These may be the most unconvincing spy shots ever, but we were still interested to find out a bit more information about Avon’s new sport touring radial due out in 2017 when they surfaced online early last week.
Billed as a replacement for the current Avon Storm 3D X-M at the top of their sport touring range, these cut-outs were apparently ‘snapped’ before the British manufacturer was pressed for further details on it’s secret plans.
Due out in the second quarter of 2017, the new Spirit ST still uses Avon’s 3D Sipe Technology to control tread flex and provide fast warm-up times, but a new tread pattern is said to massively boost performance in the wet over their current tyre.
The tread pattern on the rear, as shown above, is styled similarly to that of a wet race tyre. The half-depth tie bars that can be seen on the shoulder help to stabilise tread blocks and improve water evacuation when the bike is leaned over.
Avon’s interlocking 3D Sipes can be seen on both front and rear tyres. These uses uses interlocking three-dimensional points in thin grooves to boost warm-up capabilities while at the same time limiting carcass flex – so that will help the tyres get up to temperature quickly even on those cold winter commutes!
With the likes of the Pilot Road 4, Battlax T30 EVO and Roadtec 01 setting the benchmark for wet performance in recent times it will be interesting to see how the new Avon compares when it arrives next year! When we tested the current Storm 3D X-M we found it more than capable on wet roads.
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