View Full Version : Avon Storms
Have a look at this email from Avon, somthing i found when looking up scrubbin in new tyres.
NOT MY EMAIL
As this subject comes up every now and again, I took it upon myself to query Avon tyres.
Below is my email and the very quick and helpful response from Pete McNally.
"Hi
Sorry to bother you, but could you give me the/your answer to a question that is causing some debate on uk.rec.motorcycles.
The debate is about the scrubbing in of new tyres.
One view is that the scrubbing in is to remove traces of 'anti-stick' compound that is in the mould.
Another espouses the view that tyres need to go through a 'heat cycle' to 'condition' the tyre.
Sorry to cause you extra work but I thought I'd ask 'someone wot knows'.
If you can help with an answer it could be added to our FAQs for the benefit of all.
Love
Scraggy etc"
"Hi Scraggy,
Prior to moulding, m/c tyres used to be sprayed with a solution. This would help the rubber flow during the curing process and reduce defects.
This solution could also make the tyre slippery when new. Avon now uses water based solution or in many cases, no solution at all. Water based solution dissolves into the rubber and will not have any effect on a new tyres grip.
Avon m/c tyres do not now need scrubbing in due to moulding solution. This may not always be the case with other manufacturer's tyres but many are reducing or eliminating this solution, often refered to as tyre dope (not the sort you smoke!).
However, all tyres should still be scrubbed in. If too much power or load is put through a new tyre, large tears can appear on the tyre's tread surface. This is called low frequency graining. These tears will remain larger than normal and the tyres grip and mileage will suffer. If the tyre is scrubbed in properly, these tears will be much finer and mileage and grip will be optimised (high frequency graining). This same effect can happen if too much throttle is used when the tyre is cold. This is called cold graining i.e. the tyre surface will tear up as the compound is trying to grip before it has reached its optimum operating temperature.
Putting new tyres through a heat cycle also helps. In simple terms this basically breaks down the tyre at a molecular level and lets all the molecular strings reform in a more neutral state. This eliminates soft and hard areas of the tyre, effectively conditioning it.
Best regards,
Peter J McNally
M/C Technical Product Manager
01225 357753
www.avonmotorcycle.com"
So, from an (1)Avon perspective, there we have it.
Getting a pair fitted tomorrow, because B&C tell me there are no PR2s available at the mo. My plugged read (Road Attack) now has a second nail in it and is a bit square. Interesting to see how they compare....
What pressures are people running theirs at? Avon website (http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=fitment&method=fitments&manufacturer=57&id=1271&model=650&year=2003) is recommending 33/36 for the SV - are people running their recommendation or 36/42?
xXBADGERXx
08-05-09, 07:23 PM
I`m running 36/39
dizzyblonde
08-05-09, 08:09 PM
I run what Avon tell me to run them at 33/36. I have tried them higher and didn't like. Much better as the recommended PSI.
davepreston
08-05-09, 08:58 PM
storm rear put on today just rode it home 7 mile as had stuff to do
what is the best way to scrub tyres in
do's and dont
it felt very slippy on the ride home but i expected that much
i bow to the org icale :) of knowledge
dizzyblonde
08-05-09, 09:02 PM
Ride with care for about 100 miles or so, don't be caning the ass off it, or she'll be bitin your butt. ;-)
A good selection of roads(twists that are gentle) so you can cover as much of the tread as possible
Luckypants
08-05-09, 09:29 PM
storm rear put on today just rode it home 7 mile as had stuff to do
what is the best way to scrub tyres in
do's and dont
it felt very slippy on the ride home but i expected that much
i bow to the org icale :) of knowledge
Ride smoothly and progressively build up to your normal pace over a few miles. I had mine scrubbed in 20 miles on the NW4 rideout with a pillion on. Also see post 201 (http://forums.sv650.org/showpost.php?p=1898879&postcount=201) for a useful bit of feedback from Avon about scrubbing in.
yorkie_chris
09-05-09, 02:30 AM
Build up over a normal 20-30 miles until you're sure it's hot. At this point it is scrubbed in and ready for abuse.
First time out in typical mancunian weather since I had them fitted and I have to say I was impressed. They felt planted and progressive and generally pretty damn good.
M&P have storms for £148.97 a pair 120x60x17, 160x60x17 delivered.. dont go to pair deals.. select each tyre its cheaper that way...
the 160x60x17 rear ones are at £71.49. 120x60x17 fronts are £72.49. P&P is £4.99
Dave20046
05-06-09, 07:02 AM
M&P have storms for £148.97 a pair 120x60x17, 160x60x17 delivered.. dont go to pair deals.. select each tyre its cheaper that way...
the 160x60x17 rear ones are at £71.49. 120x60x17 fronts are £72.49. P&P is £4.99
cunning *******s! Just bought some as a pair :mad:
Might email them and see if I can get some moneys back they've took the **** with postage too it's been a week.
Luckypants
05-06-09, 08:30 AM
Just priced up a pair for the VFR on the M&P site, £175 bought individually or £158 as a pair. It seems the little error is only for SV tyres. I checked and the anomaly is still there...
Dave20046
05-06-09, 08:31 AM
Just priced up a pair for the VFR on the M&P site, £175 bought individually or £158 as a pair. It seems the little error is only for SV tyres. I checked and the anomaly is still there...
Yeah I've just checked. I'm gonna kick off to them see if they'll give me the money off, I'm sick of m&p.
Yeah I've just checked. I'm gonna kick off to them see if they'll give me the money off, I'm sick of m&p.
well done if you kicked off.. they have now put the price back up by £20.. :mad:
Nobbylad
11-06-09, 02:27 PM
Just ordered some for the 2nd time (had some on order for fitting today, however got a screw in my rear tyre on Tuesday and now can't ride the bike into M'chester to get it fitted :( ). So have ordered from my local bike shop for fitting on Saturday...can't wait as my rear tyre is squarer than spongebob squarepants!
getting some fitted next wednesday, hope they are good!
yorkie_chris
11-06-09, 06:21 PM
Warning; may get sticky when hot.
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs088.snc1/4624_232179470552_879760552_7297246_6243252_n.jpg
Jamiebridges123
11-06-09, 07:33 PM
Maybe need to try these.. but tread looks boring compared to PR2 LMAO
yorkie_chris
11-06-09, 07:43 PM
Yah fackin tart.
joshmac
11-06-09, 09:54 PM
Yah fackin tart.
:lol: +1
Your lowers don't match the rest of your bike.. what difference will tyre thread make ;)
Jamiebridges123
11-06-09, 09:58 PM
Pffffffffffft..... :|
dizzyblonde
11-06-09, 10:10 PM
Maybe need to try these.. but tread looks boring compared to PR2 LMAO
Don't get caught out with the front tyre tread being the wrong way round then!
Jamiebridges123
11-06-09, 10:20 PM
Yeah I noticed that too, LMAO. But the rear tyre looks so awesome.. besides no-one can get infront of me so it doesn't matter! :D :D :D lmao
xXBADGERXx
11-06-09, 10:56 PM
I`d take an awesome tyre over tread pattern anyday of the week . I am on my second rear and have enjoyed every minute of it , the front is plugged at the moment after a nice Rivet shank got into it , so will be replaced when I get a new rear at some point .
JamesMio
12-06-09, 07:29 AM
I stuck a set of Avon Storms on the Pan for the euro trip - they're a truly great great tyre!! I'm sold on them now, and it'll take something special for me to change to another make.
Dave20046
12-06-09, 08:21 AM
Had a pair of avons in my front room since monday stinkin the house out cause 1) I'm too lazy/busy to take my wheels off (which sparks off all manner of other work on the bike) 2.) waiting for an opportunity to squeeze the last 50 miles out of my rear tyre (stupidity).
Is it wrong I'm slightly excited about trying them out after reading all the hype on here?
Yah fackin tart.
Couldn't have put it better myself.
yorkie_chris
12-06-09, 11:14 AM
Nowt wrong with getting excited about rubber. Takes all sorts.
dizzyblonde
12-06-09, 12:19 PM
Had a pair of avons in my front room since monday stinkin the house out cause f.
mmmmmm the smell of rubber:D
Jamiebridges123
12-06-09, 12:24 PM
Nowt wrong with getting excited about rubber. Takes all sorts.
You are talking about tyres, right? :lol:
mmmmmm the smell of rubber:D
burning rubber smells better ;)
AndyBrad
12-06-09, 12:52 PM
How much are you looing for a pair of these, ride in ride out?
Also do you think i could get some money for my old rear? Its a bt020 and has 4-6mm of tread on it
dizzyblonde
12-06-09, 01:48 PM
Andy I've said before.. HMS Halifax 01422 343342 (IIRC) £180 ride in ride out.
AndyBrad
12-06-09, 02:09 PM
sorry dizzy, just last time i spoke to them (battery) they wernt very helpful. Will try them againt ho at the end of the month.
Think i would get anything for the slightly worn bridgestone?
yorkie_chris
12-06-09, 02:16 PM
Stick it on eBay, might draw a few quid.
dizzyblonde
12-06-09, 02:29 PM
sorry dizzy, just last time i spoke to them (battery) they wernt very helpful. Will try them againt ho at the end of the month.
really? Well Rob is a saarcy mizzerable git:p. But hes a good guy really. Tyres are his main thing you see. Best place in HX IMO. Only place really.
AndyBrad
12-06-09, 03:20 PM
Ah right. Ill see what he says. There 190 up the road from me but they then want another 20 quid to fit!!
Dave20046
13-06-09, 07:26 PM
These tyres are the dogs danglys
That is all....
What sort of mileage are people getting?
Like kind of medium use->hard use..
Wrecked my old dunlops in under 2K miles, these PR2's are basically gossed after 5000< which is less than most have been getting..
I like the feel of the PR2's, the avons will match this will they?
And for what mileage?
xXBADGERXx
14-06-09, 03:42 PM
What sort of mileage are people getting?
Like kind of medium use->hard use..
Hard use from September to October which dropped down to Medium use in November til February netted me 6667 miles when I changed the rear .
My Metzeler Mez1 lasted under 900 miles on the rear :(
And my Dunlop D207 lasted about 3000 miles which I thought was ok for a Tyre that was gunned hard over my first Summer of Love on the SV , wish I had the Storms on it then though :love:
Looks like a set of storms then :)
Will need to check my tyre, see how goosed it is first..
AndyBrad
16-06-09, 01:54 PM
booked in for them tomorrow :) but its foprcast to **** it down. fecking typical.
a bt020 in the for sale section btw.
JamesMio
16-06-09, 02:01 PM
but its foprcast to **** it down. fecking typical
Won't make much difference with a set of Storms on my good man!
Luckypants
16-06-09, 02:02 PM
booked in for them tomorrow :) but its foprcast to **** it down. fecking typical.
a bt020 in the for sale section btw.
Won't make much difference with a set of Storms on my good man!
Yep, scrubbed in my first set in the rain and they felt more sure footed than the BT-020s they replace right from the start.
Dave20046
16-06-09, 02:07 PM
booked in for them tomorrow :) but its foprcast to **** it down. fecking typical.
a bt020 in the for sale section btw.
Was that as per my pm? :p I should work for them shouldn't I...
AndyBrad
18-06-09, 09:27 PM
ok spok to rob at halifax motorcycle spares. really good chap actually. Infact when he asked why i chose these tyers he said Youve been speaking to louise.
Anyways only done 20 miles on them commuting so far but they apear to be a lot slower to tip in than the bridgestones i had on before. Also and this sounds strange but they feel a bit noisyer and "feel heavier" its a strange feeling but ill let you know how they progress.
ok spok to rob at halifax motorcycle spares. really good chap actually. Infact when he asked why i chose these tyers he said Youve been speaking to louise.
Anyways only done 20 miles on them commuting so far but they apear to be a lot slower to tip in than the bridgestones i had on before. Also and this sounds strange but they feel a bit noisyer and "feel heavier" its a strange feeling but ill let you know how they progress.
check tyre pressure's ;)
dizzyblonde
18-06-09, 09:41 PM
yes do check the pressures. I have noticed Rob does overfill them sometimes.
Don't know about being slower to tip in, but you do get an awful lot of feedback from them, which is a good thing.
Dave20046
19-06-09, 07:43 AM
ok spok to rob at halifax motorcycle spares. really good chap actually. Infact when he asked why i chose these tyers he said Youve been speaking to louise.
Anyways only done 20 miles on them commuting so far but they apear to be a lot slower to tip in than the bridgestones i had on before. Also and this sounds strange but they feel a bit noisyer and "feel heavier" its a strange feeling but ill let you know how they progress.
I found them much quicker to tip in the my sticky icky dunlop sport tyres I had previously (which I found weird) do check the tyre pressures like other people have said. Think I'm running 39rear 36 front, what are other people using?
AndyBrad
19-06-09, 08:09 AM
Ive got 33f 36r pressures checked the day i picked them up. Seem very grippy but then again i did have a bt010 on the front before so maybe thats why im finding them slower to tip in. The bike does feel more stable but less "flickable" will let you know how i get on with that north yorks run on sat morning
Dave20046
19-06-09, 08:11 AM
Ive got 33f 36r pressures checked the day i picked them up. Seem very grippy but then again i did have a bt010 on the front before so maybe thats why im finding them slower to tip in. The bike does feel more stable but less "flickable" will let you know how i get on with that north yorks run on sat morning
Think avons like a bit of a higher pressure than that
run mine in now, they are noticabbly better than the standard dunlops
Dave20046
19-06-09, 08:15 AM
Think anything would be!
Nobbylad
19-06-09, 08:36 AM
run mine in now, they are noticabbly better than the standard dunlops
+1 and tip in quicker than the stock tyres..then again, my rear was flatter than a flat thing so that didn't help
+1 and tip in quicker than the stock tyres..then again, my rear was flatter than a flat thing so that didn't help
Na they definetly do, i was almost all the way over yesterday, the front seems alot more responsive as well
dizzyblonde
19-06-09, 11:04 AM
Think avons like a bit of a higher pressure than that
Website is 33/36
Although I'm pretty crap at doing pressures, I usually run at 33/an a half/34 front....36/an a half rear .:rolleyes:
oh and Andy....they stick like super glue.
eviltwin
19-06-09, 11:37 AM
they apear to be a lot slower to tip in than the bridgestones i had on before.
Interesting, Sarah got some the other week and says they're a bit slower to tip in than the PR2s she had. (On the Z1000, not the SV)
AndyBrad
20-06-09, 06:56 PM
did a fair few more miles on it today. much better and good grip. I like them i think :)
Went to the garage to enquire about these.
Similiar prices to the PR2's I have, and the garage says I will get less miles and there isn't much difference in them, the PR2's would probably be better.
So I chose the PR2's again, and I can't complain.
They get right over, and haven't had any rear slipping issues, etc.
rictus01
28-06-09, 11:50 PM
Spent some of my cash on new set of storms on friday, my fourth set, but the first on the little S4, put about 100 miles on them that day and after the " Oooh I've got profile" conversion was out of the way I felt right at home, although I didn't use it yesterday (404 fun instead) I did stick another 173 miles on it today and I'm pleased to say it was as good as I've come to expect.
Cheers Mark.
now that i have set my suspension up properly, i can honestly say that the dry performance from storms are awesome... i have had the rear all the way over past the 'storms' logo and about 2mm from the edge with not as much as a squirm from them.. the wet performance is about 80% of that, i'm a bit of a wuss at riding in the wet so they are probably better.. they are starting to square off a little at 3.5K but i put that down to doing a fair amount of those miles on dc's/mw's.. pressures are 33/36 for me but i only weigh 9.5 stone.
custard
29-06-09, 04:21 PM
considering these for the thou. how well does any one think they will wear? 4k?
rictus01
29-06-09, 04:35 PM
considering these for the thou. how well does any one think they will wear? 4k?
Just over 12k on a 245kg T'bird sport, if that helps :smt102
Cheers Mark.
mattb200
29-06-09, 07:47 PM
now that i have set my suspension up properly, i can honestly say that the dry performance from storms are awesome... .
Thats just what i wanted to hear, ordered some to be fitted Wednesday then off at the weekend to france for a week!
was gonna go with what i had before pirelli diablo strada as had no issues with them - apart from the fact with no centre tread on rear its difficult to assess wear rate.
Just over 12k on a 245kg T'bird sport, if that helps :smt102
Cheers Mark.
im on 7k on a rear tyre atm that has squared off on the sv but then its all been motorway miles
wondering how much more i will get from it lol
yorkie_chris
30-06-09, 07:23 PM
My last rear one dead in 4000 miles.
Right - Saturday morning will see my 'Bird fitted with a 120/70 Avon VP2 Sport front tyre and a 180/55 Avon Storm ST AV56 rear. From the large amount of research and questioning I have done it seems to be the way to go (for the Blackbird) - £212 ride-in-ride-out not too bad I thought.
I have booked an evening trackday at Snetterton on the 3rd August (focused events) so here's hoping!
I will post back my findings!
Well my Tourer has now had its Sports balls re-attached! :D
Did 45 miles home from the tyre place and straight away I could notice the difference - as the miles ticked by I noticed that the front end of the bike was not as "numb" as before and felt lighter when switching from left to right quickly and to top off a great ride home I even ground a peg for the first time on a roundabout! 8) I actually want to go out and ride my bike now whereas before I would find an excuse not to as I wasn't enjoying the bike that much. Did another 50 miles this afternoon and yup I can honestly say they are helping me bond better with the bike - just as I had hoped!
Verdict so far: love 'em! :notworthy:
Speedy Claire
05-07-09, 03:14 PM
I also noticed a huge difference with the Storms and as a result I felt far more confident whilst riding... I`m about to have my second rear fitted and I reckon I must have got close to 6,500 miles with the previous one.
Luckypants
12-02-10, 12:05 PM
As I have been noting down the mileage I'm getting from the Storms on this thread, here is the latest. Current rear will die shortly at about 6500 miles, which includes hooning about on the GMII and then chasing Amarko around the highlands. 1800 miles on that trip :D Wear is mainly in the centre as I have done some longish trips on the slab, I still have 2.5mm of tread at the edges. I had a new front about 2000 (maybe more) miles ago so that means my fronts are wearing out at about 7-8k miles or every 1.75 rears or so. I will probably end up with the new Storm Ultra on the rear this time and will report back my findings.
NB Because the VFR is so much heavier than the SV, it seems to wear the Storms that much faster.
Shellywoozle
12-02-10, 12:21 PM
Ooh may get some new shoes as I think these are the main reason for lack of confidence. My stocks are squared off due to my nervous riding for months and inspire no confidence.
Thanks Dizzy these are cheaper than the ones I was looking at getting and they seem to be getting the thumbs up ! May invest
yorkie_chris
12-02-10, 12:55 PM
Shelly you've still got the stock tyres on? You are in for a pleasant surprise.
As I have been noting down the mileage I'm getting from the Storms on this thread, here is the latest. Current rear will die shortly at about 6500 miles,
Sounds like the improved suspension has helped the wear a little
Luckypants
12-02-10, 01:32 PM
Sounds like the improved suspension has helped the wear a little Definitely I think, take a look see
Rear with about 300 miles on. after NWR4.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v354/214/80/677353213/n677353213_1030717_4328.jpg
Ignore the chunk! My latest rear after 500 miles, trip up to GMII inc Hartside etc and half the GMII rideout (and I really went for it on the bit before lunch) so you know the kind of roads that has ridden. Note how much smoother the tyre is, less rippling which has to be a good thing!
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs183.snc1/6092_100531593213_677353213_2207811_5940317_n.jpg
Sounds like the improved suspension has helped the wear a little
Definitely I think, take a look see
What did you do?
yorkie_chris
23-02-10, 12:39 PM
IIRC he gave maxton his forks and a blank cheque :-P
Luckypants
23-02-10, 01:03 PM
LOL @ Y-C, not a million miles away. Forks were revalved and re-sprung by Maxton and a Maxton rear shock fitted. Set up for 'fast road'. The biggest difference is the damping, but also a good spring that does not bottom out. According to Maxton the standard shock only allows 3.5" of rear wheel travel, but theirs provides for 5". Was not cheap, but worth it to me. The VFR is a keeper...
yorkie_chris
23-02-10, 04:57 PM
:cool:
I just had an interesting ride back from uni. These tyres rock. That is all.
Dave20046
23-02-10, 05:14 PM
Which ones, Ultra storms?
You got snow over there?
yorkie_chris
23-02-10, 05:16 PM
Nope just the normal storm ST, yeah some snow but roads dry and cold.
Dave20046
23-02-10, 05:17 PM
tut I knew that, sorry thought I was on the new storms thread - so many bloody avon threads.
yorkie_chris
30-06-10, 03:05 PM
Worth noting I just got my worst ever mileage out of a rear storm.
3800 miles from fresh to fooked!
AndyBrad
30-06-10, 03:16 PM
riding too hard? whats killed it?
yorkie_chris
30-06-10, 03:25 PM
A lot of fast motorway use and commuting wore a lot of middle part of tyre away. I did hell of a lot of trips to castleford and all over place on Mway riding fast.
I think it has been overheated a few times on twisties too. Rubber was peeling off quite easily this weekend jsut by rubbing your finger across the edge.
I think it would have lasted 4500+ if not for all the motorway crap squaring it off in its prime!
AndyBrad
30-06-10, 03:43 PM
Really, whats caused it to overheat? I did notice that dave numbers tyres were noticably hotter than mine this weekend. Although he does ride faster than me (doesnt everyone;))
yorkie_chris
30-06-10, 03:45 PM
Really, whats caused it to overheat?
A mad welshman on a viffer.
Dave20046
30-06-10, 07:39 PM
mine dead after circa 3.5-4k
Any ONE KNOW THE BEST PLACE TO GET A PAIR OF STORMS NEAR LOCH NESS?
AndyBrad
30-06-10, 08:32 PM
not really want me to have a google for ya?
AndyBrad
30-06-10, 08:35 PM
http://www.mitchellsmc.co.uk/
give these guys a call?
01463 233478
Dave20046
30-06-10, 09:09 PM
cheers andy I'll give them a go tyres have deteriorated rapidly - no idea why ..
dizzyblonde
30-06-10, 09:49 PM
They are slightly expensive, if they are the same ones the Essex boys had to use last month in Inverness, but at least you'll have a tyre.
BTW Peg has just said, its perhaps not the tyre at fault, Scottish roads destroy tyres, FACT.
yorkie_chris
01-07-10, 10:17 AM
The roads up there did seem VERY grippy and abrasive. I wonder how the local yokels get on?
AndyBrad
01-07-10, 11:44 AM
aye interesting point there chris, i mean can you imagine if you had had some sports rubber up there?
yorkie_chris
01-07-10, 12:02 PM
Well you never know, with them being softer rubber they may conform better to the surface and actually wear less, or at least the same as normal.
dizzyblonde
01-07-10, 01:38 PM
aye interesting point there chris, i mean can you imagine if you had had some sports rubber up there?
Yes they get eaten by the roads then you have to go to Inverness in an emergency:rolleyes:. A 2000 mile trip errrr needs two rear tyres. On an RSV Mille last month.
yorkie_chris
01-07-10, 01:44 PM
Doesn't seem too bad TBH, I only got 1200 out of an SC2 rear and that was riding pretty sensibly on it. I know carl demolished a pilot sport in 800 or so.
AndyBrad
01-07-10, 02:15 PM
holy ****!!!
Milky Bar Kid
03-07-10, 03:34 PM
Probably cos all our road surfaces are CRAP! Grrrr!
Dave20046
03-07-10, 03:35 PM
Probably cos all our road surfaces are CRAP! Grrrr!
Better than sheffield! Super sticky, just got to watch for the odd pile up of grit.
I miss my storms :(
Milky Bar Kid
03-07-10, 03:38 PM
Better than sheffield! Super sticky, just got to watch for the odd pile up of grit.
I miss my storms :(
Obviously it's just D+G that have pants roads then. Outs have big random holes in the middle of the corners n stuff....and gravel EVERYWHERE!
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