avon front tires

[ballbreaker]

Is anyone running the Avon AV91 cobra chrome front tire MT90B16 74H and if so what are the pros and cons and if you were satisfied in regards to handling in dry and wet conditions. Getting mixed reviews on the new Michelin Commander III. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks

[DragonLady58]

good tire....will wonder all over if on a big bridge with the steel grating on the deck.....she'll do the long swooping wandering from side to side....
Rain Grooves on the hwy or interstate, not so bad....
Tar snakes.....little to none movement.
Steep RR track crossings....theres some wandering as long as not going slow....and the gap isn't wide.....
I absolutely hate steep RR Tracks when going slow....

[ballbreaker]

Thanks for the reply DragonLady58. Interesting comments. I will check further into this. Heard some negative comments on the Commander III so thought I would check these out as a possibility.

[redjay]

Originally Posted by ballbreaker

Thanks for the reply DragonLady58. Interesting comments. I will check further into this. Heard some negative comments on the Commander III so thought I would check these out as a possibility.

What negative comments did you hear about the Commander III ?
I have them on my 1300 Yamaha.

[ballbreaker]

Reading about some high speed vibrations on one of the Harley Forums. Don't know if it was the bike or tires. My dealer is recommending the Commander III for my application so I am doing my diligence on getting as much info as possible on the Avon, Commander III as well as other brands so I can make the best decision for me. If your bike is in good shape I really don't see any tire causing a high or low speed vibration.

[redjay]

I have never had any high speed tire vibrations on my 1300 V Star. I have done about 8,000 kms since the tires were installed.
I will say the tires were very slick when they were first installed, slicker than any other tire I have tried. Don't pick the bike up from the dealer if its raining !!

[ballbreaker]

Like I said Redjay I have never owned Commander III's but am currently running a Commander II on the rear for the last 12,000 kms. with no problems. This thread that I was reading was on the HD forum under technical section wheels/tires. Anyone interested can read the thread and come up with their own thoughts and opinions. I am still in the fact finding stages of looking for a new tire as I have never had a Commander II or III on the front of my Vaquero.

[redjay]

I got 36,000 kms out of a Commander II on my V Star 1300 and it would have gone to 40,000kms and still been okay. My opinion of the Commander II on my V star is that it always felt like it was overinflated and gave a harsh ride. The Michelin 888 was better. The Commander III is better than the Michelin and gives a smooth ride with good grip in the corners. I comment on the wet weather performance as I only ride in the rain if the forecast is wrong and get caught in the rain.

[ballbreaker]

On my sportster XL1200C I changed front and rear to Metzeller 888 and found the grip, braking and traction wet or dry much better than the factory Dunlops. I drive in all types of weather on my Vaquero so want a better tire on the front than what I have now, hence the opinions of others on this Forum as to what they are using.

[recumbentbob]

Avon Cobra is a great front tire. Ran them on my Nomad and now on my Victory.

[ballbreaker]

Thanks for your opinion recumbentbob. I am looking pretty hard at the avon cobra chrome

[The Black Knight]

Thanks mates.

[ldhthept]

Ive run Avon Cobras front and rear on my 06 Nomad for many years. I’m on my first set of the Cobra Chromes. I cant tell much difference in the two. I’ve updated to Progressive springs in front and shocks in the rear long ago and the bike usually stays where I put it.

[ballbreaker]

+Thanks for the input Idhthept