I set out today to buy an Avon Road Rider tyre (110/90-18) to replace the increasingly worn one on the rear of the Commando. Not so easy.
Seems that last year Goodyear Tires, recent purchasers of Avon and already owners of Dunlop, shut Avon’s Melksham factory in Wiltshire- thanks guys - preferring to transfer production to Goodyear factories in France and Serbia.
(Condolences, too, to the 350 local men and women made redundant having served Avon producing tyres in Melksham for 112 years).
The result of the Melksham factory closure is a severe shortage of Avon tyres, replacements for the English product from France and Serbia not having materialised - thanks again guys.
Options appear to be:
1 Retain the matching but slightly worn Avon tyre on the front of my Commando and scrap the worn Avon on the rear, replacing it with a compatible alternative brand. Question is, which brand would be most compatible?
2 Scrap both front and rear Avon tyres and replace them with a matching set of appropriate tyres of a different make. Question is, which make or brand?
3 Keep both current Avon tyres, front good rear worn, and risk some additional penalty points to the three I already have, if apprehended?
Any views or recommendations would be most welcome!
Thanks Robin
Why not fit a 100/90-18? a…
Why not fit a 100/90-18? a smaller tyre that meets the speed and weight spec will run warmer and nearer its ideal operating temperature.
The tyre situation is worse than many realise, the Dunlop factory in France where production was being moved may now be in the hands of Sumitomo Tyre and Rubber. They bought Dunlop from Avons parent company but whether they bought the factory is unclear.
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Ashley, that's a possibility…
Ashley, that's a possibility but it's just that I have been very pleased with the performance and look of the 110/90-18. Year or two ago I think I recall some positive comments you made about Continentals - may I ask what your opinion of them is these days. Thanks.
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Avon Tyres - 850 Commando Mk 3
Had the same availability issue here in Leeds - local provider had no stock and none available from their suppliers warehouse.
I called "Wheel House tyres" on 0121 748 0000 midday and the Avon Roadrider Mk2 arrived at 8:30am next day. £117 all in.
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Thanks Brian. Called Wheel…
Thanks Brian. Called Wheel House Tyres on seeing your post. They too are now out of stock but thanks for suggesting them.
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replacement rear tyre
Hi Robin, you had better get a wiggle on if your going to make the rally in France !
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You're kinda spoilt for…
You're kinda spoilt for choice with an 18" rear. And there's no issue with running different tyre makes front- rear. I like Metzeler Roadtec x-ply. Just avoid Conti Gos.
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Another Metzeler user
Hi.
I too have Metzeler Roadtec01's -not on a Commando but on my 650 Dommi and personally I think they're great.
The 110/90x18 I have on the rear measures 108mm wide, fitted on a WM3 rim. Not the cheapest, but excellent in wet and dry, and they last well too. They also do various sizes of matching front tyres, both in 'metric' and 'Imperial' sizes.
If you want to stay with Avon, have a look at the Roadrider2 4.00x18 rear tyre. According to Avon website it is the same width as the 110/90, has more tread (7.5vs.5.6) and is just 8mm larger overall diameter. Also slightly higher load rating.
A quick google search shows availability, albeit limited stock from around £115.
I've never owned a Commando so cannot comment on whether it is good, ok or 'no, don't do it', but the specs are so close it suggests it should be OK.
Regards
George
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An internet search revealed abc tyres (I think) had them in stock. So I bought one. It took a few days to arrive as it came from Germany.
Such a shame about Melksham.