Avon Viper Sport/supersport. My thoughts

[yorkie_chris]

Sport rear, supersport front.
I can't say I'm impressed with these tyres.

I ended up with the pressures set about 30/34. Running them at a lower pressure gave a much nicer ride, and they did not start to squidge, but they melted and gave a lot of hot tear.

Running them at this pressure to prevent the tearing, it's like going back in time, like I'd un-spent about £700 on my suspension. Harsh. You feel every ripple, but too much, feel like a KR1S or something*. I'm sure the tyre was bouncing off ripples when cranked over that the storms or supercorsas would take in their stride.

Grip on smooth tarmac was excellent. The front feeling very predictable and composed on the brakes. I could not get either end to slide in several of the usual places I can slide it about simply because I did not dare push it that hard as they felt like they would jump off the ripples rather than slide down them smoothly.

Nothing I did with suspension settings helped. *Which with a penske 8983 in back is NOT the norm!

In the wet they were not good. A speck of rain cools them down making them feel (even more) harsh and numb. They were spinning up through puddles which the storm STs would normally carve through without a seconds thought.

No comment regarding mileage as I got these part worn.

On the 1% of time where the corner is just right for these tyres to work, I would be faster. At the expense of the other 99% of the time thinking "meh!"

Should be so much better than this. Fit racetec or supercorsa scrubs if you want sticky tyres.

Similar to the ones i had? And similar thourghts although i called them twitchy

[dizzyblonde]

They're **** for every day riding. ten ton of tread on the outside, mil point in the middle in no time at all.
As YC unknown mileage on Raptor as they came with it....but the rear went from fantastic amount of tread which I considered would have me happy for a while, to minimum markers showing in middle within 200 miles...outer tread still as new as a new tyre.
Not impressed. Glad I didn't have to pay for them, but then again, not so happy I have to go and put a Storm Ultra on so quickly

Not too sure of the storm rear, viper front compatibility but its kinda tough, as I don't have the money to shove a pair on. Hope the front lasts a while longer!

[yorkie_chris]

There is no such thing as an uncompatible tyre.

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

There is no such thing as an uncompatible tyre.

When I asked Rob if they were compatible, he said errrrrr sort of(in his usual manner), to which I replied thats alright then, its not me that riding with them for now

[yorkie_chris]

Because he is business, he cannot tell you anything is compatible if tyre manufacturer does not say so.

You can fit a supersoft sticky chewing gum rear if you want with hardest cruiser fitment flat profile machined-from-bricks front. It will not break gravity, just don't try and break any lap records with it.

[Dave20046]

I'm not sure I'd dare stray from the storm again anyway!
But cheers - that's ruled them out.

Chris and I did the sums on this at the weekend.

New Storm rear about £100 for 4000 miles ish
Cost per mile 2.5p

Race scrub Supercorsa £25 for 1500 miles ish

Cost per mile 1.6p!

Just dont ride hard in the rain!

How very peculiar, vipers are my favourite tyre at the mo, great grip, loads of feedback wet or dry and I'm faster at all times with them than on the Diablo Strada's I had before. I am on a different bike to you so maybe that's it...

Oh, and yeah I don't get the same mileage, but it's a price I'm willing to pay really.

[yorkie_chris]

Where are you finding scrub supercorsa for £25?

It is pretty close in cost, but 4000 mile is worst case for storm, lots of fast pillion use and dragging hundredweight of luggage flat out on motorway. Sensible use will see 6500 mile (1.54p/mi)