When it comes to aftermarket cruiser tyres in the UK, British based manufacturer Avon Tyres rule the roost.
Following on from the success of their original Cobra, the latest Cobra Chrome with its unique snakeskin design on the edge of the tread was released to the world in at Intermot in 2018.
Available in a huge range of sizes, and in both black and whitewall, they’re well priced against the competition and they perform well too.
Over the past two and a bit years they’ve also been selected as original equipment on a number of motorcycles including the latest Rocket 3 roadster from Triumph.
Bike Magazine’s John Westlake has been lucky enough to have one of the Avon shod Rockets on test for several months, and in their previous April ’21 issue he had this to say about the Cobra Chromes:
“Cruiser tyres have a difficult job because the bikes are usually massive, so the tyre carcass has to hold up 300kg or so, and the cruiser geometry is long and slow, so the rubber has to work extra hard to help the bike steer.
Given all that, the Cobra Chromes work miracles on Triumph’s latest Rocket 3.
Despite the vast wheelbase and tyre width (150 on the front!), the Rocket turns in sweetly and feels accurate – not something you can accuse most cruisers of.
Grip in the dry easily copes with the limited lean angles possible and is tolerable in the wet. The Chromes don’t warm up like a sports touring tyre in the cold though, so cold days can be sketchy.
Overall verdict: impressive.”
Dealers will find the full Avon Cobra Chrome range in stock at Cambrian Tyres, with next working day delivery
available across much of the UK mainland.
HARLEY DAVIDSON 749 2018- XG 750 A Street Rod XG1 120/70ZR17 (58W) TL Spirit ST AV75 160/60ZR17 (69W) TL Spirit ST AV76 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 749 2018- XG 750 A Street Rod XG1 120/70ZR17 (58W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV65 160/60ZR17 (69W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV66 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 883 2018- XL 883 L Super Low 883 XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Spirit ST AV75 150/60ZR17 (66W) TL 3D Ultra SP AV80 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2018- XL 883 L Super Low 883 XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Spirit ST AV75 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Spirit ST AV76 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2018- XL 883 L Super Low 883 XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV65 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV66 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2018- XL 883 N Sportster Iron 883 XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2018- XL 883 N Sportster Iron 883 XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2017- XL 883 L Super Low XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Spirit ST AV75 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Spirit ST AV76 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2017- XL 883 L Super Low XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV65 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV66 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2017- XL 883 L Super Low XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Spirit ST AV75 150/60ZR17 (66W) TL 3D Ultra SP AV80 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2017 XL 883 N - XL 883 R / Roadster - Iron XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2017 XL 883 N - XL 883 R / Roadster - Iron XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2011-2016 XL 883 L Super Low XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Spirit ST AV75 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Spirit ST AV76 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2011-2016 XL 883 L Super Low XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV65 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV66 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2011-2016 XL 883 L Super Low XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Spirit ST AV75 150/60ZR17 (66W) TL 3D Ultra SP AV80 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2004-2016 XL 883 R - XL 883 N / Roadster - Iron XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2004-2016 XL 883 R - XL 883 N / Roadster - Iron XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2004-2010 XL 883 L XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2004-2010 XL 883 L XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2009- XL 883 C Custom XL2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 883 2009- XL 883 C Custom XL2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1200 2014-16 XL 1200 T Super Low XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Spirit ST AV75 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Spirit ST AV76 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1200 2014-16 XL 1200 T Super Low XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV65 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV66 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1200 2017 XL 1200 T Super Low XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Spirit ST AV75 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Spirit ST AV76 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1200 2017 XL 1200 T Super Low XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV65 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV66 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 C 1200 Custom XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 C 1200 Custom XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster TM XL2 120/70ZR19 (60W) TL Trailrider M+S AV53 150/70R18 70V TL Trailrider M+S AV54 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 NS Iron XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 NS Iron XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 T Sportster Super Low 1200T XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Spirit ST AV75 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Spirit ST AV76 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 T Sportster Super Low 1200T XL2 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV65 150/70ZR17 (69W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV66 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 X Forty-Eight - Aniversary XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 X Forty-Eight - Aniversary XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 XS Forty-Eight - Special XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2018- XL 1200 XS Forty-Eight - Special XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2017- XL 1200 CX Roadster XL2 120/70ZR19 (60W) TL Trailrider M+S AV53 150/70R18 70V TL Trailrider M+S AV54 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2011-2017 XL 1200 C - CA - CB Custom; Limitid XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2011-2017 XL 1200 C - CA - CB Custom; Limitid XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2017 XL 1200 X Forty-Eight XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2017 XL 1200 X Forty-Eight XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2012-2016 XL 1200 V Seventy-Two XL2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2012-2016 XL 1200 V Seventy-Two XL2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2010-2016 XL 1200 X Forty-Eight XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2010-2016 XL 1200 X Forty-Eight XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2004-2016 XL 1200 L - XL 1200 R - Low / Roadster XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2004-2016 XL 1200 L - XL 1200 R - Low / Roadster XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2013 XL 1200 C Custom 110th Anniversary Edition XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2013 XL 1200 C Custom 110th Anniversary Edition XL2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2008-2012 XL 1200 N 1200 Nightster XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2008-2012 XL 1200 N 1200 Nightster XL2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2008-2012 XR 1200 / XR 1200 X XR1 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Spirit ST AV75 180/55ZR17 (73W) TL Spirit ST AV76 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2008-2012 XR 1200 / XR 1200 X XR1 120/70ZR18 (59W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV65 180/55ZR17 (73W) TL Storm 3D X-M AV66 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2004-2010 XL 1200 C Custom XL2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1202 2004-2010 XL 1200 C Custom XL2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.70 / 39 1246 2009- VRSCF V-Rod Muscle VR1 120/70ZR19 (60W) TL Cobra Chrome AV91 240/40VR18 (79V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1246 2009- VRSCF V-Rod Muscle VR1 120/70ZR19 (60W) TL Cobra Chrome AV91 250/40VR18 (81V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1247 2012-2012 VRSCDX V-Rod 10th Anniversary Edition VR1 120/70ZR19 (60W) TL Cobra Chrome AV91 240/40VR18 (79V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1247 2012-2012 VRSCDX V-Rod 10th Anniversary Edition VR1 120/70ZR19 (60W) TL Cobra Chrome AV91 250/40VR18 (81V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1450 2013 FLTRXSE2 CVO Road Glide 110th Anniversary Edition FL2 130/60B19 61V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/55VB18 (80V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.80 / 41 3.00 / 44 1450 2013 FLTRXSE2 CVO Road Glide Custom FL2 130/60B19 61V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/55VB18 (80V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.80 / 41 3.00 / 44 1450 2006- FXSTSI Softail Springer EFI FS2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 200/55VR17 (78V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1584 2017 FLSTFB Fat Boy FS2 140/75R17 67V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 200/55VR17 (78V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1584 2017 FLSTFBS Fat Boy S FS2 140/75R17 67V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 200/55VR17 (78V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1584 2015-2016 FLTRXS Road Glide Special FL3 130/60B19 61V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/55VB18 (80V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.80 / 41 3.00 / 44 1584 2014-2016 FLRT Tri Glide Ultra TG1 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Trike AV71 205/65R15 94V TL AVON ZV7 - - 1584 2014-2016 FLRT Tri Glide Ultra TG1 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome Trike AV91 205/65R15 94V TL AVON ZV7 - - 1584 2011-2013 FXS / FXS103 Blackline FS2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 3.00 / 44 1584 2011-2013 FXS / FXS103 Blackline FS2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 3.00 / 44 1584 2009-2013 FLHR / FLHR103 Road King FL2 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1584 2009-2013 FLHR / FLHR103 Road King FL2 130/70B18 69H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1584 2012 FLTRXSE Screamin Eagle Road Glide Special FL2 130/60B19 61V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/55VB18 (80V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.80 / 41 3.00 / 44 1584 2010-2011 FLHXXX Street Glide Trike FL1 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Trike AV71 205/65R15 94V TL AVON ZV7 - - 1584 2010-2011 FLHXXX Street Glide Trike FL1 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome Trike AV91 205/65R15 94V TL AVON ZV7 - - 1584 2008-2011 FXCW / FXCWC Rocker / Rocker C FS2 90/90-19 52V TL Roadrider AM26 240/40VR18 (79V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1584 2008-2011 FXCW / FXCWC Rocker / Rocker C FS2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 240/40VR18 (79V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1584 2008-2011 FXCW / FXCWC Rocker / Rocker C FS2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 250/40VR18 (81V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1584 2009- FLHT Electra Glide Standard FL2 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1584 2009- FLHT Electra Glide Standard FL2 130/70B18 69H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1584 2009 FLTR Road Glide FL2 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1584 2007- FXSTC Softail Custom FS2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 200/55VR17 (78V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1584 2009-1016 FLHTCUTG Ultra Classic Trike FL1-TG1 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Trike AV71 205/65R15 94V TL AVON ZV7 - - 1584 2009-1016 FLHTCUTG Ultra Classic Trike FL1-TG1 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome Trike AV91 205/65R15 94V TL AVON ZV7 - - 1690 2017- FXDL103 Low Rider FD2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 160/70B17 79V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1690 2017- FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2017- FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2017- FLHP Road King Police FL3 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2017- FLHTP Electra Glide Police FL3 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2017 FXDB103 Street Bob FD2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 160/70B17 79V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1690 2017 FXDF103 Dyna Fat Bob FD2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/70R16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1690 2017 FXDF103 Dyna Fat Bob FD2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 180/70R16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1690 2017 FXDWG103 Wide Glide FD2 MH90-21 56V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/60B17 81V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1690 2017 FLS Softail Slim FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2017 FLS Softail Slim FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2017 FXDLS Low Rider S FD2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 160/70B17 79V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1690 2017 FXSE CVO Pro Street Breakout FS2 130/60B19 61V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 240/40VR18 (79V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.80 / 41 3.00 / 44 1690 2017 FXSE CVO Pro Street Breakout FS2 130/60B19 61V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 250/40VR18 (81V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.80 / 41 3.00 / 44 1690 2016- FLSTC Heritage Classic FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2016- FLSTC Heritage Classic FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2014-2016 FLHP Road King Police FL3 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2014-2016 FLHR / FLHRC Road King / Classic FL3 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2014-2016 FLHR / FLHRC Road King / Classic FL3 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2014-2016 FLHTCUTC Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low FL3 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2014-2016 FLHTK/FLHTKL Electra Glide Ultra Limited / Low FL3 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2014-2016 FLHTP Electra Glide Police 2014-2016 FL3 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2014-2016 FLHX/FLHXS Street Glide / Special FL3 130/70B18 69H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013-2016 FXDBA-B-C103 Street Bob Limited FD2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 160/70B17 79V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41 1690 2016 FLHRXS Road King Special FL3 130/60B19 61V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/55VB18 (80V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013-2015 FLSTC103 Heritage Classic FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013-2015 FLSTC103 Heritage Classic FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013-2015 FLSTC103 Heritage Classic FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013-2015 FLSTC103 Heritage Classic FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013-2015 FLSTF103 / FLSTFB103 Fat Boy FS2 140/75R17 67V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 200/55VR17 (78V) TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013-2015 FLSTN103 Softail Deluxe FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013-2015 FLSTN103 Softail Deluxe FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013-2015 FLSTN103 Softail Deluxe FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013-2015 FLSTN103 Softail Deluxe FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 150/80B16 77V TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2003-2015 FLSTC/I Heritage Classic / EFI FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2003-2015 FLSTC/I Heritage Classic / EFI FS2 MT90B16 74H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV91 140/90B16 77H TL Cobra Chrome WW AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2014- FLHTKSE CVO Screamin Eagle Electra Glide Ultra Limited FL3 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2010-2013 FLHTK / FLHTK103 Electra Glide Ultra Limited FL2 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2010-2013 FLHTK / FLHTK103 Electra Glide Ultra Limited FL2 130/70B18 69H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2009-2013 FLHP / FLHP103 Road King Police FL2 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2009-2013 FLHTP/FLHTP103 Electra Glide Police FL2 130/80B17 65H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2009-2013 FLHTP/FLHTP103 Electra Glide Police FL2 130/70B18 69H TL Cobra Chrome AV91 180/65B16 81H TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.60 / 38 3.00 / 44 1690 2013 FXDCANV Super Glide Custom 110th Anni versary Edition FD2 100/90-19 57V TL Cobra Chrome AV91 160/70B17 79V TL Cobra Chrome AV92 2.50 / 36 2.80 / 41
Kiss of the Cobra
Avon’s AV71 / 72 Cobra is one of the best known cruiser tyres on the market, and, having had good results with it on our Valkyrie some years ago, we decided to refresh our memory with a dual test: fitting the latest version to both our Rocket III and Harley V-Rod project bikes.
Image: from r3Owners Forum Image: from r3Owners Forum
Not only are these both heavyweight cruiser contenders – they put down a lot of rubber-shredding torque too – around 150 lb/ft in the case of the Rocket. If the Cobra can cope with this test, we reckoned it can handle anything out there.
We ran the Harley for 400 miles and the Rocket for 800 for this initial review – and we’ll be updating this initial impression in due course.
Image: Cooper TyresImage: Cooper Tyres
It might come as a surprise to learn that next to race tyres, cruiser rubbers are some of the most challenging to design. There are many reasons you’d really want to avoid a crash on a cruiser; older riders and the presence of much easily damaged bling to begin with. But if you wanna build a great cruiser tyre, the laws of physics are just not on your side.
Where sportsbikes have light weight and good geometry, cruisers are heavy and with weight distribution far from the theoretically ideal front-end bias.They have limited ground clearance and put the rider is a body posture where it’s harder to make refined control inputs.
Cruiser Rubber
1406637384One of the test bikes, our 2008 Rocket III Classic
There’s more; with proportionately less weight over the front wheel, some people find cruisers more prone to following white lines or grooves. They also have larger rear brakes and this can more readily lead to lock up and fishtailing, especially in the wet.
Then there’s the matter of grip versus wear – an issue for any tyre. But cruisers have unique problems.They tend to be ridden on straighter roads and at mild lean angles, so there’s more risk of ‘squaring off’ from wearing away the centre of the tread. You might think that a harder centre compound and a softer edge one would be the answer.
But huge mass means that multi-compound technology just isn’t enough. The entire build of the tyre needs to be varied to cope with the conflicting demands of highway cruising and riding the curves. Just up-scaling a normal tyre won’t do. You gotta go right back to the drawing board…
Design
8015165
So how have Avon responded? Well, the first step was to create a strong carcass. Multiple belts including Aramid are used to allow the tyre to take a massive constant load of up to 660lbs.
More belts are used in the middle of the tyre, leading to greater rigidity at that point, so that wear is reduced while upright but the tyre remains supple and soft enough to deform when leaned over and, in doing so, smooch the road with a large soft contact patch. Yum.
A solid central groove is often found on cruiser tyres. This looks traditional and disperses water well, but can make the bike want to cling to white lines. Tradition was therefore abandoned in favour of a chevron-like tread, more like something you’d find on a sportsbike. This pattern also helps agility.
To allow a soft compound to be used but build in good wear characteristics, the tread is thicker than on most tyres – with deeper grooves. This is good news for your wallet.
The 2002 Harley V-Rod used in the testThe 2002 Harley V-Rod used in the test
While providing extra wide sizes (up to a 300 rear) including special fitments for Honda’s Goldwing, Avon have given the tyre a well rounded profile (think ‘large water melon’) . This enables it to transition from side to side more easily, reducing the slowing effect wide rubber can have on steering.
For purely aesthetic reasons the tyres have a ‘snake-skin’ pattern on the sides and are also available with white walls. They come with a lifetime guarantee.
OK, but do they work?
1406627742We fitted the Cobras to two heavyweight cruisers – the 2,300cc Rocket III and the 115bhp Harley V-Rod.
Verdict
Based on relatively low mileages – the following has to be considered as first opinion only. But even so far, it’s clear that the Cobra is a great tyre. Compared with the previous Sportmax Dunlops on the Harley and Metzeler ME 880’s on the Rocket, turn in was noticeably quicker on both bikes.
The neat trick was that the tyres did this while improving straightline stability too. This was especially true of the V-Rod, whose light front end felt desperately vague when shod with the Dunlops. It wasn’t perfect with the Cobras, but it was much, much better.
Traction was excellent – with enormous grip making it hard to spin the rear, even on the mighty rocket. Transiting in and out of a corner, from upright-to-lean-to-upright again was a real joy. The change was more rapid and yet smoother and more controllable too. It’s no understatement to say that on both bikes handling was transformed. In particular there was no longer a turn-in lag on the huge 240 Rocket rear, probably due to the highly curved profile. Whatever input you dialed in, that’s what you got out. Confidence-inspiring.
The Cobra makes a great tyre for Honda's Valkyrie too.The Cobra makes a great tyre for Honda’s Valkyrie too.
Wet weather grip was superb, but not faultless. Coming out of a bend our tester hit a patch of over-banding that caused a brief fish-tail on the Triumph. Hard not to get that on any tyre though.
Recovery was rapid and no-one ended up in the scenery. On the Harley, lock up was possible in the wet, front or back, but again, performance was better than before and we put the issue down to the inherent handling problems of the early model V-Rod we were using.
Wear looks be good, and we’re estimating 5,000 from a rear and 8,000 from a front on the V-Rod, with slightly lower figures for the Triumph. It does of course depend how you ride….and we tend to ride 2 up and fairly fast. With prices for the Cobra being about £50 cheaper per pair on the Rocket against the Metzeler and around £60 cheaper against the Dunlop. While our bikes were fine, the only fly in the ointment that we’ve heard from some guys on Goldwing Owners Forum is some construction issues when the Cobra is used on a Goldwing. Then again, most tyres struggle with a ‘wing.
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So far then, a big thumbs up for the Cobra, but we’ll be feeding back more as the test progresses…Bike Magazine Review Avon’s Cobra
When it comes to aftermarket cruiser tyres in the UK, British based manufacturer Avon Tyres rule the roost.
Following on from the success of their original Cobra, the latest Cobra with its unique snakeskin design on the edge of the tread was released to the world in at Intermot in 2018.
Available in a huge range of sizes, and in both black and whitewall, they’re well priced against the competition and they perform well too.
Over the past two and a bit years they’ve also been selected as original equipment on a number of motorcycles including the latest Rocket 3 roadster from Triumph.
Bike Magazine’s John Westlake has been lucky enough to have one of the Avon shod Rockets on test for several months, and in their previous April ’21 issue he had this to say about the Cobra Chromes:
“Cruiser tyres have a difficult job because the bikes are usually massive, so the tyre carcass has to hold up 300kg or so, and the cruiser geometry is long and slow, so the rubber has to work extra hard to help the bike steer.
Given all that, the Cobra Chromes work miracles on Triumph’s latest Rocket 3.
Despite the vast wheelbase and tyre width (150 on the front!), the Rocket turns in sweetly and feels accurate – not something you can accuse most cruisers of.
Grip in the dry easily copes with the limited lean angles possible and is tolerable in the wet. The Chromes don’t warm up like a sports touring tyre in the cold though, so cold days can be sketchy.
Overall verdict: impressive.”
Dealers will find the full Avon Cobra range in stock at Cambrian Tyres, with next working day delivery available across much of the UK mainland.