I had an emergency tire change this past weekend while on a trip in Arkansas. I had checked my Avon Venoms before the trip, and with 6000 miles on them I thought I was golden. At the Queen Wilhemina Hotel on the Talimena Parkway near Mena, AR, one of our group spotted cords. And not just a few.
I had mistreated the tire, letting it run low on a trip. I knew it would have a shortened life, but in 500 miles it had gone through the bars and into the cords. The one tire I could find in Mena on a Saturday was a 150/80-15 IRC Wild Flare. So I am running the wrong size with a tire dubious effectiveness. (Anyone every heard of this tire?)
I don't think the Avon was defective, but I am ready to try something new.
My local shop here doesn't stock Dunlop Elite IIIs (they called them GoldWing tires??). It will take 5-10 days to get one for $153.99. That seems like a decent price, but I want to ride next Friday.
When I inquired about getting an Avon Venom, I was informed that they were replaced with the Avon Cobra. I can get one for $147.99 by Saturday.
What is the difference between the Cobra and the Venom? I was told they have an extra channel to improve wet performance.
Should I wait 10 days for the Elite 3, or is the Cobra a good tire?
Dave