The new Avon Storm tyre - an extended evaluation.

[sinned]

I am about to fit a new rear to the SV1000S and am seriously considering the Avon ST-Storm. It has been a few months since posts on this topic. Are the opinions still the same? Is there still love for the Storm or is the honeymoon over?

The front has a half worn Mitchelin Sports. Is there any risk leaving this on with the Storm on the rear; or should I change the front as well? The bike has done 8,000km from new.

[Hitcher]

Storms all the way!

I've run 10,000km off my Storms now and the rear has just started to show signs of a flat spot in the centre. At this stage I predict at least another 2,000km worth of rear wear. I just love these tyres! Having said that, I may try a set of the new Michelin Pilot Road 2s at the next change. I also note that Bridgestone have (finally) launched a dual compound sports tourer -- the 021. I'll be interested to hear how these go as well. But I have found nothing to fault in the Avon Storm.

[riffer]

Interesting indeed. As an Azaro wearer, I shall watch this topic with interest.

There may be a Storm in my future...

[Blackbird]

I concur with Hitcher's evaluation. They're actually the first tyre on the Blackbird that I haven't found the limit with yet in terms of grip in the wet - my nerve goes before the tyre lets go! The resistance to "squaring off" is great which means that the tyre performs effectively for longer. I think that the rear will be stuffed at about 8000 km. That doesn't necessarily mean that I've been caning it, but coarse south island chip in warm conditions is bound to take its toll, especially with a 220 kg sports tourer. In summary, it's the best all round tyre I've ever had on the 'bird and the best in wet conditions by a country mile.

Now, the final comment! You will have seen my comments about several of us experiencing "head shake" to varying degrees at "round town speeds". I reported this to Avon, they promised to get back and never did so. I'm still seeing posts on the UK Blackbird website about the same thing. Hitcher didn't experience this at all so whether some bikes are more sensitive to the issue or a QA problem exists with some batches, I don't know. All I can say is that the Storms are still worth buying because of their superb performance. If you decide to go ahead, ask your tyre fitter to take real care with balancing because of known issues. If you experience a shimmy, get a replacement like my riding partner did.

Hope this covers what you wanted to know.

BTW, I'm not a fan of mixing tyre types as different profiles move your rolling radius around when turning in and can upset the handling. It's probably overkill, but I even change front and rears at the same time on a matched set. This isn't too excessive on a heavy bike like the 'bird because you get a fair bit of front end push anyway.

[sinned]

Thanks Hitcher and Blackbird. TSS fitted an Avon ST-Storm to the rear today. It will be interesting to see how many kms I get out of it.

[Hitcher]

I hope it works well for you. I'd be looking to get a Storm on the front ASAP, but that's just my preference/prejudice against having different compounds on the road at the same time.

[Blackbird]

I had an email from Dold Industries yesterday, the importers of Avon tyres (see below). It would seem that Avon do indeed have a problem with at least some of their Storm front tyres on some applications. Just reiterating what has been previously said though, it shouldn't put people off buying what is a fantastic tyre.

Hey Geoff,
Was just wondering how the Storms are going on the Blackbird? I have been talking with Avon recently and they are aware of a slow speed weave so are currently experimenting with some ideas that should eliminate it. As they have said to me, its not really a problem and most customers have been more than happy with the overall performance and milage. It also only seems to be on certain model bikes and balancing need to be 100% .
It seems as the tyre wears any weave becomes less noticeable.

[riffer]

I'm putting a Storm on the bike week after next so I've be throwing my evaluation up here as well.

I'm currently running an Azaro on the rear (done 1500kms) and a Metzeler Roadtec Z6 on the front which has triangulated horribly (not unusual for my bike) and is starting to let go in the wet now.