New tyres ordered

[Hitcher]

After my last tyre purchasing experience I decided that if I wanted a choice of brands this time I'd better order early. So with about 3,000km left on the current Battlax 020s I am prepared!

To recap, a Honda ST1300 has a rockinghorse-shit front tyre size -- 120/70 R18.

So at my next change, on go a set of Avon Azaro-STs. I haven't run Avons before, so will be interested to see how they go. They review OK.

Is anybody else running these at present?

[James Deuce]

I had them on the GSX and they rocked.

I had the ST45/46 combo - Vifferman swears by a ST49 front/ST46 rear combo.

Very stable, a profile with no surprises, e.g. precipitous post-shoulder profile, and they were the best tyre I've ever used in the wet or on gravel on a sports tourer.

One thing though - below about 10km/hr you will feel like the front tyre is furiously tramlining. Don't worry it is just the tyre following the zig-zag directional groove in the centre of the front tyre. Heaps of tread depth which bodes well for long life.

[Big Dave]

I haven't run Avons before, so will be interested to see how they go. They review OK.

Is anybody else running these at present?

I wrote one of those reviews if you read it in KR.

For my Trophy they are without doubt the best tyres i have fitted. (well, kerry fitted, but you know wot I mean)

I suspect you will find the same. Somebody else on here pointed out they are appropriately load rated for the big battleships.

[Biff]

I don't like Avon's. And I know that there are a whole heap of people out there that love them (including our very own Jim2), but I just can't get on with them.

IMHO I found that they failed to instill me with any confidence on wet/greasy surfaces, kicking out causing me to experience more than one brown trouser moment. Fine for fair weather riding though.

I'm a BT020 convert. Not overly keen on the BT57.

[Holy Roller]

I wrote one of those reviews if you read it in KR.

For my Trophy they are without doubt the best tyres i have fitted. (well, kerry fitted, but you know wot I mean)

I suspect you will find the same. Somebody else on here pointed out they are appropriately load rated for the big battleships.

I may have give them a try when my current treads expire, The "appropriately load rated for the big battleships" appeals to me now.

[Blackbird]

Hi Hitcher - have had 2 sets of Avon Azaro ST's on the Blackbird. Both have been brilliant in both wet and dry BUT......there are 2 specs! The first is what might be called the standard spec. You do not want these as the front tyre in particular deflects under load and triangles off early on a heavier machine like yours or mine.

The second specification has a heavier sidewall construction to stop deflection and this is the one you want. I'm at work at present and can't remember what the numbering is on the sidewall, but could let you know this evening if you can't find out from the supplier in the meantime. When I switched to the higher spec tyre, the additional rigidity is very noticeable.

Finally, Azaros initially feel strange at low speed as you get a slight oscillation due to tread pattern pickup due to the large bands of tread going in opposite directions. You don''t notice it after a short while.

Hope this helps.

Geoff

[Blackbird]

..... I've just pulled some info from the Blackbird website, reproduced below. It's the Azaro "B" spec tyre you want.

Geoff

NEW AZARO ‘B’VERSIONS FOR ULTIMATE STABILITY
Six new ‘B’ version tyres are now available in key sizes to meet the needs of

machines with inherently distinctive handling characteristics.



The new versions are available in 120/70ZR17, 180/55ZR17 and 190/50ZR17, in both the Azaro-ST and Azaro-SP Sport ranges.



The introduction of these new variants follows extensive homologation testing with motorcycle manufacturers.



Leo Smith, Technical Product Manager, said, “There have been instances recently where machine development has focused on areas other than stability and this is particularly true of some ultra-high speed motorcycles. We have used our expertise to design a more stable platform for such bikes, giving our customers an alternative option, should it be required.”



Cooper-Avon’s fitment recommendations are being updated to include the latest tyres.



The new B versions, together with their product codes, are listed below;



Azaro-ST AV45 AV46

120/70R17 [product code 4056617]

180/55R17 [product code 4066717]

190/55R17 [product code 4066317]

[Lou Girardin]

I've used the ST45/46's and while I have no real complaints, the Metz Z6's are so superior I wouldn't go back. And although I can't pin the blame on the tyres, my only bin on my own bike was while using Avon's.

[XTC]

Pulled out my avon catalog, couldn't see what I wanted so phoned my Avon lady and she said they don't do tyres.....
Avon - very ghey name

[bear]

I've used the ST45/46's and while I have no real complaints, the Metz Z6's are so superior I wouldn't go back. And although I can't pin the blame on the tyres, my only bin on my own bike was while using Avon's.

Slight thread hijack - glad to hear the Metz Z6 are good. Currently running Michelin Pilots, but as they are in need of replacement have opted for the Z6.

[Racey Rider]

NEW AZARO ‘B’VERSIONS FOR ULTIMATE STABILITY
Six new ‘B’ version tyres are now available in key sizes to meet the needs of

machines with inherently distinctive handling characteristics.

Yep! Thats the THING alright!

[James Deuce]

Pulled out my avon catalog, couldn't see what I wanted so phoned my Avon lady and she said they don't do tyres.....
Avon - very ghey name

Avon the tyre company has been around longer than the pseudo-pyramid scheme cosmetics company.

[vifferman]

I had them on the GSX and they rocked.

I had the ST45/46 combo - Vifferman swears by a ST49 front/ST46 rear combo.

Very stable, a profile with no surprises, e.g. precipitous post-shoulder profile, and they were the best tyre I've ever used in the wet or on gravel on a sports tourer.

One thing though - below about 10km/hr you will feel like the front tyre is furiously tramlining. Don't worry it is just the tyre following the zig-zag directional groove in the centre of the front tyre. Heaps of tread depth which bodes well for long life.

What? Using my name without permission.
I had the combo Jim mentioned on my VTR1000 ( a bit lighter than your bike, Hitcher.) I had no problems with it at all, and can't remember any tramlining, but then the AV-49 (SP, not ST) has a different tread pattern and profile.
I had the earlier Azaros on my VFR750 and thought they were OK (till I tried a BT-012F/BT-020R combo!), but the later model Azaros are hugely better. Now I've got BT-020s both ends on the VFR, but I'll probably try Z6s or maybe a BT-014F/BT-020R combo. (Yes, I like the combination of sports front and ST rear very much as it means both tahrs wear out together, and the sports front gives better grip and sharper turn-in.)

[Hitcher]

My first pick would have been the Metzeler Z6. Loved them on my ZRX1200R. But that 120/70 R18 front wheel means that the local distributors don't have them in stock and the next camel train isn't due to arrive until after Christmas (year undefined). I may order my next set now in readiness, after all, 12,000km is only about three months' riding...