worked on both my Valkyrie's and I was grateful, to say the least. (Miss that guy )
  It was then that I put the  Bridgestone on Black Mamba and been on Bridgestones since. I can say that I've logged with both bikes about 125k and very pleased. Now my F6B = Stinger has replaced Black Mamba and Bridgestones are what Honda put on these bikes new so I'm a loyal Bridgestone guy!
















 My friend Jeff = ChrisJ who is on here often is a Cobra tire 100% absolute guy so it will be interesting to see what he does when it's time for new tires? 

[Chrisj CMA]

Well......my rear Cobra Chrome is fairly new. The front is well over 20K but looks to have a couple thousand miles to go. I have a new one lying in wait for the front and then I'll be good for quite some time. Hopefully the supply chain will be fixed by then. lol