Going back to Avon
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 126
From: Aussie lost in Switzerland
Going back to Avon
Last tire change I switched from Avons to metzler ME 880, mainly because I was thinking I wasn't getting enough miles out of the Avons despite absolutely loving them. I've read good things about the ME880 here and elsewhere so I was expecting a decent tire at the least.
From Day 1 I didn't like the metzlers on my bike, they were squirrelly on tar snakes and grooved surfaces and the rear especially just never felt like it was planted to the road like the Avons did. I never had the level of confidence in the metzlers that I had with the Avons, and for the first time in a VERY long time I was actually nervous about riding on wet roads.
So my rear metzler is due for changing, I've worn it down to the tread marker. Every tire change I've written down how many kilometers I've gotten from each tire, and To my surprise I've only gotten about 50 more km out of the metzler over the avon, so mileage be buggered, I am switching back to the tire I feel safe on.
From Day 1 I didn't like the metzlers on my bike, they were squirrelly on tar snakes and grooved surfaces and the rear especially just never felt like it was planted to the road like the Avons did. I never had the level of confidence in the metzlers that I had with the Avons, and for the first time in a VERY long time I was actually nervous about riding on wet roads.
So my rear metzler is due for changing, I've worn it down to the tread marker. Every tire change I've written down how many kilometers I've gotten from each tire, and To my surprise I've only gotten about 50 more km out of the metzler over the avon, so mileage be buggered, I am switching back to the tire I feel safe on.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,278
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
Interesting to hear your experience. I'm on my second Avon rear tire. The front is starting to look a little dry so it's time to change it. My indy has been trying to convince me to get the Metzlers for a couple of years, but I really like the Avons and have plenty of tread left on the back one. After hearing your story I think I'll just replace the front one. It'll save me from buying 2 tires when I'm not convinced I would be happier with the Metzlers.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
I would like to know also. Avon told me on my SB that I needed a Cobra front but the rear was too narrow so they recommended a sport touring rear.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 491
From: Northern WV
Damn. I have just installed a ME880 on the front and am about to install the ME888 rear. So far the front feels better than the Dunlop, especially on grooved pavement. Now my fingers are crossed hoping the rear is not squirrelly.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 856
Likes: 6
From: Charlotte County FL
Of all the tires I've had on mine Avons handled the best, but I was tired of changing a rear tire every 8k, I have Commander II on now they handle ok, when cold they can feel like you have a tire going down till they have some heat in them. at 9k they still have half their tread so it's a compromise I'm living with for now...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,949
Likes: 150
From: South of Mordor
I have never ridden on Avon, so I can't give my opinion on them. However, I have had Dunlops, Michelins and currently use the 880, second on in the rear and getting ready for the new 888 for the front. These are the best tires I have used and I ride in everything but snow and ice without any issues. I get around 12k miles (19k kilometers) out of my rear getting ready for my front change with 17k mikes (27k kilometer) on it. I have thought about some Avons, but haven't been given a reason to leave the Metzelers yet.
Last edited by blueangel73; Jul 21, 2013 at 09:02 PM.
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 508
Likes: 2
From: Idaho Panhandle
What pressure did the Op run the rear Metz at? Under 42 PSI And I find mine to be a bit squirelly, usually try and keep it above that. Loved Avons on my Vulcan, except for the wear, never used 'em on the Bob-don't want to get into the Sport radial/odd size thing. All that aside, don't really like the way the Commander handles, but can't afford 2 rear tires a season, 9K is what the last Metz on the rear gave me, 'bout 5K on the current one and treads going pretty fast; 14K out of the Commander last year, guess the next rear will be another one of those, even though they flat out suck in the 
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 126
From: Aussie lost in Switzerland
My last Avons prior to changing to the 880 where cobras. Had the storm on the rear and a venom on the front prior to that (if my memory serves). Loved all of them.
Loner88 makes a valid point re pressure. I too run the 880 around 42/43 psi. I experimented a bit with +/- 5 psi just to see what differences were. Below 42 they just got more squirrelly, above the ride just got hard and squirrelly.
Loner88 makes a valid point re pressure. I too run the 880 around 42/43 psi. I experimented a bit with +/- 5 psi just to see what differences were. Below 42 they just got more squirrelly, above the ride just got hard and squirrelly.