I recently received the following information regarding new Avon tyre technology. I was immediately lost, so I called Sukoshi Fahey at the esteemed Washington Avon headquarters. “There's so much more testing and technology available to tire construction,” Sukoshi said. She has an extensive background in the motorcycle tire world. “We're always searching for the perfect tire.”
As an example of the daunting tire task, Avon designed a new tire that would last for an extended duration, and it was popular in the United States, but lacked the same overwhelming reaction in Europe, because the customers wanted extreme wet grip handling capabilities over longevity. I'm up for that combination. I want a tire capable of handling dirty, grease roads and rain. I don't care if it won't last forever.
Below you will read about various configurations, design aspects and new technology. I will also attempt to tell you which Avon lines use each configuration, so you can make a strong educated decision when you make a tire purchase. As an example Avon currently manufactures tires with rain groove designs, which will disperse up to 80 percent of the water patch, amazing. That's why Big Dog, Big Bear and Bourget run Avon Tyres exclusively. Don't hesitate to send us your tire questions or to Sukoshi at Avon. We’re still learning, and will find out the answer, if we don't know it.
Hybrid Belt
A world first, for the Avon VP2 supersport and sport 17-inch tire line. Underneath the tread, various densities of steel are wound together around the tyre at zero degrees to form a unique belt system. Ultra strong fibres produce exceptional high speed stability while the flexibility and natural spring properties of steel translates into exceptional mechanical grip. This is our most advanced belt system yet.
TE (Tri-Compound Extrusion)Three different rubber compounds are extruded into each tread on the VP2 Sport rear 17-inch tires.
Compound 1 – A durable medium compound in the centre of the tyre for improved mileage.
Compound 2 – A soft compound on the edge of the tyre for maximum grip at high lean angles.
Compound 3 – A very soft low hysteresis compound across the entire base of the tread to improve the bond between the other two compounds and the carcass.
A-VBD (Advanced-Variable Belt Density)New for Cobra line, the VP2 Xtreme rear, the Pro Xtreme Rain rear, the VP2 Supersport rear, VP2 Sport Rear, and the Storm rear. This was once a sport bike tire characteristic.
This is a jointless belt of ultra strong steel fibers that are wound around the tyre’s circumference. At the center of the tread the cables are very closely spaced for maximum stability and high wear resistance. The strands are progressively spaced out towards the tread edge to produce the characteristics of a multi-compounded tyre i.e. hard compound in the middle and a soft compound on the edge.
ATAC-TA Tread Profile (Advanced Tread Arc Combination – Tri Arc) round profile. This element is part of the Storm, Venom, VP2, Azaro fronts and rears, also the Distanzia front and rear, Roadrider and Cobra configurations for maximum contact patch in corners.
ATAC varies the tread profile across the tyre for the ultimate in handling and stability however far over your bike is. Works in tandem with A-VBD.
RF (Reactive Footprint) Max contact patch on Azaro, Distanzia, VP2, Storm and Cobra rears.Reactive Footprint technology marries Avon’s unique ATAC profile, ES and LPE systems (see below) to produce a footprint which changes size and shape depending on the bike’s lean angle for the full life of the tyre.
The result is a contact patch that grows as the bike leans, giving more grip in corners.It is also enhanced by Avon’s unique variable belt density A-VBD.
SRS-Compound (Super Rich Silica-Compound) The continual search for perfect tirecompounds formulated with large amounts of silica offer enhanced grip in wet and cold conditions for the VP2, Azaro and Storm line of Avon Tyres. This produces extra grip when the tyre is cold but also reduces excessive heat build up which can affect mileage.
EAF Pattern (Enhanced Aqua Flow) disperses water, as much as 80 percent on the vast majority of Avon tyres.
Front and rear tread patterns are computer designed for maximum throughput of water within the tyre footprint. This propels water away from the contact patch hence aiding water dispersion and maximising wet grip.
ES System (Enhanced Stability System) More rounded tread and more rounded inside the tire in the shoulder area. An element added to Cobra rears, Distanzia, Azaro, Storm and VP2 model lines. Venoms R radials have been replaced by Cobras except 300/40R17 and 330/30R17.
The carcass, sidewall and tread pattern are designed to work in harmony so that the stresses absorbed by the tyre are distributed evenly. This reduces localized flexing within the tyre’s structure. The result is an increase in grip and stability while at the same time reduced tread wear.
IFG (Inverted Front Grooves)For the front tyre, a system pioneered by Avon in the late eighties and only now being adopted by the competition, resists ‘stepped-wear’ and cupping to deliver smooth handling throughout the tyre’s life, on Venom, Cobra, Pro Xtreme VP2, Storm and Azaro front tires. By significantly reducing uneven tread wear, a further advantage of the IFG configuration is improved wet braking and shorter stopping distances. Works very well on Buells and Deuce models.
LPE (Lifetime Profile Engineering)This works in conjunction with ATAC to produce a tyre profile and footprint, which even when worn, gives consistent handling and stability for the full life of the tyre. Variable belt density, assists the VP2 rear line, the Pro Xtreme, Cobra, Distanzia and Azaro.
There you have it. Now you can pick the various tire characteristics that suit your taste and riding style and build the handling package that fits. Then check the sizes before you order your Black Bike spoke or Renegade billet wheels. Drop Sukoshi a note, if you have more questions, I know I will.
–Wrench
Sukoshi Fahey (Ms.)
Avon Tyres Customer Service
c/o Hoppe & Associates, Inc.
PO Box 5112
Lynnwood, WA 98046 USA
1-800-624-7470
Ph 425-771-2115 Fax 425-771-4246
www.avonmotorcycle.com
www.avonracing.com
www.avonmoto.com
