In their July 2014 issue Motorcycle Sport & Leisure editor Tony Carter decided to put the latest sport touring offering from Avon to the test, opting to give them a go on a FJR1300 and the Triumph Explorer 1200 on a blast around Wiltshire and through Cheddar Gorge. The Avon Storm 3D X-M range was expanded to include a total of 16 sizes as of 2014, and is aimed at both hypersport and touring riders. The tyre claims to provide high levels of both wet and dry grip, whilst also delivering a claimed 20% more mileage than the Storm 2 Ultra.
The tyre utilises Avon’s 3D Sipe technology which helps to limit tread flex, whilst also dispersing water from around the contact patch in the wet. This in turn dramatically reduces the build up of heat in the tyre, which improves durability. Tri Arc technology also gives the tyre and improved profile for excellent handling and stability, even at high speeds. A metal belt is also wound around the tyre carcass, with the windings getting closer and closer to each other in the centre of the tyre. The varying distance between winds stop the tyre ‘growing’ at high speed, which helps to maintain a high level of stability when riding on the motorway for example.
Following his test ride on the two very different bikes Tony gave his opinions on the tyre stating:
“Right from the off the 3D X-M was impressive. In seriously tricky and wet conditions the tyres got up to temperature very quickly and felt perfectly stable, even when I was trying to provoke a slide on slippery, mud-strewn surfaces.
Grip was never in doubt and both bikes felt secure, planted and totally predictable when leant over as far as I could, given the grip (or lack of it) offered by the varied road surfaces.”
Later on in his review Tony wrote about his time on the FJR saying “this can be a bike that is a touch heavy to steer depending on the tyres fitted, but on the Avons the Yamaha was light and neutral” and although they didn’t get a chance to test out Avon’s claimed of increased mileage they were more than impressed with the Storm 3D X-M in terms of grip, stability and reassurance.
We however do have a set on long term test, and with a lengthy trip planned right to the South of France in August we look forward to finding out just how the new Avon performs over long distance and will publish our review here later on this year.
Check out the full range of sizes here.
