Tires

I’ve been searching and reading through the forum to get recommendations on tires for my KZ’s. Everyone has their favorites, and I’m not looking to trigger another big debate. Of the posts I’ve read the most consistently recommended tire is the Avon Roadrider. My search has found there are 3 versions of that tire. The Roadrider, the Roadrider MKII, and the Roadrider AM26. Can I ask of those three sub models which has been the best overall vs price point.

One note, The AM26 seems out of stock at several distribution centers without a restock date posted, is Avon discontinuing the AM26?

Mikaw wrote: I’ve been searching and reading through the forum to get recommendations on tires for my KZ’s. Everyone has their favorites, and I’m not looking to trigger another big debate. Of the posts I’ve read the most consistently recommended tire is the Avon Roadrider. My search has found there are 3 versions of that tire. The Roadrider, the Roadrider MKII, and the Roadrider AM26. Can I ask of those three sub models which has been the best overall vs price point.

One note, The AM26 seems out of stock at several distribution centers without a restock date posted, is Avon discontinuing the AM26?

In my search for an AM26 front this year, I found the same out of stock situation for my front. I had one retailer, Fortnine, search for me and they were told that due to Covid-19, things were bunged up. Since then, I found them at a different retailer, Revco, albeit in a 100/90-19 size rather than the OEM 3.25-19. Both are Canadian sites. Fortnine is supposed to email me when they come in stock, but I've heard nothing yet. The reps I talked to in tracking down mine thought it's just a mfg/distribution problem as they couldn't imagine Avon discontinuing such a popular seller.

Hum, It seems the MK II is the newest version. I didn't even know they existed. Anyway, the AM26 version is an excellent tires that stick well and last a long time. American Moto Tire is my favorite source. They have good prices and free shipping. 100/90-19 in stock...
www.americanmototire.com/street-tires/?n...&disable_semantics=1

Thanks guys. More comments welcome. I’m going to contact Avon and ask for a comparison of the 3 different versions.

Received an email response from Avon. Seems they are not discontinuing the AM 26

The Roadrider has been updated, hence the moniker Roadrider MKII, which is the tire you’ll want. It’s one of our best-sellers and is quite popular with owners of older metric cycles.

The AM26 RoadRider is a race tire:
www.avontyres.com/en-us/tyres/am26-roadrider?cartype=motorsport

I’ve attached our catalog for you review.

Kind Regards,

DON ARGENTO
National Sales Manager
North America Motorcycle
Avon Tyres

Those AM26 look like they are for a vintage super single, not a 500# street bike.

Kidkawie wrote: Those AM26 look like they are for a vintage super single, not a 500# street bike.

I agree, but if you can get good mileage out of them I think either is a good choice. The price difference is so slight its not a factor. I'm replying to the email and going to inquire about mileage expectations of the AM26 and the MKII.

Mikaw wrote:

Kidkawie wrote: Those AM26 look like they are for a vintage super single, not a 500# street bike.

I agree, but if you can get good mileage out of them I think either is a good choice. The price difference is so slight its not a factor. I'm replying to the email and going to inquire about mileage expectations of the AM26 and the MKII.

Those tires are not meant for your iintended purpose. My supermoto is under 240# and I run tires for lighter bikes/supermoto specific, not sportbike tires. Not to mention the lack of sizes, are you going to run a 90/90 rear?

If you run tires on the street that use racing compound you will very likely be thrilled by their traction but disappointed in how long they last. Years ago I ran Michelin tires that used the PZ2 racing compound on my KZ650. They stuck to the road GREAT! However, I could at the most go 1,000 miles on the rear tire and 2,000 miles on the front tire before they were shot. I used them for one summer (about 6,000 miles) and went through 6 rear tires and 3 front tires. At $100+ each they ran though my funds far, far too quickly. I stopped using them and started using normal street tires. I learned the hard way that tires with racing compound are great for the track but very, very expensive for the street. Ed

I’m going to wait till I get another reply from Avon, but even the AM26 has been noted here on this forum as having good tread life. If I can get similar mileage with a softer compound I’d consider that a win,win!

Avon must have changed their naming convention for the Roadrider because they were previously all denoted AM26. At any rate, I'd stay clear of the race version unless you do track days. The regular version are great tires and have a fantastic balance of durability and service life.

Email reply to Avon was sent this afternoon. I ask about compound, traction,and expected mileage of the AM26 vs the MKII.