AVON COBRA 71 TRIKE Believer !!

[Gold Rush]

OK Guys and Gals, I finally broke down and had the AVON COBRA 71 TRIKE tire that has been setting in my shop for a few months mounted on my 2015 GL1800. Before I offer my view, remember this is not just a Goldwing tire. I also comes in this size: Avon Front Cobra AV71 Trike MT90HB-16 Blackwall Tire - P/N: 90000023950

I have about 100,000 miles riding the two GL1800 trikes I've owned and have been beat up more than I care to remember. That front end has always been so harsh that it was truly brutal at times. I have never been unhappy with the Bridgestone Battle Axx BT45 handling or even the mere 14K I usually get from one. But the ride always left me wanting. I've watched many of your posts with interest so as the time drew near to replace the BT45 I ordered an AVON COBRA 71 TRIKE tire.

This afternoon when I got the wheel back on I went in search of the roughest streets San Angelo offered (believe me we have some doozies). I also managed to find some of my favorite manhole covers as the ultimate test. I am happy to announce I am firmly positioned in the AVON COBRA TRIKE cheering section! The smoothness alone would be enough to win me over but toss in the incredible feeling of cornering control and that monster foot print -- well, I just can not be more impressed! :xszpv::xszpv:

Now, I have from time to time been accused of being a bit cynical :cxtv: so hopefully my experience will help those on the fence to make the switch.

There is no doubt you will be pleased with the ride and handling.

What few mileage reports I've have heard of were not sparkling to be honest but my old bones are going to be very happy with the improvements as long as they last.

 

[ol' school]

ThumbUp I like my Avon on the front of our Kawasaki 1700 Nomad CSC Kruze trike. It is the MT90HB-16 which is a direct replacement for the 130/90B16 Bridgestone that was on it from Kawasaki. I was running Avons on it as a two-wheeler before we triked it. I totally agree with your assessment of the ride and handling of Avon's tires.

 

[6X3]

I sure love mine. I would not trade it for anything. Maybe some day someone will come out with something as good.................but right now the Cobra Trike is the best IMO.

 

[bikerbillone]

Gold, you are beginning to interest me, I just need to get around the difference in price at Dennis Kirk between the Avon Cobra Trike ($145.88), and the MPA (rear) at $105.88. Do I want to pay an extra $40 for a softer ride as you seem to feel on the Avon, that's the question. I'm running the BT45 (rear) and getting high mileage, but I'm not convinced it gives me the best ride. I've never used the MPA, and it may make me happy with a better ride, I just don't know. I need to figure it out in the next couple months or so since I'm down to 3/32 on the BTs. Thanks for sharing your info on the Cobra.

 

[Gold Rush]

Gold, you are beginning to interest me, I just need to get around the difference in price at Dennis Kirk between the Avon Cobra Trike ($145.88), and the MPA (rear) at $105.88. Do I want to pay an extra $40 for a softer ride as you seem to feel on the Avon, that's the question. I'm running the BT45 (rear) and getting high mileage, but I'm not convinced it gives me the best ride. I've never used the MPA, and it may make me happy with a better ride, I just don't know. I need to figure it out in the next couple months or so since I'm down to 3/32 on the BTs. Thanks for sharing your info on the Cobra.

I'm not trying to sell you on the tire Bill but I think MPAs aren't any better than the BT45.

Yes the price is a little steep. Just think how much more you will enjoy riding. ����

Ride Safe my friend!

:xszpv::xszpv:

 

[Hot Rod 1]

After using two MPA's on my GL1500 CSC I decided to try the Avon Trike Tire on my GL1800 Roadsmith. I couldn't be happier. The handling & the ride is so much better and it's quieter than the MPA. It was definitely worth the extra money.

 

[Trikindan]

ThumbUpThumbUpThumbUp

 

[nucseal]

After using two MPA's on my GL1500 CSC I decided to try the Avon Trike Tire on my GL1800 Roadsmith. I couldn't be happier. The handling & the ride is so much better and it's quieter than the MPA. It was definitely worth the extra money.

+1 ThumbUp

 

[Rosy]

OK, but need more info on mileage, sure confort is great, but let's see how it performs in longevity.
I guess I am an old Yankee, comfort or mileage..money..for money?
My old Avon was very good in comfort, but didn't get mileage, BUT, it was not a trike tire..Let's see what we get..
How were the Avons balanced..conventional or with ceramic beads? I guess I am a firm believer in ceramic beads for balancing tires.
Rosy

 

[mhgoldwing]

I'm running the BT45 (rear) and getting high mileage, but I'm not convinced it gives me the best ride. I've never used the MPA, and it may make me happy with a better ride, I just don't know.

As far as ride and handling, IMO, the BT-45 and MPA are virtually identical.

Also, I think the Cobra Trike offers superior traction because of it being a radial and larger footprint.

I would suggest you bite the bullet at least once and try the Cobra Trike. If you don't think it's worth the difference then switch back next time and all you are out is about $40. I'm betting you won't go back.

 

[bikerbillone]

I like this forum and the opinions, I may just spring for that extra 40 bucks and find out about this tire, at the end of the eternal ride, 40 dollars just ain't gonna matter. At one point in my trike career, to smooth out the front end, I forked out some big bucks for different fork springs, man was that a mistake, went back to OEM, so in the big scheme, 40 dollars is nothing. However, be aware that the Cobra Trike tire is 6/32 tread depth, the MPA and BT is 9/32. Like most things in life, it's a trade off, more dollars and less tread for a better ride.

 

[Gold Rush]

I like this forum and the opinions, I may just spring for that extra 40 bucks and find out about this tire, at the end of the eternal ride, 40 dollars just ain't gonna matter. At one point in my trike career, to smooth out the front end, I forked out some big bucks for different fork springs, man was that a mistake, went back to OEM, so in the big scheme, 40 dollars is nothing.

I hear you Bill. Like you and so many others I went to higher rate Progressive springs on my '06 Motor Trike thinking that might help the ride. We all know where that got us. I had planned to put the OEM springs back in but sold it and bought/converted my 2015 before that happen. Because the Roadsmith is so long, I did put the Progressive Industries fork springs in to help hold the front end up. I'm sure the ride comfort suffered there. Even with the Progressive heavy duty springs in my '15 now rides smoother then any trike I have ever ridden and that is a pretty large number.

I'm no wealthy guy for sure so spending money needlessly comes hard. To me the extra cost is going to pay dividends every time I ride and that make is all worth the extra $40.

:xszpv::xszpv:

I hope some of the other tire manufactures are working on trike specific radial tires. Competition is a very good thing sometimes.....

 

[bikerbillone]

Keep on posting Gold, it's folks like you willing to share that give us Wing conversion folks good, experienced information.

 

[Gold Rush]

Keep on posting Gold, it's folks like you willing to share that give us Wing conversion folks good, experienced information.

:blush: :blush: :blush:

Thanks Bill.. I try to do my part. Lots of very good people have shared with me and now I'm passing it on....

Ride Safe My Friends!! :xszpv::xszpv:

 

[Big Juice]

Plus, plus over here. I have put the same tire on my Stratoliner trike. Got about 3,000 miles on it so far, runs smooth and I like it. I've got the Progressive springs also, but I made the mistake of going from a 10 grade to a 20 grade of fork oil in it and that make it a little rough. I will be going back to a 10 grade soon. With the new Avon Trike tire, things have smoothed a little. If I get good mileage without cupping, I will be ecstatic!!

 

[lgjhn]

Glad you like it, Gold.

I don't have a lot of miles on mine yet, but I agree with everything you've posted.

My Roadsmith has the Progressives in it and with the BT-45, it would beat me to death at times.

The Avon has really smoothed it out quite a bit. I like the bigger contact patch and the way it handles the curves. Like everyone else, I'm hoping for some decent mileage out of it.

Hope to see you in person again soon. Maybe the Mid-America Rally?

Ride Safe.

LJ

 

[Gold Rush]

Glad you like it, Gold.

I don't have a lot of miles on mine yet, but I agree with everything you've posted.

My Roadsmith has the Progressives in it and with the BT-45, it would beat me to death at times.

The Avon has really smoothed it out quite a bit. I like the bigger contact patch and the way it handles the curves. Like everyone else, I'm hoping for some decent mileage out of it.

Hope to see you in person again soon. Maybe the Mid-America Rally?

Ride Safe.

LJ

I'm not going to make Mid-America Larry. Had planned to go but spent that money a few months ago so I had to cancel. I see you are coming to Kerrville in October so I will see you there for sure!! By then both of us will have plenty of miles on these AVONs !!

 

[1800 06 Champion Trike]

We just got back from a 1,000 mile riding in the U.P. of Mi.

My new Avon front trike tire was awesome !! What a difference over the MPA rear tire mounted in reverse. Much, much smoother ride and steering was easier.

Next time you need a front tire, get one and you'll like the ride.

 

[lgjhn]

I'm not going to make Mid-America Larry. Had planned to go but spent that money a few months ago so I had to cancel. I see you are coming to Kerrville in October so I will see you there for sure!! By then both of us will have plenty of miles on these AVONs !!

Sorry to hear that but I'll see ya in October barring any unforeseen circumstances.

BTW, I put on about 300 miles today, 2-up and most of it in the rain. That Avon performed flawlessly. I've got it "scuffed in" pretty good now and am very well-pleased with it so far.

 

[CrystalPistol]

However, be aware that the Cobra Trike tire is 6/32 tread depth, the MPA and BT is 9/32. Like most things in life, it's a trade off, more dollars and less tread for a better ride.

There's more to mileage than just tread depth. Tire construction plays a big part as well as compounds used. This "Avon Cobra Trike Radial" is designed for use on a trike only, it is a bit different than those intended for motorcycles.

I removed a MPA with like near 2/3 tread still left on it to try a Avon Cobra Trike Radial ..... and as far as I'm concerned, it ain't going back on my trike.

So far, the Avon isn't showing any wear in last 1500 miles. Put 750-800 on it in last three days on the Blue Ridge Parkway and that road is rough in many many places and then there's all them curves .....

 

[bikerbillone]

After reading all these good reports on the Cobra trike tire, I'm giving it a try, maybe I'll be singing it's virtues.

 

[Gold Rush]

There's more to mileage than just tread depth. Tire construction plays a big part as well as compounds used. This "Avon Cobra Trike Radial" is designed for use on a trike only, it is a bit different than those intended for motorcycles.
I removed a MPA with like near 2/3 tread still left on it to try a Avon Cobra Trike Radial ..... and as far as I'm concerned, it ain't going back on my trike.
So far, the Avon isn't showing any wear in last 1500 miles. Put 750-800 on it in last three days on the Blue Ridge Parkway and that road is rough in many many places and then there's all them curves .....

I'm SOOOOOOO Jealous!!!! I was out there in 2012. We did Skyline Drive and Full length of BRP but I got sick and couldn't do the Dragon!! A return trip is hopefully in my future. Gorgeous country!!!

After reading all these good reports on the Cobra trike tire, I'm giving it a try, maybe I'll be singing it's virtues.

I really do think you will be very pleased Bill. As you mentioned it will be a trade-off to some degree. Will pay more for less mileage but those miles will be so much more enjoyable... To me it is worth the difference. :xszpv: :xszpv:

Ride Safe My Friends!!

 

[bikerbillone]

I'm looking to do the BRP/Skyline in one ride, maybe on the Cobra, who knows. I've done the BRP all the way, it's such a ride of grandeur, I'd like to do it every year.

 

[Gold Rush]

I'm looking to do the BRP/Skyline in one ride, maybe on the Cobra, who knows. I've done the BRP all the way, it's such a ride of grandeur, I'd like to do it every year.

I could get use to doing that!! Problem is the distance I'd have to go every year!! Folks that live in that area don't appreciate what they have.

 

[CrystalPistol]

I'm looking to do the BRP/Skyline in one ride, ... etc ... I've done the BRP all the way, it's such a ride of grandeur, I'd like to do it every year.

I could get use to doing that!! ... etc ...

It's all gorgeous .... but they are not roads to hurry on. There's always some section in need of attention and a smooth bridge transition is the exception. If a sign says "dip", hang on. Get gas when near 1/2 tank. Watch those you meet or wanting to pull out.

 

[Gold Rush]

It's all gorgeous .... but they are not roads to hurry on. There's always some section in need of attention and a smooth bridge transition is the exception. If a sign says "dip", hang on. Get gas when near 1/2 tank. Watch those you meet or wanting to pull out.

And that is a BIG 10-4!!!

 

[jjvw]

Just ordered a Avon trike tire for $99 with free 3 day shipping from the superstore. My Battleax only had 25000 on it but we had a flat 50 miles from home. We had Ride-on in it. Thats probably how we got the 50 miles from home.
AAA got us home in less than 1 1/2 hours, no cost! If we get the same milage with the avon, we will be happy.

 

[bikerbillone]

Huh, $99, I'll be checking the SuperStore for my next Avon Cobra Trike Tire. Got mine from Dennis Kirk, $145! Pleased to read about your Rideon experience, it's in my new Cobra.

 

[mhgoldwing]

Huh, $99, I'll be checking the SuperStore for my next Avon Cobra Trike Tire. Got mine from Dennis Kirk, $145! Pleased to read about your Rideon experience, it's in my new Cobra.

The size for the Wing, 130 70 18, is $130 with free ground shipping. Ordered one.

 

[Catfish]

MT90B-16 is 99.99 free shipping
130/70R-18 is 139.00 free shipping

According to the Motorcycle Superstore site.

mhgoldwing beat me on the draw and with the correct price