Avon front tire/ E3 rear

[Venturous Randy]

Years ago I had a set of Avon Venoms on my bike and it really handled well, except from about 70mph and up, while one up, I started getting a tail wiggle that got worse the faster I got. Not that all 1st gens with Avons did this, but there were several that had this concern. When I replaced the rear tire with a Dunlop E3, I did not notice this problem and I still felt the bike handled good. When I replaced the front tire with an E3, I felt I lost some of the nimbleness that I had with the Avon, even though it was pretty worn.

After putting 22,500 miles on the front E3, I just replaced it with another Avon Venom. Even though I know the E3 was worn and probably did not handle as good as when it was new, I can not believe how much better the bike handles. It feels much lighter and that nimble feeling is back.

I have commented before on how I felt the Avon front/E3 rear was a good combination and I again want to suggest this combination for those that would like their 1st gen to handle as best it can. I know some do not like to mix tire brands, but to me, as long as you are not mixing radial/bias, I don't see a problem and in this case it works very good.

RandyA

[Rosie1965]

My Venture had Avons front and rear when I bought it, no issues with handling. When the rear started getting worn and cupped I replaced it with an E3 for it's load capacity, still have the Avon on front. I really like the way it handles. I was contemplating putting an E3 on the front when it became necessary to change. After reading your review I might just replace the front with another Avon when it becomes necessary. If it aint broke, don't fix it.

[IronMike]

I despise Avon's I have had 2 fronts and 4 rears. I just got a Almost new Rear on the rear rim, I hate that I have to run it out, but I am green. Had it not been mounted on the rim I would never run it! And even as new as it is, it shows dippy wear pattern.

 

You CAN mix Radial and Bias tires on a bike and several come that way from the factory, I know Harley does some and so Does Yamaha, I think the Raider has the Mix. I have run a Radial CT on the rear with a Bias on the front. The thinking that you cannot applies when you have 4 wheels, the radials on one axle could cause a sway out of control situation. On two wheels this is not a problem. Fact. Just take my work, save yourself the searching.

 

A friend of mine owns a Bike shop and he says his customers swear by the Michelin Commander. He hates the tire because he only sees them about half as much. Then he laughs. He has a small shop, but he says I can order them in ahead of time knowing they will sell.

[Rick Haywood]

My 2nd gen handles best with an e3 on the rear and a Avon on the front.