Avon Trike Tire

Jul 7, 2015
4
3
Chanute, KS
Avon Trike tire trip report

2015 Tri-Glide

I install a new Avon Trike tire Model AV71 Size MT90B16 on May 13,2106 I had 9,994 miles on the OEM Dunlop tire and it had between 2-3/32 center tread left.

Since I was planning a long trip at the end of the month and didn't want to change tire mid trip I decide best to replace before leaving.

4,190 miles later after returning home I have 10/32 center tread left (new 11/32).
Really like the tire handling although I cannot tell you how it handles on wet roads (yes 4000 miles and never had to get out rain suit). Although when not side loading tire on smooth roads that have no tire groove yet it seems to wonder around a bit. If a good tire groove, in a corner or with a cross wind it is really solid. I emailed Avon about what they recommend for tire pressures they called me back I discussed the "wondering around" with them there recommended 36 psi which is Harley's pressure.

This trip was solo 300 pound driver, about 20 pounds of luggage.

Rear tire pressure 21 psi original Dunlop tires

DK Comfort Lift kit


50psi in shocks
 
Shuebert

I have just about the same mileage on my Avon and it measures 10/32 also. I found that there was some "chattering" and wandering in steep curves with 36psi in my tire. I just came back from the Dragon; I had bumped my psi to 40 and the tire handled much better. I'll be leaving mine set at 40.
 
avon trike tire

I put the tire on before a long trip. It started to wander and drift about 600 miles. Ran 5500 miles with it. it is drifting so bad that it is like being buffered hard by the wind. It wants to climb the hump in the middle of the road or any groove. I called the rep and he said it could be a slipped cord and he will warranty it 100%. I have 6300 miles on it. I will go back to the Dunlop I had 17000 miles on it.
 
I put the tire on before a long trip. It started to wander and drift about 600 miles. Ran 5500 miles with it. it is drifting so bad that it is like being buffered hard by the wind. It wants to climb the hump in the middle of the road or any groove. I called the rep and he said it could be a slipped cord and he will warranty it 100%. I have 6300 miles on it. I will go back to the Dunlop I had 17000 miles on it.

I did take tire pressure up to 41psi as a previous poster suggested and it helped with the wondering. FYI I did call Avon and their suggestion was 36psi.
 
I put the tire on before a long trip. It started to wander and drift about 600 miles. Ran 5500 miles with it. it is drifting so bad that it is like being buffered hard by the wind. It wants to climb the hump in the middle of the road or any groove. I called the rep and he said it could be a slipped cord and he will warranty it 100%. I have 6300 miles on it. I will go back to the Dunlop I had 17000 miles on it.

Leonard, Thanks very much for the post. With the accumulating evidence on this Avon tire for the Tri Glide, I too think I will stick with the stock Dunlop. I have 12.5k on my original and it looks to have at least 6k left in it and no sense of "wandering" which I absolutely could not tolerate.

I had been very interested in the Avon being that it was a trike specific tire. It appears that Harley's OEM front tire for their heavier bikes/trikes is time tested. That doesn't mean that there haven't been some clunker stock Harley fronts but you don't hear much about that.
 
I have almost a 1000 miles on my Avon since I bumped the PSI to 40. At that PSI it handles like a dream, no wandering at all. Much better than my old Dunlop
 
I think I will stick to my Michelin Commander II (rear) on the front. Thanks for the report!

Bob :D
 
I just got my tire installed a few days ago. Immediately noticed this "wandering" effect. Yesterday put 41 psi in, took it for a quick test ride and it seems to be good. I'm gonna drop it down 1 pound at a time and try to find the sweet spot.

Funny how this only seems to affect HD's. No mention of this wandering in the Honda avon tire thread.
 
Not sure of they have a size for the TG, but on my wing trikes I really liked the Battle Ax BT-45 sport touring rear tire, bias ply....
 
Avon "Trike" Front Tire

Since December 2015, I have put about 12,000 miles on the Avon trike front tire. The tread depth is now about 4/32". The only thing I did not like about the tire is it's handling on wet roads. With the current wear, the front tire locks up any time I have to brake with even moderate pressure. If any of you riders have ever had the pleasure of having the front end lock up know this is a really bad thing. I am now looking for another type of tire.
If any trike rider have had good experience with a front tire that holds the road in wet weather, please let me know.
R/
Scott Smith
 
Since December 2015, I have put about 12,000 miles on the Avon trike front tire. The tread depth is now about 4/32". The only thing I did not like about the tire is it's handling on wet roads. With the current wear, the front tire locks up any time I have to brake with even moderate pressure. If any of you riders have ever had the pleasure of having the front end lock up know this is a really bad thing. I am now looking for another type of tire.
If any trike rider have had good experience with a front tire that holds the road in wet weather, please let me know.
R/
Scott Smith
Hi Scott, I installed a new Avon Cobra trike tire on my 2012 Tri Glide in June 2016 and have 5k miles on it with hardly any signs of wear. I have not had a lock-up problem in the rain. The tire performs well and I have had no problems with it. Ride safe!
 
Avon front tire

After reading several comments about which tire to run on the front of a trike, I decided to run a rear tire in reverse on the front. When I went shopping for a tire I found that Dennis Kirk had Avon tires on sale. I couldn't pass up the deal as the Avon Cobra Trike tire was only $85. I finally got it mounted and went for a ride Saturday and what a difference in ride.

Much smoother and quieter than the stock Dunlop. Trike wandered a little on the highway. I figured that was due to the waxy mold release coating on the new tire. After a couple of hours of mountain riding and some proper scuffing in of the tire it is steady as a rock now. Now, let's hope it lasts longer than the stock tire as I only got 6,000 miles out of it (lots of mountain riding around here).
 
The reason I am running a rear tire up front is that they have a deeper tread depth and last much longer for about the same price. 6K out of a front stock Dunlop is about the least I have ever seen posted here. I got 13k out of mine and also do a lot of mountain riding here in PA.

Please report back on the Avon trike tire. We appreciate the feedback!

Bob :Dorag:
 
Update

Now have 1 year and 8000 miles on tire. been running at 41psi, that fixed the "wondering" I have 8/32 tread center tread (new 11/32). So I have lost 3/32 in that time. About the same tread loss as the OEM Dunlop, but starting with twice as much tread.

Planning a 6500 mile trip next month I will give another update then..

At this time I would replace with another Avon.
 
Avon trike tire

Just wondering who has tried the Avon trike tire that fits Harley's. How is it wearing, what kind of mileage do you think you'll get out of the tire. Thx in advance!
 
I had one on my 2013 Triglide. It had almost 10,000 on it at trade in and looked brand new. When I replace the stock one on my 2016 I will use the Avon. I did find that it needs around 40 psi to be really stable
 
I heard good things about Avon Cobra Trike tires though I ended up getting the Metzler because of the price I got.
 
Avon front tire??

Going to have to replace my front tire soon. Wondering how the Avons are holding up? Dealer said they were about $50 less than the American Elite rear (would be mounted in reverse). Looking for comments on both to help me decide.

thanks
 
Going to have to replace my front tire soon. Wondering how the Avons are holding up? Dealer said they were about $50 less than the American Elite rear (would be mounted in reverse). Looking for comments on both to help me decide.

thanks

I've only had mine for about 3000 miles, so can't comment on the longevity except I don't see any wear on it. I can comment that I like the ride better than the Dunlop that was on there before. I never asked about balancing until I picked it up from my Indie tech. He used Dynabeads. It's my first experience with them. I'm pleased with it. Caught it on sale for $99.
 
Well at almost 14,000 miles ,replaced the front Dunflob, with a new Avon Trike tire. Seems to feel much smoother on the road. Rode over 600 miles & I like it. Now , to see if it lasts longer. Got the Tri just one year ago & already a front tire.
 
New tire ordered

I just ordered a Michelin Commander II rear for the front of Shiney they were on sale seemed good price free shipping. I wanted to have it on hand, I still a little life in the Commander II front tire but it will soon be time. Passed annual inspection no problem Indy said keep an eye on the front if it were two wheels he would say put it on now. maybe later in August. :Coffee: Travel safe Fred
 
Don't feel bad...I had to replace my original tire after 4200 miles. The dealership acted like this was nothing unusual. Can't remember at this time what it was replaced with, but I told them to put something on it that would wear longer.

I asked the parts manager about the Avon trike specific tire and he likened it to 'snake oil'. Next time, I'm going somewhere else and buying one, especially if I don't get better mileage out of this one.
 
Don't feel bad...I had to replace my original tire after 4200 miles. The dealership acted like this was nothing unusual. Can't remember at this time what it was replaced with, but I told them to put something on it that would wear longer.

I asked the parts manager about the Avon trike specific tire and he likened it to 'snake oil'. Next time, I'm going somewhere else and buying one, especially if I don't get better mileage out of this one.

That sounds about the right comment from your HD dealer even though Avon has been making tires since the early 1900's and are now owned by Cooper Tire Company. They don't say Harley Davidson on the sidewall.

I have rode many miles on Avon tires and love them. They handle well and have good treadwear characteristics.
 
Bill, glad you like the Avon. My dealer just got one in for me, will put it on in 2 weeks. Will have about 13,000 on the trike then. Trip coming up later in Aug, and want it changed before I go.
 
re- avon tire

Avon - is the only tire maker -- making a front tire expecially for trikes. It is not as round, it is flatter profile on the road, (less skipping etc) and, I highly recommend them.
 

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