K11 Owners Group

Karlos11 · Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 6:08 pm Post subject: Avon Storm 2 Ultra

A new topic to share impressions about these tires.

I bought mines in the standard measures for the K11 RS, to replace a front Bridgestone BT016 and a (well used) rear Metzeler Z6 Roadtec.

First impression on the Avon's: they provide a very confortable and smooth ride, and allow great leaning angles. I feel much more confident in curves. Seems that the front suspension was renewed! The bike glides through the road and leans without any effort.

I rode the first kilometers in the rain with the tire wax still on, but they did well. Further rides are required to confirm the positive impresson.

One note: the new tires put an end to some handlebar vibrations that appeared between 45 and 50 mph. The front began to wobble, specially if I was only gripping the accelerator. Now, the K is perfectly stable.

Finally, the price. I bought the Avon's for $65 less than the Metzeler's. They're softer. Let's see if the difference is worth while, durability wise.
_________________
Carlos
'95 K1100 RS

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 6:09 pm Post subject:

Carlos,

This entry is part tech, part product review and part campfire.

Last December in the "for sale" section I bought a second set of wheels from Dave N. He had them powder-coated gloss black and I couldn't resist- Hey, thanks Dave!

So today I showed our 21 y.o. son (the Ducati rider) how to mount and balance motorcycle tires on those spare wheels. He was pretty interested and was being very precise with the balance- he never was interested at all in the past.

So now the tires are mounted but leaning against the garage wall. Should have them on the bike by Friday. If scheduling and weather permits he and I will ride for a few hours later on Friday. Pictures and my impression will hopefully follow.

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Karlos11 · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 7:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks John. I'm looking forward to reading (and seeing) your impressions.

My 'campfire' entry is that I myself watched my friend change tires and balance the wheels with the Avon's. He uses a fairly simple system that, basically, lets gravity do the job. For me it's still kind of a science. Smile

_________________
Carlos
'95 K1100 RS

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:56 am Post subject:

Carlos,

Finally have the "new" wheels and Avon tires on the bike- actually I have nearly 600km on them.

Yesterday was the first wet ride so I now have some distance on them wet and dry.

BFD with black wheels- ya' see this OTG??

Having gone through several sets of Michelin PR2 tires over the past 4 years, Ultra Storm 2 tires feel different to me in how they transition from upright to on the side for cornering- even more so when going from one side to the other. They seem to do it with less effort than the Michelins.
Of course I am comparing them to the PR2s that I just took off which were about 2/3 worn. How they would feel compared to new PR2s? Don't know.
But so far they felt very good and sticky in the wet and maybe(?) feel softer over rough roads- which we have plenty of.

Further input will be posted "down the road".
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Jeeves · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 12:05 pm Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 4:41 pm Post subject:

Jeeves · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:36 pm Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:41 pm Post subject:

??????
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Jeeves · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:43 pm Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:50 pm Post subject:

Steven B is your man (AND woman) with the award.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Jeeves · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:52 pm Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 9:33 pm Post subject:

Just hope you're not a hockey fan.

Anyway- the Avons feel just a good 2-up. We'll see how long they last.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Jeeves · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 9:56 pm Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2011 5:46 am Post subject: Re: Avon Storm 2 Ultra

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 6:55 pm Post subject:

Jeeves,

I think I moved the "vibration" part of this thread over to the Tech forum. (my first time doing it Shocked

)

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Karlos11 · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 7:18 pm Post subject: Re: Avon Storm 2 Ultra

Hi John.
Sorry, only now did I see your first Avon impressions.

Yes, they're pretty much in line. Very good grip and handling, more confort. I'm happy and impressed.

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 7:49 am Post subject:

Carlos,

I am able to give a better impression on the Avons.

Just passed 10,000km and I really like them

We have done a fair share of loaded 2-up this year and last Saturday we did a fast, twisty 350km with the "New England Riders" group.
Tires stuck very well in less than optimal conditions- the ride took place in northeastern New York which is still recovering from the effects of the hurricane. Dirt and debris in various places but no problems 2-up.

Wear seems to be less than what I have experienced with Michelin PR2s. At 10,000km there is no evidence of the typical front tire wear and the rear is just starting to wear in the center.

We will see how much distance I get out of this pair, but so far I would be more inclined to replace them with another set of Storms than go back to the popular Michelins.

How are yours?

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Karlos11 · Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 8:17 pm Post subject:

John,

Mine are also doing fine. I've put a little more than 5,000 kilometers on them and only have good things to say.

The grip is very good. I can't remember feeling this confident doing pretty closed corners when I mounted the initial set of tyres (Metzelers Z6). Avon's never failed me and really "grab" the road.

As far as the wear is concerned, it's quite even so far. The tyres are pretty much new. I do mostly straight roads and one-up, commuting at cruising speeds. It's still early to tell, I know, but it's a good sign.

I'm very satisfied with the Avon's. And - funny - just a few days ago I was thinking exactly what you wrote: when my K needs new tyres, Ultra Storm 2's will most likely be the strongest candidates.

Thanks for sharing, John.
_________________
Carlos
'95 K1100 RS