Getting the job almost done...

[GoSlo]

Had the Avon Cobra Chrome Trike Tire removed and the OEM Dunlop reinstalled. Buzzing vibration @ 55-60 no longer felt in the handlebars. Dropped the Avon off at UPS and it's headed back to Revzilla for Warranty Processing.

I recently installed the Avon front trike tire and now you’re the second person I’ve read about that had a ‘buzzing’ in the handlebars like I’m feeling. At first I thought it was just a different feel because of the different tread pattern, but now I’m thinking not so much.

Had it put on just before a 3,500 mile trip to Tennessee and it was bugging the hell out of me. Other than the buzzing in the handlebars, it ran fine through the hills, including The Snake (awesome ride and so much better than The Dragon!!). Ordered it through my dealership, so hopefully they can return it for a full refund. Always used the OEM Dunlop’s and never a problem, so I guess I’ll go back to them.

Great write-up on what you’re doing to your TG! Thanks for sharing.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Will do! I plan to do a Lesson Learned post on Warranty Resolution Procedures for the tire issue. Gonna have a lot of down time in the coming weeks as I'm scheduled for minor surgery on my left arm Thursday. So will have to store the replacement until after recovery. Not being able to ride is the real bummer.

I recently installed the Avon front trike tire and now you’re the second person I’ve read about that had a ‘buzzing’ in the handlebars like I’m feeling. At first I thought it was just a different feel because of the different tread pattern, but now I’m thinking not so much. Had it put on just before a 3,500 mile trip to Tennessee and it was bugging the hell out of me. Other than the buzzing in the handlebars, it ran fine through the hills, including The Snake (awesome ride and so much better than The Dragon!!). Ordered it through my dealership, so hopefully they can return it for a full refund. Always used the OEM Dunlop’s and never a problem, so I guess I’ll go back to them.Great write-up on what you’re doing to your TG! Thanks for sharing.

Yea, mine had the same high pitch buzzing vibration through the bars that Mykneesbehurtin described. Although, it didn't affect the handling and comfort of the tire, it did tended to annoy me when riding any considerable distance @ 55-60 mph.

Glad to here you ordered through your local dealership, so shouldn't be any additional cost to you for dismounting and remounting a replacement. I've had lots of emails with a very pleasant and considerate Customer Service Representative at Revzilla on the Warranty Resolution Process. I will reorder a replacement Avon Trike Tire after they receive the return and credit my account. Just hope there's no issues with that one.

BTW, my tire had a Date Code or 4418. Do you know the Date Code of yours?

Thanks for the complement on the write-up.

 

[GoSlo]

BTW, my tire had a Date Code or 4418. Do you know the Date Code of yours?

Thanks for the complement on the write-up.[/QUOTE]

Not really sure where to look for the date code. If it was on the invoice from the dealership, I don't have that anymore. If it's on the tire, I don't see any numbers like yours.

 

[MDO]

I'm curious, as I have an Avon Cobra Chrome front tire to install around spring, everyone having the trouble, what psi are you running them at?

 

[GoSlo]

I'm curious, as I have an Avon Cobra Chrome front tire to install around spring, everyone having the trouble, what psi are you running them at?

I rode from Denver to Nashville right after I had the Avon Trike front installed. We decided to check our tire pressures and torque on the lug nuts in Nashville before heading on to Johnson City. Found out there was only 30 lbs of air in the new front tire! Pumped it up to 36 because I wasn’t sure what it was supposed to be, but was pretty sure 30 wasn’t enough. When we got back home, I did more investigation and found out it’s supposed to be 40-41 lbs (I think). Haven’t ridden too much since I fixed the tire pressure, so can’t say yet if the ‘buzzing’ feeling in the handlebars is gone or not.

So not a lot of help for your question other than letting you know that 30 lbs definitely isn’t right!!

 

[ShapeShifter]

BTW, my tire had a Date Code or 4418. Do you know the Date Code of yours? Thanks for the complement on the write-up.

Not really sure where to look for the date code. If it was on the invoice from the dealership, I don't have that anymore. If it's on the tire, I don't see any numbers like yours.

There's a good write up on Date Codes here.

So my tires birthday (44th Week 2018)) is sometime between Oct 29, 2018 - Nov 4, 2018. Was just wondering how close are the date codes for the ones with the buzzing vibrations.

 

[ShapeShifter]

I'm curious, as I have an Avon Cobra Chrome front tire to install around spring, everyone having the trouble, what psi are you running them at?

I test rode with pressures at 38, 39 and 40 psi, mainly because I was hoping for relief fron the buzzing vibrations I felt through the bars . Unfortunately, there was no change in the vibrations. For me, it seemed the best comfort when riding solo, was @ 38 psi. Here's a snapshot of Avons General TP Guidlines.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Wordy Thoughts on Future Online Purchases

FWIW, I'm sharing some of my concerns that have me rethinking ONLINE Tire Purchases in the future

• Costs to have your own inspection and independent evaluation of any tire related issues, or rely completely on the vendor/manufactures determination if an issue exists with their product. Ultimately, the manufacturer also has the authority to determine that a Warranty Claim does not pose an undue safety risk to riders.

• Cost to mount/balance the initial tire received, dismount for Warranty Return and then remount/balance warranty replacement tire. These costs are entirely at the owners expense.

• 30-day window from purchase date for free Warranty Return Shipping.

• Warranty Claims are settled by issuing a credit to the buyers on line account. Buyer can then apply the credit amount toward a replacement item. Online store credit refunds are nontransferable and cannot be redeemed as a cash value.

In the past I've made online tire purchases for my truck, car and Dyna T-Sport. Had the tires installed locally and have never had an issue. In hindsight, the Warranty Resolution Process and the potential for additional costs, has me thinking it's best now to go with a local brick and mortar store. Savings $ 30-40 a tire isn't worth the risk for increased costs if a Warranty Return is needed. Local stores will likely handle inspection and verify the validity of the claim, remove/ship warranty return, and then mount/balance the replacement tire.

Note: If I remember correctly, believe my Indy said he's not allowed to remount any tire that's 5 or >5 years old. So best to know the previous take-off tires Date Code, in the event you need to make a return and want to remount the previous tire. This may be necessary if remount a tire to ride during the claim review period.

I was fortunate in some respects to receive consideration that offset some of the additional costs. I don't expect this to happen for similar Warranty Claims in the future. My only minor disappointment was that Company's Policy only allows for Online Store Credit, because now I would have preferred a refund method that would have allowed me to purchase a replacement from their Sister Company's Store, Cycle Gear Little Rock, AR. I suppose another option is to pay Cycle Gear out-of-pocket for the replacement and spend the refunded ZillaCash Credits on other goodies.....hum, but what to buy!

Presently, there's no rush to immediately reorder the replacement trike tire.....can't do any installs or even ride until my Surgeon clears me to resume normal activities and heavy lifting. Spending another day hanging out with my son.....he came down to accompany me to the Surgical Center and he's still enjoying his "Call The Ball" privileges as my Responsible Adult.:bigboss::captain:

 

[1dn5up]

My Avon front has no issues at 6k miles with 40psi.

Im sure you’ve checked them , but wheel bearings will give strange vibrations. I pop the seals and repack at tire replacements.

 

[MDO]

That's why I picked Cycle Gear also. They are an authorised Avon tire dealer, will mount and lifetime balance for $25 and handle any warranty issues. The only negative, for some, would be removing the front wheel. Cycle Gear/Revzilla are owned by the same corporation & have given me the best customer service I've had in the industry. They answer all my questions & provided a 10% Veterans discount. With my discounts and Avons rebate, the tire was around $107, shipped to my house.

The drawback for some may be the stores are few and far between in my area, with only 1 store in Missouri, but luckily it's 5 miles from me.

 

[ShapeShifter]

My Avon front has no issues at 6k miles with 40psi.

Im sure you’ve checked them , but wheel bearings will give strange vibrations. I pop the seals and repack at tire replacements.

Thanks!

That's why when the buzzing surfaced after the Indy mounted it on 4 June, 4-days later I rode the Trike to Bossier City Harley and had them do an inspection of the wheel, wheel bearings and verify that tire was properly balanced. This ensured there could be no claim of possible owner damage during reinstallation of the wheel. Their write-up green lighted every thing associated and identified the Avon Tire as the source of the buzzing vibrations through the bars. They even included their recommendation to replace it with one from their inventory and that I declined.

I attached invoice copies for the Indy tire mounting and BC HD inspection to my initial email to Customer Service Representative. These were the reason why they instantly approved my return and immediately credited my account when they received the tire at the Revzilla. At least no waiting for the manufacturer to perform a warranty review, and approve or decline.

Good to here more positive Cobra Chrome Trike Tire experiences!! That's why I declined that Harley replacement. In June I just needed the assurance that it would be ok to safely make my Midwest trip. No problems whatsoever, outside the 55-60 mph range.

That's why I picked Cycle Gear also. They are an authorised Avon tire dealer, will mount and lifetime balance for $25 and handle any warranty issues. The only negative, for some, would be removing the front wheel. Cycle Gear/Revzilla are owned by the same corporation & have given me the best customer service I've had in the industry. They answer all my questions & provided a 10% Veterans discount. With my discounts and Avons rebate, the tire was around $107, shipped to my house. The drawback for some may be the stores are few and far between in my area, with only 1 store in Missouri, but luckily it's 5 miles from me.

Yea, that's why I'm seriously considering actually buying my replacement at the Cycle Gear Store in Little Rock. It's a 2 hour drive, but my son lives in the area, so a trip becomes a weekend visit. If I buy from CG, then have to find out how long will the ZillaCash Credit remain in my account? Certainly, don't want to loose all those credit dollars.

 

[GoSlo]

There's a good write up on Date Codes here.

So my tires birthday (44th Week 2018)) is sometime between Oct 29, 2018 - Nov 4, 2018. Was just wondering how close are the date codes for the ones with the buzzing vibrations.

The date shown on my tire is 1219, so around March 2019 or so.

 

[ShapeShifter]

The date shown on my tire is 1219, so around March 2019 or so.

I'm guessing that five months between production dates wouldn't be considered close. But then I don't know diddley about tire production.:laugh:

Thanks for the info.

 

[MDO]

None of the Avon Cobra Chromes can be very old as they just haven't been making them that long.

It replaced the AV71

 

[ShapeShifter]

Got the reply from Revzilla Representative regarding my question as to whether my Warranty Refund that was issued as a Store Credit/ZillaCash would be subject to any use or loose time constraints.

The response was; "The ZillaCash credit in your account resulted from a Warranty Refund and was not awarded as a result of our Loyalty Program. That means the store credit in your account should not expire as long as we are in business."

So I have plenty of time to recuperate and then decide how I want to replace the trike tire....reorder with Revzilla using the ZillaCash or make an out-of-pocket buy at Cycle Gear Store...the Sister Company.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Revzilla Cash and Credits are gone.....

 

[ShapeShifter]

Replaced my Long Haired Black Sheepskin Cover with this 1" Sheared Medium Plush Charcoal Grey Cover. I cut the lower drivers section shorter to allow more air flow and not trap the hot air moving up from the engine. Prefer the look of the new short haired sheepskin over the previous long haired sheepskin cover.



Changed to a new PV Gauge Setup (Voltage, Eng Temp, Coolant Temp & MPG)

DK Custom Passenger Floorboard Relocators - should reduce heat to passengers feet & provide more sitting comfort

Managed to get a 55 mile ride in the country between sporadic all day showers

 

[DK Custom Products]

DK Custom Passenger Floorboard Relocators - should reduce heat to passengers feet & provide more sitting comfortView attachment 85761

Managed to get a 55 mile ride in the country between sporadic all day showers

Wes,

Do you mind if we put the above photo on our website?

Kevin

 

[Mrfun]

I like the seat cover. Where did you get it?

 

[ShapeShifter]

I like the seat cover. Where did you get it?

Thanks!....at Sickafus Sheepskins

 

[ShapeShifter]

Wes,

Do you mind if we put the above photo on our website?

Kevin

Kevin, Feel free to do so!......Sorry I missed this post earlier:blush:.......Wes

p.s, wish I had cleaned all that pollen off the rubber inserts now.lol

 

[Mrfun]

Hey Wes

Is that a custom fit? Did you have to send your seat out? How does it attach?

Sorry for all the questions. I tried to message you but it won't let me. I can't even edit my profile.

Thanks Kevin

 

[ShapeShifter]

Hey Wes

Is that a custom fit? Did you have to send your seat out? How does it attach?

Sorry for all the questions. I tried to message you but it won't let me. I can't even edit my profile.

Thanks Kevin

Hey Kevin, Don't mind the questions, that's why we're here to share information and help however we can. Only Gold Members get use of the personal message function.

No I didn't send my seat out, because that was a bit more than I wanted to spend. So, I did my own fitting and used a marker pen to make my own seat outline on the back of the hide as to where to cut. I then cut from back side following my outline using a snap-blade retractable utility knife. Anyone that's a bit unsure, can cut slightly outward past their markings, then test fit and trim more off as desired. I don't recommend anyone use scissors to cut their sheepskin!!

As of now I dont have any attachments on it. Just have draped over the seat with slot cut for the back rest and wedged between the grabhandles and tucked/stuffed into the cavity under the passengers backrest flap. I know it stays tucked on rural rides up to 60 mph, but at interstate speeds it comes out and constantly taps me on the back.:laugh: So, I bought a set of Coleman Sleeping Bag Straps, they have a non-slip buckle, so one could easily fit around the sheepskin and seat in the rear, and hold it in place to stop the flapping as higher speeds. Know this will work because on my solo trip to Michigan last year, that tapping got so annoying, I had to pull over and improvise a similar method using an extra belt from my luggage. So a belt or one the new Coleman Straps will work, they're just visible when you're up close.

The idea I'm toying with is, hand sewing or tacking one of the straps underneath to the backside of the hide in four locations, two relating to top of seat and lower on each side close to the bottom. This will hold the rear part of the sheepskin in place on solo rides at speed. However, it will require unbolting and lifting the rear of the seat each time to install and remove the cover. I suppose it also provides a bit of security for the curiously honest among us.

Sorry for the long reply, but it also helps me to think out loud as to how I want to resolve the solo flapping, but also keep the covers seemless look.

 

[Mrfun]

Hey Kevin, Don't mind the questions, that's why we're here to share information and help however we can. Only Gold Members get use of the personal message function.

No I didn't send my seat out, because that was a bit more than I wanted to spend. So, I did my own fitting and used a marker pen to make my own seat outline on the back of the hide as to where to cut. I then cut from back side following my outline using a snap-blade retractable utility knife. Anyone that's a bit unsure, can cut slightly outward past their markings, then test fit and trim more off as desired. I don't recommend anyone use scissors to cut their sheepskin!!

As of now I dont have any attachments on it. Just have draped over the seat with slot cut for the back rest and wedged between the grabhandles and tucked/stuffed into the cavity under the passengers backrest flap. I know it stays tucked on rural rides up to 60 mph, but at interstate speeds it comes out and constantly taps me on the back.:laugh: So, I bought a set of Coleman Sleeping Bag Straps, they have a non-slip buckle, so one could easily fit around the sheepskin and seat in the rear, and hold it in place to stop the flapping as higher speeds. Know this will work because on my solo trip to Michigan last year, that tapping got so annoying, I had to pull over and improvise a similar method using an extra belt from my luggage. So a belt or one the new Coleman Straps will work, they're just visible when you're up close.

The idea I'm toying with is, hand sewing or tacking one of the straps underneath to the backside of the hide in four locations, two relating to top of seat and lower on each side close to the bottom. This will hold the rear part of the sheepskin in place on solo rides at speed. However, it will require unbolting and lifting the rear of the seat each time to install and remove the cover. I suppose it also provides a bit of security for the curiously honest among us.

Sorry for the long reply, but it also helps me to think out loud as to how I want to resolve the solo flapping, but also keep the covers seemless look.

That is awesome information. Exactly what I was wanting to know.

Thank you very much!!

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, Feel free to do so!......Sorry I missed this post earlier:blush:.......Wes

p.s, wish I had cleaned all that pollen off the rubber inserts now.lol

Thank you, appreciate it. We're getting hammered by pollen right now too. It's everywhere!

Kevin

 

[ShapeShifter]

Goodbye Old Soldier & Hello Rookie!

My modular helmet, a Nolan100E, was my go helmet for Michigan cold weather riding when I lived there and I've used it for riding in other other adverse conditions after relocating......it's about 14-15 years old now. Nolan like others manufacturers only recommend a 4-5 year useful life for a helmet. But my trusty 100E was hard to give up, it just seem to fit me like a great pair of Ostrich Boots. The thought of replacing it with another comparable Nolan was at a price point that's simply not in my budget. Current climate calls for a bit more frugal spending for a helmet.

I went in search of another modular helmet with an affordable price, but one that also had; convenience features, was well constructed and DOT Approved, and it had to be light weight. Checked out several, but already having bought an HJC Helmet in Dec 2018, and being pleased with the HJC LS2, 3/4 Open Face w/Shield. I thought why not give their moderately priced Modular Helmets a good look.

Bottom line: I just received an HJC IS-MAX II Modular.....it met all the criteria I mentioned earlier. Only slight Con is, it has a bit larger profile than the Nolan!. So, probably going to have a more pronounced Bobblehead Look!! Have washed the headliner, cheek pads, chin curtain and sanitized insides and outside. Last night, reinstalled everything back and added a new wired head set. Looking forward to a test ride whenever the strong thunderstorms and torrential rains leave the area.......around here we're wondering, how long before we see a full week of dry weather and sunshine!!:Shrug:

Oh!...Happy Easter....and Gods Blessings to All.....Wes

 

[ultrafxr]

You're going to like the HJC IS Max. My wife and I have been riding year round with the HJC IS Max helmet for many years. In fact we're on our second one know and think they are fantastic. Now I've not tried Nolan or any of the other 'premium' priced modular helmets but this one sure fits the bill for us. Very comfortable and does not restrict peripheral vision at all and that's very important. Even on the hottest summer days we don't find wearing this modular helmet to be a problem. In fact I like it rather than having a blast of superheated air in my face.

 

[ShapeShifter]

You're going to like the HJC IS Max. My wife and I have been riding year round with the HJC IS Max helmet for many years. In fact we're on our second one know and think they are fantastic. Now I've not tried Nolan or any of the other 'premium' priced modular helmets but this one sure fits the bill for us. Very comfortable and does not restrict peripheral vision at all and that's very important. Even on the hottest summer days we don't find wearing this modular helmet to be a problem. In fact I like it rather than having a blast of superheated air in my face.

That's really great feedback coming on the heels of my new, but yet to be used IS-MAX II.ThumbUp The Nolan I bought during my working days in Michigan, at a time when cost was a lesser concern.

Now if this monsoon like weather let's up, I can give it some nice trial runs!
Alan, the bags were already on the trike when I bought it. Never thought to ask them who did the install, but I noticed straightaway that this trike had a lot of nice extras installed. That's why I knew the dealer pricing was well below where it should have been, so getting at my price was a win-win deal. Now who ever did those installs took extra care and was spot on!

Shark Modular Helmets are another VERY nice helmet, but like the Nolan, outside my present helmet budget.:blush: