To Avon or not to Avon....

[az1103]

Ah yes,..... that is the question !!!

Some of you are advocating a smaller front Avon tire. Ok, please explain, I am no genious on tires,.

You say it gives better handling, do you mean as in crawl speed stability? And just how much smaller is it ? How does that look under that big front fender?

Got any pictures guys?? Educate me, please....

[gibvel]

It's not so much "smaller" as it is Narrower (130 as opposed to 150). Less of a side to side footprint thus allowing better low speed turning ability.

 

As for the looks, you do notice a slight difference but, all in all, not a huge difference.

[royalstarjac]

I noticed a considerable improvement in handling (low speed and high speed) even with the stock size 150 Avon.-Jack

[RoadKill]

I have Avon's and will never have a different brand tire. I'm currently running the smaller front and believe I will stick with that, since I feel in improved slow speed handling (I need all the help I can get, right Double D? ) If you have installed leveling links then you do not need to go to the smaller front for the handling improvement as the leveling links will provide the same effect, Per V7Goose's info.

 

Jay

[cecdoo]

My bike is stock, no links. I installed the narrower avon front tire, it doesnt look bad at all on the bike, it will definetly make the bike feel liter at slow speeds, if thats what you want, if you have no problems handling your bike at slow speeds, stick with stock size. Just my 2cents. The avons do handle nice though, really solid in a turn. Craig

[Squidley]

Alex,

As mentioned the tire size is narrower, so it does assist in helping the bike turn quicker. Depending on your size (height wise) you may want to install Leveling links and keep the stock 150 tire. The level links will achieve what the narrow tire does and reduce the rake of the front forks, which will make the bike feel lighter to turn. The one thing I noticed when I had the narrow front Avon on my '99 was in a strong cross wind the bike didn't seem as stable. I went back to the 150 on the next set of tires and put the links on and it was better.

The links are an option if you have a decent inseam, I'm almost 32" and it was just fine. If your a bit more height challenged then the 130 would probably be a good way to go...hope this helps.

[Tom]

I run the stock Avons and it made a HUGE difference in handling. Some run the smaller front but I do not see the need in it as I can Uturn with handlebars totally locked side to side now. Before I had the Dunlop 404s and while they were OK on mileage and overall wear the difference in handling is ABSOLUTELY better with the Avons. I do not run the leveling links as I feel I do not need them with the Avons.(Stock Sizes)

[pegscraper]

The Roadstar, which has the same front end geometry as our bikes do but with no fairing, has a 130 sized front tire as stock. That was good enough for me.

 

Some of us are running both the 130 front tire and using leveling links and liking it. I don't have trouble with crosswinds.

[GunnyButch]

az1103,

Here is a couple pictures of the Avon MT90 front tire on mine, the smaller tire is hardly noticeable if at all. I think the low speed handling is improved and there are quite a few that are using the smaller tire. When I had the dealer put the smaller tire on the mechanic told me he thought that size should be standard equipment.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/gunnybutch/P1010012.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/gunnybutch/MT90.jpg

[Sleeperhawk]

Here is a side by side comparison of the smaller vs the bigger tire.

Now you tell me which one is which?

 

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/venturerider/Sleeperhawks%20Mechanic%20VA%20ME%2020080412/IMG_2394.jpg

[TEW47]

Put on my new Avons today with the MT90 front. What a difference!! I lwent to the local MSF range to try them out. I am now able to turn 18' circles to the left and 20' circles to the right. Was able to do all offset weaves with no problems. Was able to do all excersis with no problems, which with the stock Bridgestone I could not do.

Do they ever stick to the road!

 

tew47:bighug:

[az1103]

Than you all for the excellent responses ! Great site...Great people....

[nkbjones]

Here is a side by side comparison of the smaller vs the bigger tire.

Now you tell me which one is which?

 

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/venturerider/Sleeperhawks%20Mechanic%20VA%20ME%2020080412/IMG_2394.jpg

 

 

That pic looks awfully familiar:whistling::whistling:

[Guest JGorom]

I put the narrower Avon on my 2005 RSTD and liked the handling...I converted and rode that bike as a solo.

 

When I went to the Venture, I went with the leveling links instead of the narrower tire. My preference is to use the leveling links as I believe the ride is better with the stock size front tire.

 

But as Squidley has already stated...if you are a bit height challenged than the narrower front tire may be the way to go instead of the leveling links.

 

PS..I'm 6' tall and prefer the links over the narrower front tire!