Hello Everyone, I’m new to this and was just wanting opinions. I have a 2014 Sportster 48 and was looking for new tires, haven’t been a fan of the Michelin tires that came with it from the factory, did a road trip to the tail of the dragon last year in spring and being that I’m from Chicago area I naturally got caught in rain, sleet, and some snow, basically I’m looking for something I can use for long trips still but also provide traction, as well as performance. With having such a light bike I want to feel like I have more control as I conquer the roads.

 

I have a SuperLow, which also came with Michelins when new. I'm just swapping that over to Avon Storm XMs, done the front, about to do the rear. I also have them on my Buell Firebolt and the rear of my Glide. Can't have too much of a good thing! I live in the UK and ride in Europe, with very changeable weather as well.

 

Avon Cobras!

 

Cobras are the tyres for the more traditional sizes of Harley tyres, Storms are suitable for those Sporty models that come with lower profile tyres.

 

Both the old 2D Ultra and the 3D XM replacement Storm tyres are advertised as 'Summer Tyres' along with the Cobras I wonder if there's an even better replacement for year round riding perhaps?

 

Avon are British old chap, although owned by Cooper Tires of the USA - best of both Worlds for Harley owners - British tyres for riding our American bikes in European conditions! I've ridden Harleys since the 1970s, mostly on Avons. Being idle retired I no longer feel the need to commute all year round at all hours, but did so throughout my working life, including ice and snow. I've never come across 'winter' tyres for bikes.....

 

Hi grbrown, I agree, we've had this conversation before quite recently.......

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-better-6.html

 

 

I’m from Chicago suburbs, I did the tail of the dragon 2 years ago, got caught in heavy rain, sleet, tornado like storms, I didn’t have any issues on the trip however I was nervous at times going over bridges on the highway, was looking to do the pigs tail last year and was going to get new tires last year and between buying my own business and not going on the trip I didn’t do much riding last year. Harley recommended the commanders and a set of metzlers, I’m usually don’t base things off of what they say though because it’s seems like they tend to help their pockets more then they help you. I looked at the Avon Cobras also, I guess I’m looking for a good performance tire that handles as good or better then the scorchers in wet weather with good mileage.

 

What more can I say? I've been using Avons on my Harleys since the 1970s. IMHO you won't be disappointed - just do it! And yes, despite living in the UK I've ridden my own bike, on Avons, around Chicago IL.