Well, I installed an Avon Cobra Chrome Trike front tire on my Tri Glide and ended up replacing it after 75 miles with a Dunlop American Elite, and I couldn’t swap it out quick enough!

The Cobra Chrome’s pedigree caught my eye, and what wasn’t there to like? Deep rain groove depth (easily twice as deep as a Dunlop),trike designed sidewall, etc.

Well… anything over 40mph and I experienced the dreaded “high frequency buzz” others have mentioned before. 40 up to 70 was miserable. It seemed to be less after 70, but ANY buzz was just unacceptable. While the buzz in the bars was noticeable and annoying, I can’t imagine the electronics appreciated it either.

Proper balance, proper inflation (40 psi per Avon), just plain awful.

Felt like you were riding on a rain grooved roadway and felt every groove.

How can a tire continue to be the sold with such performance?

I rode back to my local independent shop and put on another Dunlop American Elite (the last one gave me over 16k and I still was at 4/10… had to replace the tire because I’m headed out on a 4.5k trip in a few weeks).

Just wanted to get the word out… while the Cobra Chrome's might be hard to find, consider that a blessing!

 

Not sure what the problem with yours was I have had the Avon on my Tri for 3 years and wouldn't go back to a Dunlop.

 

I had an Avon on my trike, loved it as it tracked good and I had no issues. I could not find an Avon for a replacement and went with a Michelin III, have a slight buzz between 25 - 30 mph that goes away at higher speed. The main difference is the Michelin does not track the same and is more lively at higher speed with steering input and will wander a bit if you are not paying attention to hand input.

 

Not sure how many miles I have on the Avon, , probably over a thousand by now. I also had the "buzz" when running balancing beads. I ordered "Ride On" then took the trike back to the shop and had them remove the beads, installed the Ride On and have had no problems since. I do run 36 psi in the tire and not 40.

 

I have heard the ones from 2-3 years ago perform well (AV 71), but the newer releases (AV 91) are unfortunately hit and miss…

 

Had the exact same experience. Like you I read nothing but raves about the tire. Found one online ($190). Had dealer install ($140). Rode it home and could not believe the buzzing vibration. I thought I was nuts. The pic is of the tire after it set on gravel overnight. A couple of days after removal what you see in the pic was gone. Very strange. Couldn't stand it, went back with a Dunlop. $330 tire sitting in the garage. It only has about 50 miles on it. I thought about selling it, but can't in good conscious.

 

Have the AV 71 on my TG. Probably 7 or 8 K on it very pleased.

 

AV 71’s, as I mentioned earlier, seem to all preform well on Tri Glides. It’s the newer line (AV 91), which is what I purchased, that seem to be problematic with regard to the buzzing…

 

Its funny but it seems every tire has the odd ball.... I had a set of Metzeler 880s on my Triumph Trophy sport-tourer. The Chinese-ium tire literally came apart on a 100 mile ride where everyone else had great experiences...

 

Brenda's picture looks like bad rubber compound.