I can understand Avon having a line of tires that last longer but why don't they make a Venom in a 180 like they do for the Cobra?
A softer compound tire diffidently gives a smoother ride over sharp bumps, up here in Mi that is most of our side roads.
I remember the very first time I drove my old Sporty with new venom's on the rear, the ride was so much smoother I thought the dealer forgot to put air in the tire.

 

Avon Cobra is the new Venom, as far as our Harleys are concerned. I don't know where the idea that they are 'harder' than Venoms comes from. Tyre development doesn't stand still.

Having ridden my Harleys on Avons since the 70s I see no reason to change brand. They have consistently given excellent grip, a smoother more comfortable ride and great wet weather performance. If you haven't tried them I suggest you do. I have a Cobra on the front and Storm on the rear of my Glide at present, although it is early days for both of them. The tread patterns look good!

 

A soft tire will give you fewer (8-10k) miles of use as opposed to a harder tire which will give you more (20-25k) miles of use. That said, the riders style of riding has a lot to do with mileage. The longest wearing Harley tire that I have ever seen are the dual compound tires that Dunlop is producing for the late model touring bikes. It is harder in the middle and softer on the sides.

 

I'm running the Michelin commander 2's on my Ultra right now and really like them. They ride great and handle great as well. Time will tell on the mileage. A friend has them as we'll and got great mileage on his rear and liked them as well.

 

That style of tyre has been around since the 1980s at least, first on cars. I asked an engineer at Avon once why they don't use dual compound tyres. He smiled and explained that there are many ways of designing and constructing a tyre and they don't need to use dual compounds!

They are like dual-rate or progressive-rate suspension springs, for which there are also alternatives, so don't be taken in by marketting!

 

Of course an Avon engineer is going to back their product. Doesn't mean it's correct either. Just his beliefs. Ask the same question of a Dunlop engineer, and he'll do his best to convince you their way is best.

 

Exactly the point I was making! Don't be taken in by hype.

 

It's wet and cold in England most of the time...who else would make a better (sticky'er) bike tire !

 

I recently switched over to the Shinko 250 tour masters. Front and rear. So far I really like them. Very sticky and handle really well. I heard they are too soft and don't last long but I guess I will see.

 

Nope. Ride is more affected by sidewall construction.